Module: Introduction to Physiological Systems

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to Physiological Systems
Module Code	BE226 (ITS) / PHS1000 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Philip Cummins
Module Teachers	Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Naomi Walsh, Paul Cahill
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

This module will equip students with a good working knowledge of how cells, tissues and organs collectively give rise to complex physiological systems that maintain bodily homeostasis. Specific focus will be placed on understanding how major physiological systems are regulated and how they work in an integrated fashion to drive biological responses within the body. The main systems covered include: Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Nervous, Respiratory, Urinary, and Digestive systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1: Describe the major systems of the body and understand how they are regulated in an integrated fashion to maintain bodily homeostasis.
2. LO2: Understand how disease pathologies arise as a result of system dysregulation.
3. LO3: Understand how drug interactions can be used to modify physiological system responses.
4. LO4: Correlate basic cell biology principals to physiological systems.
5. LO5: Appreciate the value of physiology as an experimental and clinical science discipline.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Online lectures and tutorials in human physiology, regulation and disease.
Independent Study	101	Independent, self-directed learning time and reading.
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Physiological Systems & Cell Biology
1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology; 2. Homeostasis & “Integrative” Physiology; 3. Cardiovascular System; 4. Endocrine System; 5. Nervous System; 6. Respiratory System; 7. Digestive System; 8. Urinary System; Thematic focus for each system: (i) Health; (ii) Disease & research models; (iii) Translational medicine & clinical practice.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Quiz	Formative assessment of course content in areas of homeostasis, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and nervous system (e.g. Online MCQ).	10%	Week 6
Loop Quiz	Formative assessment of course content in areas of renal, digestive and respiratory systems (e.g. Online MCQ).	10%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Martini, Nath, and Bartholomew: 2015, Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, Pearson,

Other Resources

None