Module: Introduction to Physiological Systems

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Physiological Systems
Module Code	PHS1000 (ITS: BE226)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10138	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Philip Cummins	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Naomi Walsh, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Exam	Formative assessment of course content in areas of homeostasis, as well as cardiovascular, endocrine, and nervous systems (e.g. Online Loop quiz).	30%	Week 6
Loop Exam	Formative assessment of course content in areas of renal, digestive, and respiratory systems (e.g. Online Loop quiz).	30%	Week 12
Oral Examination	Oral exam covering all course content.	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Lecture/tutorial content
Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology; Homeostasis; Cardiovascular System; Endocrine System; Nervous System; Respiratory System; Digestive System; Urinary System.

Thematic focus for each system: (i) Health; (ii) Disease & research models; (iii) Translational medicine & clinical practice.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None