Entry requirements

The general rules laid down by the Curriculum Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy apply (see programme curriculum).

Aims

Physiology is the science of the functions of living organisms and their parts. The subject physiology describes how each individual organ functions and how the organs of the body cooperate to keep the processes of life in balance (homeostasis). The course aims to describe the principles governing control of physiological processes. This knowledge is intended to provide a basis for an understanding of the causes of disease, effects of existing drugs and development of new modes of treatment.

The student shall be able to:

- describe the functions of the organs of the body and their general macro and micro-anatomy.

- describe the integrated systems of the body, such as the central and peripheral nervous system, the circulatory system and hormones.

Content

The course comprises a description of the functional anatomy and physiology of the organs of the body. The functional anatomy is described to the extent deemed necessary for an understanding of the physiological processes. The following topics are discussed during the course:

- The structure and function of the nervous system

- The structure and function of the circulatory system

- The structure and function of the endocrine organs and reproductive organs

- The structure and function of the kidneys and the body's acid-base regulation and electrolyte and fluid balance

- The structure and function of the respiratory organs

- The structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract

Instruction

Compulsory parts of the course:

Laboratory sessions: Blood pressure measurement and ECG demonstration and spirometry.

Computer exercises: Independent assignments with use of software (CD-rom) in physiology.

Assessment

Written examinations are held at the end of the course. Students are required to pass written examination (examination code) and have participated in the laboratory sessions (examination code).