Entry requirements

180 credits from Bachelor's programmes in biomedicine, pharmacy, biology or equivalent that provides relevant knowledge of cell and molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physiology. Knowledge and experience of laboratory work. English proficiency corresponding to English B in the Swedish school system.

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate a broad knowledge within physiology with a focus on processes needed for the maintanance of homeostasis and normal function in the body, the different tissues and cells, and what changes in different parts of the circle of life and disease. The student will also be able to explain endocrine, immunological and genetical, as well as ethical aspects of physiology

COMPETENCE AND SKILLS

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• critically and systematically compile, analyze, and assess knowledge, phenomena, and issues within the field of physiology
• describe and perform basic techniques in cell and molecular biology
• orally and in writing, present and discuss conclusions from experiments and seminars, as well as the knowledge and reasoning on which they are based, in an international context

JUDGEMENT AND APPROACH

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• critically interpret and evaluate relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects of research and development in physiology, as well as biomedical science, in a broader perspective, and describe how ethical evaluations can be applied in research
• demonstrate an understanding of what it means to work according to a scientific approach, how scientific studies are evaluated, how ethical considerations are applied to research, and how scientific information is communicated

Content

The course covers theoretical and methodological knowledge within the subject of physiology, focusing on physiological processes required for maintaining homeostasis and normal function in the body, tissues, and cells. It also addresses changes that occur during different stages of life and in disease. Endocrine signalling, which is crucial for the body's  homeostasis, is examined, covering both general mechanisms and organ specific endocrinology. Several  common diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are rapidly increasing in prevalence,  are addressed throughout the course. Immunological and  genetic aspects, as well as research ethics and bioethical considerations related to diseases, are included.

Additionally , a joint lecture series for several master's programs at the Faculty of Medicine addresses scientific theory and oral and written presentation  techniques.

Instruction

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, journal clubs, group work, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and individual assignments.

Assessment

To pass the course, the following is required:

•  active participation in the compulsory  components: seminars, all elements connected to laboratory exercises, group work, and journal clubs, as well as specific components communicated by the course coordinator
• approved written laboratory reports and an approved individual written examination
• attendance at mandatory lectures in the shared lecture series for master's programs at the Faculty of Medicine and passed self-test

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.