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NSC221Health Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Human Physiology I

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of human physiology. It explores the cell as the basic functional unit, dynamics of body fluids, homeostasis, and the immune process. The course also covers nerve and muscle physiology, respiratory physiology, and heart and circulatory physiology. It aims to provide a solid foundation for understanding normal and abnormal body functions, essential for nursing interventions.

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80h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Cell PhysiologyHomeostasisRespiratory PhysiologyCirculatory PhysiologyMuscle Physiology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Cell Structure and Function

2

Transport Mechanisms

3

Homeostasis and Feedback

4

Nerve and Muscle Physiology

5

Respiratory Physiology

6

Circulatory Physiology

7

Immunology

8

Acid-Base Balance

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

Basic Chemistry

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Registered Nurse

Apply your skills in this growing field

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Physiotherapist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Pharmacist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Medical Doctor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HospitalsClinicsResearch LaboratoriesPharmaceutical CompaniesRehabilitation Centers

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: General physiology I

7h

Unit 1: The Cell

4 study hours
  • •Read about the cell structure and its components
  • •Understand the functions of each organelle within the cell
  • •Draw and label a typical cell diagram

Unit 2: Transport across Cell membrane

3 study hours
  • •Study the different mechanisms of transport across the cell membrane
  • •Differentiate between simple and facilitated diffusion
  • •Understand the role of active transport
Week
2

Module 1: General physiology I

7h

Unit 3: Biologically Important Molecules and their Functions

4 study hours
  • •Identify the major biologically important molecules
  • •Describe the functions of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
  • •Understand the role of nucleic acids

Unit 4: Homeostasis

3 study hours
  • •Define homeostasis and its importance
  • •Explain the different body systems that contribute to homeostasis
  • •Understand feedback control systems
Week
3

Module 1: General physiology I

5h

Unit 5: Nerve and Muscle Physiology

5 study hours
  • •Study the structure and functions of nerve cells
  • •Explain the functional unit of the muscle
  • •Understand the mechanisms involved in muscle contraction
Week
4

Module 2: General physiology II

7h

Unit 1: Body Fluids

4 study hours
  • •Describe the composition and functions of body fluids
  • •Understand the mechanisms of fluid balance
  • •Study the role of electrolytes

Unit 2: Haemostasis

3 study hours
  • •Explain the process of haemostasis
  • •Understand the role of platelets and clotting factors
  • •Study the mechanisms of blood coagulation
Week
5

Module 2: General physiology II

5h

Unit 3: Immune System

5 study hours
  • •Describe the components of the immune system
  • •Explain the different types of immune cells
  • •Understand the mechanisms of immune response
Week
6

MODULE 3- Respiratory Physiology

7h

Unit 1: Components, muscles of respiration and mechanism of breathing

4 study hours
  • •Identify the components of the respiratory system
  • •Explain the muscles of respiration and their functions
  • •Understand the mechanism of breathing

Unit 2: Surfactant and compliance of the lungs, the dead space, lung volumes and capacity

3 study hours
  • •Describe surfactant and its role in lung compliance
  • •Explain the concept of dead space
  • •Understand lung volumes and capacity
Week
7

MODULE 3- Respiratory Physiology

5h

Unit 3: Transport and Exchange of Gases, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide and the Oxygen – haemoglobin dissociation curve

5 study hours
  • •Explain the transport and exchange of gases
  • •Understand the role of oxygen and carbon dioxide
  • •Study the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve
Week
8

MODULE 3- Respiratory Physiology

5h

Unit 4: Control of Respiration and Respiratory Adaptations in Unusual Environment

5 study hours
  • •Describe the control of respiration
  • •Explain respiratory adaptations in unusual environments
  • •Understand the neural and chemical control of breathing
Week
9

Module 4 Heart and Circulatory Physiology

7h

Unit 1: Circulatory System

4 study hours
  • •Describe the components of the circulatory system
  • •Explain the concept of haemodynamics
  • •Understand the systemic and pulmonary circulation

Unit 2: Cardiac Functioning

3 study hours
  • •Explain the cardiac muscle and its properties
  • •Understand the cardiac muscle action potential
  • •Study the pacemaker cells
Week
10

Module 4 Heart and Circulatory Physiology

7h

Unit 3: Electrocardiography

4 study hours
  • •Describe the components of the electrocardiogram
  • •Explain the different ECG leads
  • •Understand the interpretation of ECG readings

Unit 4: Cardiac Output and Control of Cardiac Output

3 study hours
  • •Explain cardiac output and its determinants
  • •Understand the control of cardiac output
  • •Study the regulation of heart rate and stroke volume
Week
11

Module 4 Heart and Circulatory Physiology

7h

Unit 5: Arterial Blood Pressure

4 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of arterial blood pressure
  • •Understand the determinants of arterial pressure
  • •Study the regulation of arterial blood pressure

Unit 6: Circulatory Shock

3 study hours
  • •Define circulatory shock
  • •Explain the stages of shock
  • •Understand the different types of shock
Week
12

Final Revision

6h

Comprehensive Course Review

6 study hours
  • •Review all modules
  • •Focus on key concepts and definitions
  • •Practice with self-assessment exercises
Week
13

Final Revision

6h

Assignment Completion and Exam Preparation

6 study hours
  • •Complete assignments
  • •Prepare for final examination
  • •Review tutor-marked assignments

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking cell structure to transport mechanisms (Units 1-2)

2

Practice drawing and labeling the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve (Unit 19)

3

Review the steps of the cardiac cycle and correlate them with ECG waveforms (Units 25-26)

4

Focus on understanding the regulatory mechanisms of blood pressure (Unit 29)

5

Study the different types of shock and their underlying causes (Unit 30)

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