Human Physiology I

1. Explain the structure and function of cells and their organelles
2. Describe the mechanisms of transport across cell membranes
3. Discuss the principles of homeostasis and feedback control
4. Explain the physiology of nerve and muscle function
5. Describe the processes of respiration and gas exchange
6. Explain the function of the heart and circulatory system
7. Discuss the basic principles of immunology
8. Apply physiological principles to understand disease processes

13 weeks, about 81 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: General physiology I

   • Unit 1: The Cell · 4 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 hours

     Study the different mechanisms of transport across the cell membrane. Differentiate between simple and facilitated diffusion. Understand the role of active transport.

2. Week 2Module 1: General physiology I

   • Unit 3: Biologically Important Molecules and their Functions · 4 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 hours

     Define homeostasis and its importance. Explain the different body systems that contribute to homeostasis. Understand feedback control systems.

3. Week 3Module 1: General physiology I

   • Unit 5: Nerve and Muscle Physiology · 5 hours

     Study the structure and functions of nerve cells. Explain the functional unit of the muscle. Understand the mechanisms involved in muscle contraction.

4. Week 4Module 2: General physiology II

   • Unit 1: Body Fluids · 4 hours

     Describe the composition and functions of body fluids. Understand the mechanisms of fluid balance. Study the role of electrolytes.

   • Unit 2: Haemostasis · 3 hours

     Explain the process of haemostasis. Understand the role of platelets and clotting factors. Study the mechanisms of blood coagulation.

5. Week 5Module 2: General physiology II

   • Unit 3: Immune System · 5 hours

     Describe the components of the immune system. Explain the different types of immune cells. Understand the mechanisms of immune response.

6. Week 6MODULE 3- Respiratory Physiology

   • Unit 1: Components, muscles of respiration and mechanism of breathing · 4 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 hours

     Describe surfactant and its role in lung compliance. Explain the concept of dead space. Understand lung volumes and capacity.

7. Week 7MODULE 3- Respiratory Physiology

   • Unit 3: Transport and Exchange of Gases, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide and the Oxygen – haemoglobin dissociation curve · 5 hours

     Explain the transport and exchange of gases. Understand the role of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Study the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve.

8. Week 8MODULE 3- Respiratory Physiology

   • Unit 4: Control of Respiration and Respiratory Adaptations in Unusual Environment · 5 hours

     Describe the control of respiration. Explain respiratory adaptations in unusual environments. Understand the neural and chemical control of breathing.

9. Week 9Module 4 Heart and Circulatory Physiology

   • Unit 1: Circulatory System · 4 hours

     Describe the components of the circulatory system. Explain the concept of haemodynamics. Understand the systemic and pulmonary circulation.

   • Unit 2: Cardiac Functioning · 3 hours

     Explain the cardiac muscle and its properties. Understand the cardiac muscle action potential. Study the pacemaker cells.

10. Week 10Module 4 Heart and Circulatory Physiology

    • Unit 3: Electrocardiography · 4 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 hours

      Explain cardiac output and its determinants. Understand the control of cardiac output. Study the regulation of heart rate and stroke volume.

11. Week 11Module 4 Heart and Circulatory Physiology

    • Unit 5: Arterial Blood Pressure · 4 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 hours

      Define circulatory shock. Explain the stages of shock. Understand the different types of shock.

12. Week 12Final Revision

    • Comprehensive Course Review · 6 hours

      Review all modules. Focus on key concepts and definitions. Practice with self-assessment exercises.

13. Week 13Final Revision

    • Assignment Completion and Exam Preparation · 6 hours

      Complete assignments. Prepare for final examination. Review tutor-marked assignments.