The aims of this module are:
• To foster in students an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of human organ/systems physiology.
• To foster in students an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of pharmacology including drug absorption, metabolism, elimination and pharmacokinetics.
• To develop the concepts of the relationship between chemical structure and drug action and the interactions of drugs and other exogenous chemicals on relevant biological processes.
• To enable students to apply and interpret this knowledge to solve problems both in the wider context of biology and the respective biological disciplines.

(LO1) At the end of the module you are expected to be able to outline the structure and organisation of different organs, and the molecular mechanisms involved in their development.

(LO2) At the end of the module you are expected to be able to explain how physiological systems play their roles in organism maintenance, communication and survival.

(LO3) At the end of the module you are expected to be able to explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and relate these to the ways in which drugs are metabolised/eliminated.

(LO4) At the end of the module you are expected to be able to recognise and interpret biological data.

(S1) Written communication

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving

Lectures: 30 x 1 hr in-person lectures.

Tutorials: 3 x 2 hr long sessions.

*Lectures: 30 hours
*Tutorial: 6 hours

Communication, control, and maintenance of the internal environment, from macro to micro to molecular levels. To include but will not be limited to homeostasis, cell membranes, the nervous system and associated transmission and signalling.

Controlling organ systems – autonomic nervous system, endocrine system and examples.

Introductions to Nociception and analgesia and associated Pharmacology of drug delivery, absorption, and distribution.

Development and function of physiological systems, from macro to micro to molecular levels. Systems could include, but will not be limited to:

Excretion and Osmoregulation (Renal) – structure and function of the kidney, the role of the kidney in the body.

Hepatic – development and genetics, importance in Pharmacology.

Cardiovascular system – composition and function of blood, vasculature, heart, regulation.

Respiratory system – anatomy, ventilation and gas exchange, link to the cardiovascular system.

An introduction to pharmacokinetics including but not limited to drug metabolism and elimination.

Introductions to muscle, movement, and sensory systems in mammals (humans) and a range of comparative animal examples.

Applied molecular mechanisms and disease examples will be utilised where appropriate throughout the module.