Physiology I

Basic knowledge of biology

The theoretical classes are aimed for the detailed presentation of the program contents. Resorting to the use of multimedia presentations appealing to direct intervention of students with description and discussion of physiological mechanisms.

On theoretical and practical aspects of the teaching of Physiology privileges, the viewing of videos for illustration of certain program contents and practical work and their discussion.

Teaching methodologies benefit from equipment and environments created with the support of “PRR Mais Digital (Programa de Investimento RE-C06-i07 | Impulso Mais Digital 01/C06-i07/2023 – Submedida Reforma e Modernização da Medicina)”, in the scope of the Project “INNOV2CARE – Inovar para Cuidar.”

The student must acquire knowledge of:
• Human Physiology integrated with Anatomy, Biochemistry and Biophysics.
• Normal functioning of the human body at different age stages.
• Distinction of normal abnormal function from all body systems.
• Identification of physiological processes in different human systems.
The student must acquire skills in:
• Recognition and description of the physiological processes of the various systems.
• Assessment of the normal physiological functioning of the human body at different age stages.
The student must acquire skills of:
• Retain and develop knowledge of human physiology.
• Know and describe the physiological processes of different human systems.

1 Action Potential (3 hours)

     – Biomolecules and basic biological processes

     – Homeostasis concept

     – Excitable cells properties

2 Nervous System (6 hours)

     – Neurotransmission

     – Central nervous system

     – Peripheral nervous system: sensory and motor

     – Autonomic Nervous System

3 Senses (3 hours)

4 Musculoskeletal System (3 hours)

     – Muscle cell properties

     – Muscle contraction

     – Bone physiology

5 Cardiovascular System (4 hours)

     – Cardiac muscle cell

     – ECG

     – Cardiac circulation properties

     – Arterial contraction physiology- blood pressure regulation

6 Respiratory System (3 hours)

     – Pulmonary ventilation mechanisms

     – Alveolar gas exchange

     – Blood gas transport

     – chemical reation Mechanisms

7 Blood and Immunity (3 hours)

     – Blood Cells

     – Coagulation

     – Innate and acquired immune responses

   8 Kidney (4 hours)

     – Nephron constituents

     – Filtration, absorption and secretion

     – Adjusting dihydro-electrolyte: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

9 Endocrine System (3 hours)

     – Continuous neuroendocrine

     – Thyroid

     – Adrenal glands

10 Digestive System (4 hours)

     – Motor specializations, secretory and absorptive digestive compartments

     – Exocrine Pancreas

     – Liver

11 Endocrine Metabolism control (3 hours)

     – Endocrine Pancreas

     – Adipose tissue

     – Appetite regulation

The evaluation by continuous assessment will have two components:
1) Theoretical assessment (70%)
The theoretical evaluation may be performed by 2 written partial intercalar exams, formed by questions related to the contents of the course. Final classification results from the mean of the two partial exams, being necessary a final classification of 10 (after rounding to the nearest unit) and a minimal classification of 8,5 in each partial exam.

2) Theoretical-Practica Evaluation (30%)

The students will perform group work about topics relevant to the course and the scientific area. They will be evaluated for the content of the work, the presentation and the discussion, being required a classification of 10 (after rounding to the nearest unit).

Evaluation through a final exam:

The evaluation may also be done by a final written exam with an identical structure to the partial intercalar exams, during the time designated for that. It is required a classification of 10 (after rounding to the nearest unit).

NAO