Physiology I

Basic knowledge in 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.

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

1. Fundamental concepts about life:
– Biomolecules and basic biological processes
– Cell physiology
– Concept of homeostasis
2. Nervous system:
– Properties of excitable cells
– Neurotransmission
– Central nervous system
– Sensory and motor peripheral nervous system
– Autonomic nervous system
– Sensory organs
3. Muscle-skeleton system:
– Muscle cell properties
– Types of muscles fibers and adaptation in exercise
– Muscular contraction
– Bone physiology
4. Cardiovascular system:
– Cardiac muscle cell
– Electrical transmission in the heart: ECG
– Properties of the cardiac circulation
– Arterial contraction and relaxation: regulation of blood pressure

The evaluation by continuous assessment will have two components:

1) Theoretical assessment writing (70%)

2) work Presentation (30%)

Each evaluation requires grade equal to or higher than 10. The theoretical evaluation is performed by two written tests, consisting of questions relating to theoretical content and the works presented. The final grade for the theoretical evaluation is the weighted average of both written tests. A minimum score of 8,5 points is required in each test.

The assessment can also be performed by final exam, with the same format as the theoretical evaluation.

NAO