Physiology, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course the student should have

• an understanding of the morphology and physiology of the animal kingdom,
• an understanding of animal physiological properties, reproduction and development, and
• knowledge of the human body and detailed knowledge of the various organs / organs system functions and interactions.

Skills and Abilities
After completing the course, the student should be able to

• demonstrate basic practical skills for biological sciences,
• independently find and compile scientific information, and
• communicate results, compilations and interpretations in the form of oral and written presentations.

Evaluation ability and approach
After completing the course the student has the ability to

• evaluate and criticize both experimental results and theoretical interpretations, and
• search and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field.

Main content of the course

The course focuses on basic understanding of the physiology of the human body. During the course the participants study the different organs structure and function with a focus on mechanisms for circulation, respiration, excretion, nutrition and metabolism. Also included are hormonal and nervous integration, sensory organs and muscle physiology.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, assignments , laboratory sessions and seminars.
If the course only receives a few registered participants, the teaching methods described above can be wholly or partly replaced by supervision and self-study.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination

Practical Part, 1 of 2, 1 credits (Code: A002)
Participation in seminars and laboratory work (individual). Written assignments (group), as well as laboratory report (group).

Practical Part, 2 of 2, 1.5 credits (Code: A003)
Participation in seminar and laboratory work (individual). Written assignments (group), as well as laboratory reports (group).

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Part, 1 of 2
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Practical Part, 2 of 2
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical module including project work, attendance of all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements and also Biology 2, Chemistry 2, Mathematics 4 and Physics 1a/1b1 + 1b2 (cources labelled A11)

or

General entry requirements and also Biology B, Chemistry B, Mathematics D and Physics A (cources labelled 14)

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Language of Instruction are Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Piantadosi, Claude A. (Latest edition)
The Biology of Human Survival: Life and Death in Extreme Environments
New York: Oxford University Press

Ward, Jeramy & Linden, Rodger A. (Latest edition)
Physiology at a glance
Chicester, United Kingdom, Wiley-Blackwell (an imprint of John Wiley & Sons Ltd)

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Written laboratory instructions and scientific articles will be added.