Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Science (Volume 4 page 233)
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536-301 Systems Physiology

Note: Special requirements: Students are to choose practical classes offered in the first semester, electives are held every other week (alternating with 536-302 Mammalian Cellular Physiology). Practical sessions consists of 2 x 6 hours in each semester.

Credit points: 27.5

Coordinator: Dr D. Williams

Prerequisite: Physiology 536-201, 536-202. The Head of the Department will consider exemptions for students who passed 536-201

Contact: 60 lectures (two a week in the first semester and three a week in the second semester), 24 hours practical work and up to eight seminars/tutorials. Classes will be held in both the Department of Physiology and the Howard Florey Institute.

Timetable: Double semester.

Objectives:

Students completing this subject should:

Comprehend:

• in detail how organ systems integrate with neural and hormonal systems to maintain normal body function.

Develop:

• skills to use biological, chemical, and physiological concepts to generate theoretical approaches to investigate physiological processes;
• skills in critical analysis and experimental testing of scientific hypotheses about physiological processes.

Appreciate:

• how an understanding of physiological processes depends on the integration of the knowledge and approaches of specialised scientific disciplines;
• that all physiological mechanisms explaining how the body's systems operate are based on experimentation and are not immutable.

Content:

Principles of cell-cell signalling; autacoids and receptors; local control of the vasculature; pulmonary circulation; ventilation and lung mechanics; chemical mediators of pulmonary and vascular dysfunction. Peptide hormones; steroids; renal function and failure; control of plasma osmolarity; thirst and salt appetite; stress, cortisol; circulatory adjustments in changes in body function; nutrition, fat absorption, lipoproteins and over-nutrition; hormonal and nutritional control of growth; exercise physiology.

Assessment:

A practical report of up to 10 pages on each session, with one in each semester to be a full report in manuscript style; a 1-hour written examination at the end of the first semester; a 3-hour end-of-year written examination. Students must obtain a satisfactory standard in the reports to be eligible for the final examination. An oral examination may be held for students who do not pass the final examination.

Physiology subject : Next:536-302 | Prev:536-207 | Search | Help
Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Science (Volume 4 page 233)

Status:          Official 1996
Date created:    Oct  9 1995
Last modified:   Oct  9 1995
Authorised by:   Academic Registrar
Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au

Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.