536-301 Integrative Physiology: Heart & Kidney

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physiology 536-201, 536-211, and 536-202; or 536-250 plus biochemistry and molecular biology 521-213. The head of the department will consider exemptions for students who passed 536-201 and 536-211.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject focuses on physiological control systems with an emphasis on cardiovascular, renal and endocrine homeostasis. Studies will follow the programmed development of the cardiovascular system from gene to cell to organ. Students should develop an understanding of how the heart, kidneys and hormones interact in a coordinated and integrated way to control blood pressure and fluid balance.

Cardiovascular and renal themes of study include principles of endocrine action; factors controlling heart and kidney growth and function; interaction of genetic and environmental influences; adaptations in pregnancy and human pathophysiology. Students will be introduced to experimental approaches and models in physiology and current controversies in heart, kidney and hormone research. Disturbances in physiological function will be studied to gain insight into the molecular and cellular bases of disease processes. These include hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and arrhythmia, renal failure and pre-eclampsia. In this subject the lectures are supplemented with an integrated program of multimedia workshops and student seminars to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Students work together in small interactive groups with an academic mentor to examine topical research issues and to evaluate experimental approaches and design. Assessment comprises both group contribution and individual work components by combining examination, seminar and assignment tasks.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester exam, a laboratory report of not more than 2000 words in manuscript format as indicated in the handout, and a written assignment of not more than 6 pages. Students must obtain a satisfactory standard in the laboratory report to be eligible for the final exam.