Module title: Human Physiology with Pharmacology

Credit Points: 30

Code: 4LMS0002

Level: 4

2016-17

Semester: AB
Module Leader:

Fang Lou (FL)

1H163

x4532

F.Lou@herts.ac.uk

Module Team:

Chris Keating (CK)

Lisa Lione (LL)
Louise MacKenzie (LM)
Terry McLaughlin (TM)
Rachel Smith (RS)

G157
G157
1H161
1H181
1H164

x3195
x3195
x1372
x3512
x4621

C.Keating@herts.ac.uk
L.Lione@herts.ac.uk
L.Mackenzie2@herts.ac.uk
t.mclaughlin2@herts.ac.uk
R.Smith33@herts.ac.uk

Administrator:

Karen Matthews

F262

x4591

k.e.matthews@herts.ac.uk

Communication to all staff should be by email

Module aims
The aims of this module are to enable students to...
Describe the appearance of normal cells, tissues and organs within the human body.
Identify a range of organ structures in relation to specialised functions.
Describe the interactions between major body systems through understanding the
principles of homeostasis and other control mechanisms.
Explain how drugs interact with cells to alter their function, and how this enables their
therapeutic use.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Code
Learning outcome
KU1
gain an appreciation of human anatomy and
identify the gross structure of selected organ
systems and tissue
KU2
appreciate normal cellular microscopic
appearance of commonly investigated tissues
KU3
KU4
KU5
KU6

describe a range of physiological processes at

cell, tissue, organ and organism level (for
humans)
identify the mechanisms involved in the regulation
of body functions and appreciate the integrative
aspects of body function
define drug action in terms of interaction with
receptors and how drugs can be used as
research tools and for treatment
describe the fate of a medicine after it is
administered to humans

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Where achieved
Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning
/Self study
Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning
/Self study
Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning
/Self study
Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning
/Self study
Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning
/Self study
Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning
/Self study

Skills and Attributes:

Code
Learning outcome
SA1
collect and communicate physiological information
SA2

solve problems in physiological experimentation

SA3

use computer simulation software to understand

how drugs act in the body
interpret and explain a range of physiological data

SA4

Where achieved
Workshops/Practical
sessions/assignments
Workshops/Practical
sessions/assignments
Practical sessions
Workshops/Practical
session/Assignments

Introduction to the Module/Module Content

The module will be delivered via a mixture of learning experiences including lectures, tutorials /
workshops and set assignments. Teaching will be further supported by the use of learning
materials and computer software packages.
Topics covered will include:
Homeostasis and control mechanisms
Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature
Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic nervous system, central nervous
system)
Cardiovascular system and blood
Respiratory system
Digestive system
Renal system
Endocrine system and reproduction
Immune system
Integrative physiology
Basic pharmacology including receptor theory and pharmacokinetics to show how
medicines may be effectively used to treat disease.
Drug discovery, design and the process of drug development. The importance of clinical
trials
Graduate Attributes
Links to module content

Graduate Attributes
Professionalism, employability and enterprise
The University promotes professional integrity and provides
opportunities to develop the skills of communication,
independent and team working, problem solving, creativity,
digital literacy, numeracy and self-management. Our
graduates will be confident, act with integrity, set
themselves high standards and have skills that are
essential to their future lives.
Learning and research skills
The University fosters intellectual curiosity and provides
opportunities to develop effective learning and research
abilities. Our graduates will be equipped to seek knowledge
and to continue learning throughout their lives.

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Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning /Self
study and All assignment

Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning /Self
study and All assignment

Intellectual depth, breadth and adaptability

The University encourages engagement in curricular, cocurricular and extracurricular activities that deepen and
broaden knowledge and develop powers of analysis,
application, synthesis, evaluation and criticality. Our
graduates will be able to consider multiple perspectives as
they apply intellectual rigor and innovative thinking to the
practical and theoretical challenges they face.
Respect for others
The University promotes self-awareness, empathy, cultural
awareness and mutual respect. Our graduates will have
respect for themselves and others and will be courteous,
inclusive and able to work in a wide range of cultural
settings.
Social responsibility
The University promotes the values of ethical behaviour,
sustainability and personal contribution. Our graduates will
understand how their actions can enhance the wellbeing of
others and will be equipped to make a valuable contribution
to society.
Global awareness
The University fosters discussion of complex and evolving
world issues. Our graduates will be confident to act
effectively in settings where language and culture are not
familiar to them and will have a good understanding of
international standards, traditions and practices both within,
and beyond, their discipline.

Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/Directed learning /Self
study and All assignment

Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions and group poster

Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/ peer assessment and
group poster

Lectures/Workshops/Practical
sessions/ peer assessment and
group poster

Lecture and Workshop delivery plan

Details of the time and place of workshop sessions please see your personal timetable
Wk
9

Sem A
commencing
26th Sept
th

Lecture 1
(Tue 11 12pm, PEH)

Lecture 2
(Tue 12 1pm, PEH)

Control physiology and

homeostasis (FL)
Nervous system;
electrical signalling (FL)
Nervous system;
electrical signalling (FL)
Cardiovascular System
(LM)
Cardiovascular System
(LM)

Cell differentiation
(RS)
Nervous system;
electrical signalling (FL)
Nervous system;
electrical signalling (FL)
Cardiovascular System
(LM)

INDUCTION WEEK

10

3 Oct

11

10th Oct

12

17th Oct

13

24th Oct

14

31st Oct

15

7th Nov

Respiratory System (FL)

Respiratory System (FL)

16

14th Nov

Blood (RS)

Blood (RS)

17

21st Nov

Digestive system (CK)

Digestive system (CK)

18

28th Nov

Renal system (CK)

Renal system (CK)

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Workshop Topics (staff)

Respiratory System (FL)

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HPPW1: Cell physiology

Excitable cells (CK)
HPPW2 online*: How to
prepare for a poster (FL)
HPPW3: How to work in a
group (FL)
HPPW4: Cardiovascular
System (LM)
HPPW5: Skin Biology (RS)
HPPW6: Respiratory
system (FL)
HPPW7: Gestrointestinal
Workshop (CK)

19

5th Dec

20

12th Dec

21

19th Dec

21-23

22nd Dec
4th Jan

Basic tissues and

musculature (FL)

Renal system (CK)

Membrane transport
(FL)
Revision

Membrane transport (FL)

Revision
CHRISTMAS VACATION

th

24

9 Jan

Wk

Sem B
commencing

25

16th Jan

26

23rd Jan

27

30th Jan

28
29

HPPW8: Renal Physiology

Workshop (CK)

Progress Test 1

6th Feb
13th Feb

Lecture 1
(Tue 2 3pm, A154)
Central nervous system
(CNS) anatomy and
function (LL)
Introduction to
Pharmacology (LM)
Central nervous system
(CNS) anatomy and
function (LL)
Pharmacokinetics (LM)
Pharmacodynamics (LM)

Lecture 2
(Tue 3 4pm, A154)
Central nervous system
(CNS) anatomy and
function (LL)

Pharmacokinetics (LM)
Pharmacodynamics (LM)

30

20th Feb

Immune system (TM)

Immune system (TM)

31

27th Feb

Immune system (TM)

32

6th Mar

Pharmacodynamics (LM)

33

13th Mar

34

20th Mar

35

27th Mar

Immune system (TM)

Endocrine and
reproduction (FL)
Endocrine and
reproduction (FL)
Autonomic nervous
system (ANS) (CK)
Autonomic nervous
system (ANS) (CK)

36-37
38
39
4043

3rd Apr
17th Apr
24th Apr
1st May

Workshop Topics (staff)

HPPW9: Assessing your
peers (FL/CK/RS)

Pharmacokinetics (LM)
Pharmacokinetics (LM)

Endocrine and
reproduction (FL)
Endocrine and
reproduction (FL)
Autonomic nervous
system (ANS) (CK)

HPPW10: The immune

system (TM)

HPPW11: Endocrinology
(FL)

EASTER VACATION

Revision

Revision
Progress Test 2

HPPW12: ANS (CK)

SEMESTER B EXAMINATIONS

Revision Sessions: Students should be prepared to raise any questions they wish on any aspect
of the curriculum.
*For instructions to join in the online workshop please go to Teaching Resource of HPP StudyNet site.

HPP Practicals / Assessment sessions

Please go to the practical sessions you are allocated with your personal timetable.
Week
11
12
13
14

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Practical code and title

HPP1 Cells and tissues
HPP1 Cells and tissues
HPP1 Cells and tissues

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Assessment

15
16
17
18
19

HPP2
HPP2
HPP2
HPP2

Simulation of Action Potential

Simulation of Action Potential
Simulation of Action Potential
Simulation of Action Potential

24
27
28
29
30
31
32

Submission of poster online

Poster assessment (20%)
Poster assessment (20%)
Progress test 1 (25%)

HPP3
HPP3
HPP3
HPP4
HPP4
HPP4

Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics

39

Submission of a full report

Peer assessment of report (20%)
Progress test 2 (25%)

All year

Drop quizzes (10%)

ASSESSMENT (100 % coursework)

A pass (40%) is normally required in overall coursework.
All coursework should submitted electronically by 20.00 on the Sunday of the week stated. If a
hardcopy is also required (as indicated in the information on the assignment), this should be
submitted to the undergraduate office (F262) on the following Monday (by 16.00 the latest).
The nature and value of the assignments are shown below.
Nature of
Code Submission
Criteriaa
assessment*
Deadline
Group Poster*
HPPi
Week 17
Poster assessment
(Assess wk18) scheme StudyNet)1
Progress Test 1
HPPii Week 24
MRQ (N/A)
Full Lab Report
HPPiii Week 30
Lab report marking
(Assess wk31) criteria (StudyNet)1
Progress Test 2
HPPiv Week 39
MRQ (N/A)
Drop Quizzes
HPPv All year
EVS MCQs (N/A)
*The following work will not be anonymously marked

Staff

Value

All staff

20%

All staff
FL/CK (Peer
Assessment)
All staff
All staff

25%
20%

Note 1: The Grading Criteria (marking schemes) for poster and lab report can be found
Studynet Assignment page).
Detail on Progress tests (HPPii and HPPiv)
There will be two progress tests.
Progress test 1 will be based on material from lectures, practicals and workshops from
weeks 10 to 21. The test will consist of multiple response questions (MRQs).
Progress test 2 will be based on material from lectures, practicals and workshops from
weeks 25 to 38. The test will consist of multiple response questions (MRQs).

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25%
10%

We would normally expect you to spend approximately 10 hours each on Progress tests 1 and 2
in addition to your regular studies on this module.
This assignment will be marked by a computer with pre-set model answers.
Detail on Assignment HPPi
You are expected to produce a group poster (up to 5 students in a group) based on a topic of
your choice among the given topics.
We would normally expect you to spend approximately 10 hours on the poster in addition to
your regular studies on this module.
This assignment is exempted from anonymous marking. It will use poster marking scheme.
In addition to electronic submission on StudyNet (for TurnitIn checking) the poster will need to
be printed and presented for assessment in designated time slot and face-to-face feedback will
be provided following the presentation.
Detail on Assignment (HPPiii)
You are expected to write a full laboratory report based on a practical and it will be anonymously
peer assessed by a fellow student. We would normally expect you to spend approximately 10
hours on the full lab report in addition to your regular studies on this module. This is an
individual report. You need to pay particular attention to avoid plagiarism and collusion. Please
refer to your student handbook for details.
This assignment will use lab report marking scheme.
In addition to electronic submission on StudyNet (for TurnitIn checking) a hard copy will need to
be handed in for peer assessment.
Feedback will be provided by returning the hard copy with comments. A reflection and
evaluation is required online after receiving the returned assignment.
Detail on drop-quizzes (HPPv)
Drop quizzes will use EVS (electronic voting system). They will occur randomly throughout the
module in lectures, workshops and practical sessions. There will be up to 10 drop quizzes in
total and each consists of 5 multiple choice questions (MCQs). The average marks of your
personal best six out of ten runs will be taken for the final assignment mark.
Feedback will be provided immediately. Please note there are no alternative options, eg. paper
version, for this assignment.
Late submission and extensions
Late submission of up to 1 week will result in a maximum mark of 40%. Extensions must be
requested from your Level Tutor or Programme Tutor. (see the student handbook for detail of
the procedure).
Referencing
Referencing should follow the Guidelines of the School of Life and Medical Sciences. These can
be found on the Bioscience Programme StudyNet site.
Graduate attributes and Personal Transferable Skills associated with assessment
Code
Title
Graduate Attributes
Personal Transferable
Skills
HPPi
Group poster
MDS,
PEE,PS,
L&RS,
NUM,
IDBA,
IS, WWO,
RO, COMO, COMW, TEC, D&C
SR, GA
HPPii, Progress Tests and
PEE, L&RS, IDBA
MDS, PS, NUM, IS, TEC
iv & v
Drop Quizzes

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HPPi PEE,Full
L&RS,
lab report
IDBA, RO, SR

MDS, PS, NUM, IS, COMW,

D&C

NB These are the attributes/skills that we think you will use while carrying out the assignments.
You can ask for other skills to be assessed if you think they are appropriate.
Key to Personal Transferable Skills
MDS
managing and developing self
IS
information seeking
WWO
working with others
PS
problem solving
COMO
oral communication
NUM
numeracy
COMW
written communication
TEC
technology
D&C
design and creativity
Further details on Personal Transferable Skills can be found in your Practical and Transferable
Skills module guide and the Student Handbook
Key to Graduate Attributes
PEE
Professionalism, employability and enterprise
L&RS
Learning and research skills
IDBA
Intellectual depth, breadth and adaptability
RO
Respect for others
SR
Social responsibility
GA
Global awareness
For more information on Graduate Attributes please go to:
http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/TL03.htm )
The relationship between learning outcomes and assessment
Learning Outcomes
KU1
KU2
KU3
KU4
KU5
KU6
SA1
SA2
SA3
SA4

Progress
Tests

Drop quizzes
Coursework ()
Poster

Report

Nature of workshop subjects

It is essential to prepare for workshops and to be prepared to contribute to them. Consult your
workshop booklet and bring it with you to the class. Workshops are compulsory. Your record
of attendance will be taken into account at the Board of Examiners when deciding your grade.
You will be required to record your workshops in a log book which will be assessed periodically
by your personal tutor.
Workshop

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Topic

(Duration: one hour except HPPW3&8)

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Staff

HPPW1
HPPW2
HPPW3
HPPW4
HPPW5
HPPW6
HPPW7
HPPW8
HPPW9
HPPW10
HPPW11
HPPW12

Cell Physiology excitable cells

How to prepare for a poster (online)
How to work in a group
Cardiovascular system
Skin Biology
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal Workshop
Assessing your peers
Renal Physiology Workshop
The Immune system a case study
The hypothalamic-pituitary axis
The autonomic nervous system

(2 hours)

(2 hours)

CK
FL
FL
LM
RS
FL
CK
FL/CK/RS
CK
TM
FL
CK

Nature of Laboratory Classes

Slot

Code

Title

Staff

Report

Wks 11-13
Wks 15-17

HPP1
HPP2

Cells and tissues

Simulation of Action Potential

FL/RS
CK/RS/FL

Wks 27-29
Wks 30-32

HPP3
HPP4

Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics

LM
LM

logbook
proforma /
Full report
proforma
Logbook

Assessed
SA NSA

* SA - summative assessment
NSA - compulsory but not summative assessment
Performance in laboratory classes
In order to meet the learning outcomes for the module you must attend all laboratory classes. If
you miss a laboratory class (both SA or NSA) it is your responsibility to contact the module
coordinator by email immediately giving the reason for your lack of attendance. If you have a
legitimate reason for missing a session, the module coordinator may be able to arrange your
attendance at a subsequent running of the practical session or ask you to do alternative work.
Failure to inform the module coordinator and submit the alternative work will result in you being
penalised by deduction of 5% of your coursework mark.
You must use your logbook for making notes and recording data for all laboratory experiments.
Logbooks should normally be completed during the practical. If data are not available (e.g.
because of experimental constraints) written work can be completed either before or during the
following laboratory session. Logbooks should briefly record Aims, Results and Conclusion. To
avoid plagiarism when working in pairs, you should discuss the results of your experiments
with your laboratory partner but the report should always be your own work, in your own
words. Work done as a group may, in some cases, be submitted as a group report but the
structure of the report should follow the same format. Your logbook will be assessed by your
personal tutor.
BOOK LIST
Recommended Purchase

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Stanfield, C. L. (2013). Principles of Human Physiology. 5th edition. Benjamin Cummings. U.S.A.
(22+ copies and an e-book in the library). New edition about to release.
Rang, H. P., James M. Ritter, J. M., Flower, R. J. & Henderson, G. (2015). Rang and Dales
Pharmacology. 8th edition. Churchill Livingstone (13 copies plus an e-book in the library).
Other references/alternatives
Fox, S. I. (2016). Human Physiology.14th ed. Boston, McGraw Hill (10 copies).
Widmaier E. P. & Raff H & Strang K. T. (2014) Vanders Human Physiology (The mechanisms of
body Function). 13th ed. Boston, McGraw Hill (10 copies in the library). New edition released.
Brenner, G. M. and Stevens, C. W. (2012). Pharmacology. 4 th edition. Elsevier. (May get some
copies; e-book available in the library).
Alberts, et al. (2013) Essential Cell Biology (4th Edition). Garland Science. (15 copies in the
library).
Electronic resources
Open Science Laboratory (click on the large image for the microscope).
https://learn5.open.ac.uk/course/format/sciencelab/section.php?name=histology_microscope
Serious Adverse Circumstances
Serious adverse circumstances' are significant circumstances beyond a students control that
would have affected the students ability to perform to their full potential if they were to submit or
attend assessments at the appointed time. If, despite such circumstances, you decide to
sit/submit an assessment, the University will not normally accept a claim of serious
adverse circumstances in respect of that assessment. UPR AS12 Appendix 1 5.4.2 http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/pdf/AS12-apx1-Ass%20Exams%20Regs%20for
%20Candidates-including%20Appeals%20Proc%20UK-v06.0.pdf
If there are Serious Adverse Circumstances that have affected your assessment(s), you must
communicate details to the University together with appropriate evidence, using the form
provided by your School. You should read the Universitys guidance on Serious Adverse
Circumstances before you sit/submit an assessment. Full guidance can be found in your
Programme Handbook and in the electronic A - Z Guide (page 85) which can be found at:
http://issuu.com/uniofherts/docs/a_to_z_guide_v3/101?e=8600960/8825705
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct, eg cheating, collusion and plagiarism (copying the work of others and
failing to disclose the source), is viewed very seriously by the School of Life and Medical
Sciences and any student suspected of committing an academic misconduct offence will be
investigated fully in accordance with the University Policies and Procedures on Academic
Misconduct. Please see further details in your Student Handbook, the Student A-Z guide or the
following sites.
Refer to UPR AS12 Appendix 1 Section 2. - http://sitem.herts.ac.uk/secreg/upr/pdf/AS12-apx1Ass%20Exams%20Regs%20for%20Candidates-including%20Appeals%20Proc%20UKv06.0.pdf
The guidelines for referencing of academic work can be found on the School of Life and Medical
Sciences StudyNet site:

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http://www.studynet2.herts.ac.uk/crb/co/website84.nsf/Teaching+Documents?
OpenView&count=9999&restricttocategory=Learning+and+Teaching
Module Evaluation/Feedback
A module feedback questionnaire will be available for completion in one of lectures towards the
end of the module. Details of time and room will be posted on StudyNet.
Student Support
If you have any problems please consult your personal tutor in the first instance. You may also
discuss any issues with your year tutor or Programme Tutor. Further details can be found in the
student handbook.
Communication
All communication concerning this module will be via StudyNet. You should check the module
site at least weekly.
The information given in this module guide is believed correct at the time of going to press, but the Department
reserves the right, at its discretion, and for any reason, to make changes to the guide without prior notice, and in
particular:
(a)
to make changes to syllabuses and modules for reasons including meeting technological or academic
developments or employers' requirements particularly in specialist options.
(b)
not to offer options, specialisms or elective modules within a programme of study, where there is insufficient
student demand.

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