PX1121 MECHANICS AND MATTER - Cardiff School of Physics and ...

PX1226 HOW THE HUMAN BODY WORKS
MODULE INFORMATION:
Spring semester: 10 credits.
Module organiser: Dr N D Pugh.
Deputy Module Organiser: Dr R J Morris.
Teaching and feedback methods: Lectures 22 x 1 hr, exercises.
Assessment: Examination 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours]
Pre-cursors: None.
Co-requisites: None.
Pre-requisites: None.
AIMS OF THE MODULE:
To provide to students of physics an introduction to human anatomy and physiology.
To give an overview of the construction and function of cells, and the structure and operation of the musculoskeletal,
nervous, cardiovascular, digestive and reproductive systems.
To give a working knowledge of genetics and the basis of inheritance, infection and disease control.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will be able to:
Describe the structure and function of cells and processes such as osmosis, diffusion and active transport.
Explain the concepts and mechanisms of inheritance.
Outline the structure and role of the musculoskeletal system.
Identify key features and mechanisms of nerve cells, the nervous system and sensory perception.
Describe the role of the cardiovascular system, the composition and transport of blood, and the functions of respiration.
Explain the functions of the digestive and renal systems.
Describe the human reproductive system, including the hormonal controls of ovarian and male reproductive function.
OUTLINE SYLLABUS:
Cells: Cell structure and function, DNA, proteins, carbohydrates. Cell membrane, osmosis, diffusion, active transport. Genetics,
mitosis, meiosis. Inheritance, monohybrid inheritance, co-dominance, sex determination, sex linkage.
Musculoskeletal System: Bone and skeletal system. Types of bone, joints. Muscles, types of muscle, mechanics of muscle
contraction and joint movement.
Nervous and Control Systems: Nerve cell, neuromuscular transmission, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, sensory
functions, motor functions. Endocrine system.
Cardiovascular system: Blood and constituents, blood groups, heart structure and function, blood pressure, blood vessels,
lymphatics and lymph, diseases of cardiovascular system. Structure of respiratory system, respiration, functions of respiration,
transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, oxygen dissociation curve, maintenance of blood pH.
Urinary system: Kidney structure and function, water balance regulation.
Digestive system: Structure, food and nutrition, energy balance, homeostasis.
Reproductive system: Anatomy of the male reproductive system, spermatogenesis, hormonal control of male reproductive
functions. Anatomy of the female reproductive system, ovarian function, control of ovarian function.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:
Problem solving. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
READING LIST:
Any general anatomy and physiology textbook.
NOTES:
This module can be offered as a FSM.