Human Physiology IIA: Heart, Lungs and Neuromuscular

Physiology is the study of the function of the human body. This course is designed to develop critical skills and provide a foundation in human physiology with an emphasis on homeostasis and human performance. The major lecture topics covered are cellular physiology, neuromuscular physiology, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Topics include how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt in normal conditions and during challenges such as exercise and stress. In the practical laboratory sessions, students undertake a human-based research project that includes the testing of a hypothesis, review of the relevant research literature, collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results and conclusions. The practical component is supported by workshops that lead to a deeper understanding of research methods, ethical considerations, experimental techniques, and data processing in scientific research.

Course Coordinator: Professor Andrea Yool
Units: 3

Human Physiology IIB: Systems and Homeostasis

Physiological interactions between the nervous system and endocrine system maintain homeostasis and health. Themes in this course are the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system; the renal system (kidney) in regulation of fluid and ion levels; the gastrointestinal tract (gut) in providing nutrition to the body; and the endocrine (hormone) system; and integration of the two interacting control systems involving hormonal and neural signaling. In the practical laboratory sessions, students undertake a human-based research project that includes the testing of a hypothesis, review of the relevant research literature, collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results and conclusions. The practical component is supported by workshops that lead to a deeper understanding of research methods, ethical considerations, experimental techniques, and data processing in scientific research.

Course Coordinator: Professor Andrea Yool
Units: 3

Neurobiology III

This course consists of 2 parallel streams, namely: Advanced Neurobiology and Physiology in Action. The Advanced Neurobiology stream of this course broadly encompasses the study of central nervous system function with emphasis on the physiological basis for sensation and neural processing by the brain. Issues that will be covered in depth include the special senses and advanced cellular neurophysiology with emphasis on both peripheral coding and central processing, the enteric nervous system and the role of ion channels in cellular neurobiology.

Our novel practical components are a strength to our unique approach to teaching and learning of physiology. A key component to our success in this approach is the Medical SciencesTeaching Resource Center. With the support of faculty research experts, laboratory demonstrators and active research lab placement, students participate in the design of an active research program. Students participate 4 hours/ week in laboratory activities throughout the semester long research project aimed at contributing to an active research program. In addition to gaining an understanding of physiology, the small group learning environment is designed to foster active learning, team work, and improve written and verbal communication skills, all of which are top skills sought after by employers.

Course Coordinator: A/Prof David O’Carroll
Units: 6

Click here for details of the 2012 year 3 practical placements. You should use this information when enrolling via Access Adelaide. Should you require any further information, please contact adrian.elliott@adelaide.edu.au

Advanced Systems Physiology

Advanced Systems Physiology consists of lecture and practical streams. This course is designed to challenge and to stimulate your interest in the integration of multiple organ systems that are necessary for whole body function. We will use examples focusing on voluntary and involuntary human movement and the complex integration of the cardiovascular system to enable human function. The research-focused lecture stream offers a series of interrelated modules covering the following main topics: neural control of movement, cardiovascular health and disease and integrative physiology. An added dimension to many topics is the physiological basis of the development of common diseases and changes that occur throughout the lifespan.

Our novel practical component, Physiology in Action, involves a research project supported by a series of workshops and tutorials which are designed to develop your research skill base, including analysis and interpretation of results and to improve skills related to communicating results. Students will be given the opportunity to read widely in chosen areas of the course and to review some research areas. Small-group discussion of specific research papers and research topics will be an important part of Physiology in Action.

Course Coordinator: Dr John Semmler
Units: 6