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Human System Physiology (B-KUL-H03I4B)

5 ECTSEnglish30 Second term
Bultynck Geert (coordinator) |  Bultynck Geert |  Vennekens Rudi
POC Biomedische ingenieurstechnieken

Aims

The student must be able to calculate the equilibrium potential of ions and the membrane potential and to understand how the membrane potential is influenced by the activity of ion channels.
The student must know the main transport systems operative in cells, including diffusion, osmosis, ion channels, carriers and pumps.
The student must be able to explain the electrochemical and/or mechanical properties of neuronal and (skeletal, heart and smooth) muscle cells, underlying the function of physiological systems.
The student must be able to provide an integrated overview of the major control systems in the human body, including the nervous systems and endocrine systems.
The student must be able to explain the properties and regulation of the major physiological systems in the human body, ranging from the molecular level to the system level.
The student should be able to specify the major physiological signaling molecules and their physiological roles and effects in the human body.
The student must be able to explain how dysfunction of physiological systems at the molecular/cellular level can lead to disease conditions in the human body.
In the context of the heart, the student should understand the principles of the electrocardiogram and its value for the monitoring of cardiac function. The student should be able to present (technical) solutions for major cardiac problems by exploiting his/her insights in the electrical control of cardiac contractions.

Previous knowledge

Students should have a thorough understanding in basic sciences, including biology, chemistry and physics and in cell biology. In particular, before attending this course, the student should have a thorough knowledge of the structure and function of DNA, mRNA and proteins and thus transcription, translation and post-translational modifications (e.g. phosphorylation, glycosylation,…) and of the different signaling pathways operative in human cells.

Order of Enrolment


This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
H09O0B : Ontwerpen in de medische technologie

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
H03I4C : Fysiologie van de menselijke systemen (No longer offered this academic year)
H03I4D : Human System Physiology

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

0.15 ects. Physiology of the Heart (B-KUL-H00T8a)

0.15 ECTSEnglishFormat: Practical2 Second term
Vennekens Rudi
POC Biomedische ingenieurstechnieken

Content

To introduce students to heart activity and how it can be influenced by physiological signaling molecules and pharmacological tools:
– Myogenic heart activity
– Ions important for contraction of the heart
– Chronotropic and inotropic effect
– Effects of neurotransmitters (adrenaline and acetylcholine)
– Effect of propanolol, verapamil and G-stropanthin on heart contraction.
 

Course material

Manual available on Toledo + computer programme.

Format: more information

Using a computer/simulation-based approach, students will be able to monitor, analyze and discuss the properties of the heart and its regulation by physiological signaling molecules and by pharmacological agents. The insights and knowledge obtained from the lectures will be applied by the students.

4.85 ects. Human System Physiology (B-KUL-H03I4a)

4.85 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture28 Second term
Bultynck Geert
POC Biomedische ingenieurstechnieken

Content

In the first part of the course, an overview of the most important concepts of general cellular physiology is given: membrane potential, receptors, hormones, etc. These concepts will then be used in discussion of neurophysiology and the endocrine system. These will be discussed thoroughly: chemical and electrical signal transmission in the nervous system and the relation with receptor cells for light (visual system), sound (hearing), balance, smell and general sensory observation. Molecular aspects of muscle contraction (smooth and skeletal muscles) and neural control and regulation of muscle contraction will be dealt with in detail. Finally, a reasonable part of the course will be dedicated to the special physiology of the heart, kidneys and the respiratory and digestive system.
Schematically, the course is subdivided into the following subjects:
Cellular physiology;
Cellular communication (electrical and chemical);
Introduction into neurophysiology;
Signal transmission in the nervous system;
Physiology of smooth and skeletal muscles;
Observation of light, sound, smell and balance;
Motoric system;
Endocrine functions;
Cardiovascular system: the heart and blood circulation
Kidney function;
 

Course material

Study cost: 51-75 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

Lecture notes on Human Physiology;
Edited by: Ole H Petersen
Published by Blackwell Science Ltd;
Reference: ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-3651-8    ISBN-10: 1-4051-3651-0

Evaluation

Evaluation: Human System Physiology (B-KUL-H23I4b)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation


The exam consists of open questions of which a number of larger questions and a number of shorter focussed questions. The questions are of the following types: "explain"/"interpret"/"analyse"/"calculate"/"make an integrated figure/scheme...". The aim of these questions is to assess the understanding of essential key concepts and principles in human physiology. The exam gauges to the knowledge obtained during the lectures and the practical courses.