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:
H03I4B : Human System Physiology

Is included in these courses of study

• Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (programma voor studenten gestart in 2024-2025 of later) (Leuven) (Afstudeerrichting biomedische technologie) 180 ects.