Course Handbook Outline for Pgy 2020

1. UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Department of Pharmacy
2014/2015 Academic Year
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (PGY 2020)
Course Handbook
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title Human Physiology
Course Code PGY 2020
Prerequisites Advanced Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
Course Coordinator Mrs. S. Chileya
Total Contact Hours 112 Hours
Credit Units 3.7
Course Description Human Physiology is a course enables the student to have an
understanding of structure and function of cells, physiology of nerve
and muscle, synaptic and functional transmission and function of
blood and lymph. Furthermore, it will enable students understand the
normal functioning of all the body systems.
COURSE AIM: To enable the students to have an understanding of physiologic functioning of
the body systems
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this study course, the student should be able to:
1. Describe cellular physiology including haematology
2. Describe various parts and functions of the nerves
3. Describe transmission at synapses
4. Discuss the importance of homeostasis
5. Discuss the morphological and functional characteristics of the different types of
muscles
6. Describe the structure and function of the conduction system of the heart
7. Record and interpret electrocardiogram (ECG)
8. Describe gas transport, regulation of respiration
9. Describe the structure and function of a nephron and renal blood supply
10. Explain the tubular handling of various substances in terms of filtration, re-
absorption and secretion
11. Outline the effects of hormones on different organs
12. Describe the mechanisms that regulate hormonal secretion and features of diseases
caused by excess or deficiency of each hormone.

2. 13. Describe the structure and functions of the central and autonomic nervous systems.
PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOKS
Book Title Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology.
Author(s) Barett KE, Barman SM, Boitano S, Brooks H
Publisher Mc Graw Hill, Medical Publishing Division. New York.
Year 2012
Edition 24th
Edition.
ISBN 978-0071780032
Book Title Mosby’s Anatomy and Physiology Study and Review cards.
Author(s) Matusiak D
Publisher Elsevier Health Sciences.
Year 2013
Edition 2nd
Edition.
ISBN 978-0323187268.
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS & READINGS
1. Wagh A, Grant A. (2010). Ross and Wilson’s Anatomy and
Physiology in Health and Illness. Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-
0702032271.
2. Hall JE (2010). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology.
Saunders. ISBN 978-1416045748.
Assessments
Assessment Type Due Date Percentage Score
Tests TBA 20%
Assignments TBC 10%
Lap practicals TBA 10%
Final Examinations TBA 60%

3. TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS
1. Course delivery methods will include: Lectures, Tutorials, Laboratory practicals &
Demonstrations.
2. Students are expected to read the assigned topics from prescribed textbooks and
recommended readings before each class session
3. Active learning and interactive participation in class.
4. Tutorial sessions will be interactive and participatory to encourage discussions and active
learning.
5. Students are expected to attend ALL lectures. Students with less than 85% attendance
will not be allowed to write end of year examinations*
6. The student is responsible for all material covered in this course.
7. Communicate any concerns or issues concerning the course either during class sessions
or during tutorial sessions.
COURSE OUTLINE
UNIT
TOPICS
CONTACT
HOURS
READINGS
Cell Physiology  Body fluid compartments and
solutes
 Movement of substances
between compartments
 Physiology of the cell
4
Physiology of the
nerve
 Ionic processes, excitation and
conduction
 Nerve fibre, type and function.
4
Synaptic and
functional
transmission
 Transmission, Synaptic
Transmission
 Electrical Events at Synapses
 Neuro-Muscular Transmission
4
Physiology of muscle  Skeletal, Smooth and Cardiac
Muscle
 Contractile Process
 Metabolism and Energy Sources
4
Blood  Bone marrow and development of
cells
 Blood cells
 Heamoglobin
 White Blood Cells (Immune
defence mechanism)
 Platelets
 Composition of plasma
 Blood Types and cross match
 Blood Clotting Mechanisms and
fibrinolysis
6
Gastrointestinal
system
 Outline of the digestive system
 Digestion in the mouth
 Motility
 Secretion in the Mouth
 Digestion in the stomach and
Motility
 Secretion in the stomach
 Digestion in the small intestine
and Motility
6

4.  Secretion in the small intestines
 Pancreatic secretions
 Biliary secretions
 Digestion in the large intestines
and Motility
 Secretion in the large intestines
 Digestion and Absorption
 Nutrients
 Water and elements
Cardiovascular System  General organization of the
cardiovascular system
 Conducting system of the heart
 Cardiac cycle
 Blood Pressure
 Regulation
6
Respiration  Mechanics of respiration
 Lung volumes and capacities
 Gas transport between the lungs
and tissues
 Regulation of respiration
6
Renal System  Physiology of the nepron
 Formation of Urine
 Regulation
 Micturition
6
Endocrine System  Definition of Hormone
 Mechanism of Hormone Action
 Hypothalamic hormones and their
functions
 Pituitary Gland Hormones and
Functions
 Thyroid Gland and Parathyroid
Gland
 Adrenal Gland
 Pancreas and Diabetes
 Hormonal control of the male
and female reproductive system
8
Autonomic nervous
system and its control
 Organization of the Autonomic
Nervous System
 Autonomic Functions
 Cholinergic transmission &
effects
 Adrenergic transmission & effects
4
Central Nervous
System
 Organization of Central Nervous
System
 Physiology of Pain
 Somatic Motor Function
 Hypothalamus
6

5. Additional Information
Final Examination
Format
Two papers: Paper I and Paper II: Exam format TBC to students
at least 14 days before the date of Examination
Supplementary &
Deferred Exams
TBA by senate: Format will be similar to main examination
Scoring Criteria Pass: A+ (90 – 100%); A (80 – 89%); B+ (70 – 79%); B (60 –
69%); C+ (55 – 59%); C (50 – 54%);
Fail: D+ (45 – 49%); D (40 – 44%); E (0 – 39%)
Cheating /
Malpractice
Refer to University of Zambia policy on examination conduct and
malpractice
Attendance 100% attendance in all course activities is expected.