Module overview
Human Structure & Function 1 will enable you to understand key physiological, anatomical & biochemical concepts and principles that you can apply in clinical scenarios.
You will study: the structure and function of biological macromolecules and the principles of metabolism; principles of homeostasis & homeostatic imbalance, particularly as applied to the cardiovascular system; the structure and function of cells and tissues; anatomy; nutrition and the digestive system; enzymology and energetics; medical microbiology and immunology.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate by reference to specific examples an understanding of the characteristics of homeostatic mechanisms and homeostatic imbalance
- Demonstrate skills in reading and research in specified topics
- Demonstrate an understanding of cell structure and function
- Assess the features of disease-causing micro-organisms and the consequences of infection
- Compare the features of specialised body tissues
- Communicate effectively using oral, writing and computing skills
- Explain the structural organisation of the human body
- Identify anatomical structures using appropriate terminology
- Indicate development of independent working skills, team working and problem solving skills
- Assess the role of cell membranes in membrane transport, membrane potentials and cellular communication
- Describe the structure and characteristics of biological macromolecules
- Demonstrate a sound understanding and the application in the human body of ionisation, kinetics and enzymology
- Describe the principles of immunology and the features of immuno-protection, immune reaction and auto-immune disease
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles of isomerism, energetics, redox reactions, metabolism and metabolic pathways including cellular respiration
- Analyse, present and manipulate data
- Explain the key features of a balanced diet
- Explain the process of digestion and absorption of macromolecules
Syllabus
In order to meet the learning outcomes, the syllabus will contain teaching in the following areas:
- Structural organisation of the body - Key features of cells, tissues and systems in the body and the principle of complementarity of structure and function.
- Homeostasis - Concepts and mechanisms involved in regulation of the internal environment with examples of homeostatic imbalance.
- Cell biology - Structure and function of cell organelles and cytoskeletal elements. Consequences of organelle dysfunction and cellular response to stress.
- Membranes - Structure and function of membranes, associated membrane specialisations and cell junctions. Chemical and electrical gradients across the cell membrane and the basis of the resting membrane potential and membrane transport.
- Medical microbiology - Microorganisms of relevance to medicine. Structure and characteristics of bacteria and viruses. Aspects of selected bacterial and viral diseases including the use of antibiotics and antivirals.
- The human body’s defences - Specific and non-specific defences. Types of immunity and key features of the immune system. Characteristics and examples of autoimmune diseases and hypersensitivity reactions.
- Anatomy - Anatomical terminology of regions of the body, planes of section and movement. Location of gross anatomical structures.
- Structure and characteristics of biological macromolecules - Structure, bonding and organisation of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. The role of macromolecules in health and disease.
- Nutrition and diet - The role of macromolecules and micro-molecules in a balanced diet and in dietary restrictions and disorders.
- Digestion and absorption of key macromolecules - Chemical and mechanical digestion and absorption of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Conditions of maldigestion and malabsorption.
- Principles of isomerism, ionisation, kinetics and enzymology - Different types of isomers. Potential and kinetic energy. Effects of ionisation on the structure and function of proteins. Enzymology and factors affecting the rate of reactions.
- Principles of energetics, metabolism and metabolic pathways - Key aspects of metabolism. Overview of key metabolic pathways, their integration and control.
- Redox reactions - Principles of redox reactions. Structure and function of the electron transport chain. Electron transport chain uncouplers and inhibitors
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be taught through a range of face to face and online learning and teaching strategies which will include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Practical sessions
- Guided self-study
- Clinical scenarios
- Group work
- eLearning
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 40 |
Follow-up work | 40 |
Completion of assessment task | 40 |
Wider reading or practice | 34 |
Revision | 40 |
Lecture | 72 |
Tutorial | 24 |
Practical classes and workshops | 8 |
Total study time | 298 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Reading List. The full reading list for MEDI0011 is available on the Library Online Reading List at https://soton.rl.talis.com/
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
EssaySummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 25% |
Report | 50% |
Examination | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 25% |
Report | 50% |
Examination | 25% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: External