| Unit name | Techniques in Physiology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHPH20018 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Davies |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
In this unit you will be introduced to some of the fundamental techniques used in physiological research. You will discover how these methods have been applied to increase our understanding of physiological systems in health and disease.
How does this fit in with your programme of study?
This unit builds on the fundamental aspects of physiology that you have been introduced to in your programme so far. It will give you a firm understanding of how our current knowledge of physiology has been obtained and will help you engage with and understand the primary literature as your programme progresses. You will also gain key skills in data handling and presentation.
An overview of content
The aim of this unit is to give an insight into some of the techniques used to study physiological systems from a cellular level up to whole human physiology. This will include exploring electrophysiological techniques used to study ion channels, cellular imaging and capnography used to study CO2 concentrations in respiratory gases. Data handling workshops and practical sessions will provide exposure to the current use and application of these techniques in research. In addition, group activities will be undertaken to increase confidence in the use of information technology, to enhance relevant communication skills and to develop self-directed and group learning skills.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will gain a greater understanding of techniques used in physiological research, which will give you confidence when engaging with the research literature both in this unit and as the programme progresses. You will also further develop problem solving and data handling skills that will support your continued learning.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
Lectures will provide you with the main concepts and information about the topics. This provides you with a framework on which to build your understanding, again supported by the practical elements of the unit.
You will also have small group problem based learning sessions. In each session, you will focus on how specific techniques are used to answer scientific questions. Practical classes will give you the opportunity to engage in some of the techniques that you will be learning about. In addition, you will have data handling workshops focussing on how data gathered using the techniques you are learning about is analysed and interpreted.
Attendance and engagement
If you fail to attend and/or engage with components of a unit, the matter may be referred to the Faculty Board of Examiners. If the Faculty Board decides that your attendance or engagement has not been sufficient to satisfy the unit’s Intended Learning Outcomes, they may decide that you are unable to progress to the next year of study. If this is the case, you will be required to complete reassessment work to a satisfactory standard. This may include additional written work (to be completed during the summer) or a requirement to repeat part or all of the unit in a supplementary year.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Small group sessions offer you the opportunity to discuss the literature related to the problems with your peers and a member of staff. Each practical class will have formative quizzes that will consolidate your understanding and will help you to prepare for the end of unit exam. Similarly, you will have access to exam-style questions that will help you to prepare for the final assessment.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The summative assessment in this unit will consist of:
Library project 30%
Problem-based group poster presentation 10%
Exam (2hr MCQ/Short answer questions) 60%
These assessments will help you to continue to develop your scientific writing skills, in particular researching the literature and critical analysis of ideas.
When assessment does not go to plan
There will be an opportunity for reassessment of the end of unit exam in the summer reassessment period. In addition, there will be an opportunity to complete the coursework in the summer prior to the reassessment period. The reassessments will be in the same format as the main assessments.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHPH20018).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
