Physiology and Metabolism

Assessment: in-class tests on laboratory practicals [20%], structured coursework report (1000 words) [20%], unseen exam (2 hours) [60%]

This module develops an understanding of the homeostatic processes involved in the maintenance of metabolic functions and physiologic system to the study of mammalian physiology. The module addresses the major systems of human physiology and explains their function in health and their dysfunctions in disease using examples drawn from human and general mammalian physiology. By exploring the basic control mechanisms of energy metabolism and the relationships between metabolic pathways and health and disease this module helps to study and understand situations which disturb homeostasis. The topics covered include mechanisms on nutrition and etiology of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Standard laboratory practice in terms of handling equipment, recording results and the writing up of experimental procedures is also a prerequisite for a scientific discipline.