Ateneo - UPO

The course provides the fundamentals for understanding the functional, regulatory, and integrative mechanisms of human organ systems.
Specifically, the program covers:
Cellular physiology. Nervous and sensory systems. Muscular system. Cardiovascular system. Body fluids and blood. Digestive system. Endocrine system. Excretory system and acid-base balance. Respiratory system and gas transport.

Cell physiology: V. Taglietti. Fondamenti di Fisiologia generale e integrata, EdiSES. Napoli; V. Taglietti, C. Casella, G. Biella. Fisiologa e biofisica delle cellule, EdiSES. Napoli.Sistem physiology (one of these): Fisiologia umana 8/Ed. D. U. Silverthorn ISBN Cartaceo: 9788891909732 – ISBN Digitale: 9788891909473 https://he.pearson.it/bundle/662?isbn=9788891909473 W.J. Germann, C. L. Stanfield. Fisiologia. EdiSES. Napoli. L. Sherwood. Fisiologia Umana. Zanichelli. S. Silbernagl, A. Despopoulos. Fisiologia. Zanichelli. Eric P. Widmaier,Hershel Raff,Kevin T. Strang. Vander. Fisiologia. CEA

The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the function of cells and organs that make up the human body's systems and apparatuses. The course promotes an interdisciplinary learning approach, encouraging students to connect concepts across different scientific domains. A logical, reasoning-based approach will be fostered over pure memorization for understanding the topics covered. Additionally, communication skills will be enhanced through the use of appropriate scientific terminology.

Elements of Maths, Physics and General Chemistry. Elements of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry suitable to approach arguments of biology. Elements of Cell Biology and Histology suitable to approach arguments of cell and biomolecular functioning. Elements of Anatomy.

Teaching activities will be conducted exclusively in person, mainly through traditional lectures (transmissive modality). However, lectures will integrate active discussion and interaction to enhance conceptual understanding. A two-way question-and-answer dynamic (both instructor-to-student and student-to-instructor) will be constantly encouraged to foster critical thinking and active engagement.

Learning control: Final exam

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage:
https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam consists solely of a written test. The written exam evaluates the students' ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course and consists of two types of questions:A) Multiple-choice questionsB) Open-ended questionsThe difficulty level of the questions corresponds to the course syllabus and the reference texts specified on DIR.Scoring criteria:Type A questions: 1 point for a correct answer; 0 points for incorrect or unanswered questions (no penalties apply).Type B questions: Up to 7 points per question.The written exam is considered passed if the overall score is at least 18 points.During the written exam, consulting notes, books, or any other materials is strictly prohibited.To achieve a passing grade, students must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the concepts and topics covered during the course. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate independent judgment and critical thinking regarding the subject matter, presenting their conclusions in a clear and logical manner.Grading is expressed on a 30-point scale (minimum passing mark: 18/30). Specifically:
30 Cum LaudeExcellent: Complete, in-depth, and critically re-elaborated knowledge. Outstanding ability to connect physiological mechanisms in a systemic and logical manner. Full mastery of scientific terminology and flawless, clear exposition.
28 – 30 Very Good: Complete and well-structured knowledge of the topics. High capacity to apply concepts and critically analyze physiological processes. Excellent use of specialized terminology and clear presentation.
25 – 27 Good: Solid knowledge of most course contents. Satisfactory ability to connect different physiological systems with minor and insignificant inaccuracies. Correct and appropriate use of language.
22 – 24 Satisfactory: Adequate overall knowledge of fundamental concepts, but with minor gaps or inaccuracies in less relevant details. Linear physiological reasoning capacity, relying mostly on memorization. Simple but correct language.
18 – 21 Sufficient: Basic knowledge of core cellular and organ physiology concepts. Limited ability to interconnect organ systems and a predominantly rote approach. Simple language with minor terminology uncertainties.

Cellular Physiology: Membrane properties and transport mechanisms. Resting membrane potential and action potential. Nerve impulse conduction.
Nervous and Sensory Systems: Organization of the CNS, PNS, and Autonomic system. Chemical/electrical synapses and neurotransmission. Spinal reflexes. Sensory perception physiology: stimulus coding, sensory transduction, and general principles of somatosensory, visual, auditory, and vestibular systems.
Muscular System: Structure and function of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. Molecular mechanisms of contraction, excitation-contraction coupling, and muscle mechanics.
Cardiovascular System: Cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac cycle. Hemodynamics, blood pressure regulation, microcirculation, and capillary exchange.
Body Fluids and Blood: Fluid compartments. Blood and plasma composition and functions. Erythropoiesis and hemostasis (coagulation and fibrinolysis).
Digestive System: Neuroendocrine control of digestion. Gastrointestinal motility, digestive secretions, macronutrient and water digestion and absorption.
Endocrine System: Mechanisms of hormone action and feedback regulation. Hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Physiology of thyroid, adrenal glands, endocrine pancreas, and gonads.
Excretory System and Acid-Base Balance: Renal function: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion. Urine concentration and fluid-electrolyte balance. Buffer systems and acid-base compensation.
Respiratory System and Gas Transport: Respiratory mechanics and lung volumes. Alveolar-capillary gas exchange. Blood transport of O2 e CO2. Neural and chemical control of breathing.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of cellular and organ physiology. Specifically, understand the molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the function of the human nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, excretory, and respiratory systems.

Applying knowledge and understanding: Be able to apply the acquired physiological concepts to explain the integration among different organ systems and the maintenance of bodily homeostasis under physiological conditions. Demonstrate the ability to solve theoretical questions and interpret biological data and graphs related to vegetative and sensory-motor functions.

Making judgements: Develop the ability to critically analyze cause-and-effect relationships governing physiological processes and systemic adaptive responses using a logical and deductive approach (moving beyond pure rote memorization).

Communication skills: Be able to present the course content clearly, concisely, and rigorously, utilizing appropriate scientific vocabulary and correct specialized terminology.

Learning skills: Develop an autonomous study method and conceptual synthesis skills suitable for consulting reference textbooks, understanding basic scientific literature, and successfully undertaking subsequent studies in master's degree programs in the biological field.