Physiology 1

1. Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to describe and explain the main mechanisms underlying the physiological functions of living organisms, with particular reference to mammals and humans, from the cellular to the systemic level. Students will be able to understand the mechanisms underlying cellular excitability and communication and to describe the functioning of the main organs and organ systems, as well as the mechanisms through which they contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in response to internal and external perturbations.

Alignment with assessment: The acquisition of knowledge and understanding will be assessed through the written examination, as indicated in the assessment section, by means of questions concerning the course content and the physiological mechanisms regulating cellular and systemic functions.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to interpret major physiological phenomena and analyse functional relationships among cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. They will also be able to apply the principles of physiology to understand the responses of the organism to changes in the internal and external environment and the consequences arising from alterations in normal homeostatic mechanisms.

Alignment with assessment: This ability will be assessed through questions in the written examination requiring students to apply the knowledge acquired to the interpretation of physiological phenomena and to establish functional relationships among different organs and systems.

3. Making Judgements

Students will be able to analyse, compare, and interpret different physiological mechanisms by integrating information concerning cellular processes with that relating to the functions of organs and organ systems. They will also be able to evaluate the integrated responses of the organism and identify the role of different regulatory systems in maintaining homeostasis.

Alignment with assessment: The ability to make judgements will be assessed through questions requiring the analysis and integration of different physiological mechanisms and the independent synthesis and interpretation of the knowledge acquired.

4. Communication Skills

Students will be able to describe and discuss the main physiological mechanisms using appropriate scientific terminology and logically and coherently organising the relationships among cellular processes, organs, organ systems, and regulatory systems.

Alignment with assessment: Communication skills may be assessed during the oral examination by evaluating the clarity and organisation of the student's presentation, the logical coherence of the discussion, the ability to synthesise information, and the appropriate use of the scientific language specific to the discipline.

5. Learning Skills

Students will be able to independently explore the topics covered during the course and integrate physiological knowledge with that acquired in other biological disciplines. Students will also develop the ability to use the knowledge acquired as a foundation for the independent study of more advanced topics in the biological and biomedical sciences.

Alignment with assessment: Learning skills will be assessed through the student's ability to establish connections among different topics covered in the course, integrate prior knowledge with that acquired during the course, and independently elaborate and synthesise the content addressed.

The cell membrane; exchange between cells and the environment: membrane permeability – Simple diffusion – Ion channels – Osmosis – Carrier-mediated transport (facilitated diffusion) – Primary and secondary passive and active transport – Vesicle-mediated transport. Ion fluxes and membrane potentials. Electrical properties of the membrane – Ionic equilibria – Generation and maintenance of the membrane potential.

Excitable cells. Generation and conduction of the action potential in nerve and muscle cells – Ionic basis of the action potential in myocardial fibres – Contractile mechanisms of skeletal and smooth muscle fibres – The role of Ca²⁺ ions in muscle contraction – Excitation–contraction coupling.

Intercellular communication. Communication mechanisms (autocrine, paracrine, endocrine) – Local messengers – Membrane and intracellular receptors – G proteins and second messengers – Hormones – Synaptic transmission – Electrical and chemical synapses – Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.

Coding of sensory information. Receptors (tactile, thermal, proprioceptive, visual, auditory, vestibular, gustatory, olfactory) – Spinal reflex arcs – An overview of organs and organ systems.

Digestive function, cardiovascular function, respiratory function – Osmoregulation and excretion – Metabolism and temperature regulation – An overview of reproductive function.

Suggested book:

- Human Physiology: An integrated Approach. By D.U. Silverthorn. Ed. Pearson. 8th edition.

Assessment of learning consists of a written examination followed by an oral examination.

The written examination lasts 60 minutes and consists of 20 questions, each comprising 4 statements to be assessed as true or false, for a total of 80 responses. Each correct answer is awarded +1 point, each incorrect answer −1 point, while unanswered questions are awarded 0 points.

Access to the oral examination is optional and is subject to passing the written examination, with a minimum threshold of 36 points. Under certain circumstances, the instructor may require the student to take the oral examination if deemed necessary.

The individual oral examination, if conducted, lasts approximately 20–25 minutes and is aimed at assessing the student's knowledge and understanding of the topics included in the syllabus, the ability to apply and integrate the knowledge acquired, independent judgement and critical re-elaboration skills, as well as presentation skills and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

The final grade, expressed on a scale of 30, will take into account the overall level of achievement of the expected learning outcomes.

Fail: The student has difficulty navigating the course content, and their preparation shows significant gaps in knowledge and/or inappropriate use of scientific terminology.

Grade 18–21: This grade corresponds to an examination showing limited and superficial knowledge of the topics covered, limited critical and in-depth analysis skills, and approximate use of scientific terminology (in the case of an oral examination).

Grade 22–25: This grade corresponds to an examination showing an overall adequate knowledge of the topics covered, or predominantly rote-based knowledge, a moderate ability for critical analysis and further exploration, and appropriate use of scientific terminology (in the case of an oral examination).

Grade 26–28: This grade corresponds to an examination demonstrating thorough, well-organised, and accurate knowledge of the topics covered, proficiency in scientific terminology (in the case of an oral examination), and strong critical and in-depth analysis skills.

Grade 29–30 with honours: This grade corresponds to an examination demonstrating thorough knowledge of the topics covered in physiology, characterised by the integration of related concepts, together with excellent communication skills and command of scientific language (in the case of an oral examination).

Assessment may also be conducted remotely, if circumstances require it.

Examination dates are published on the website of the Degree Programme.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students who require support may request an individual meeting in order to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or exemption measures, based on the educational objectives and their specific needs. Students may contact Prof. Giusi Alongi ([g.alongi@unict.it]), also in her capacity as CInAP (Centro per l’Inclusione Attiva e Partecipata – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) faculty representative for the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences. Further information on CInAP representatives is available on the CInAP website.