AM2C37: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Physiology

Module Provider:

School of Animal and Microbial Sciences

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr RT Gladwell

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
Students are intended to gain knowledge and understanding of the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems, their control, some aspects of their relevance to disease, and the ways in which they adapt to the demands of exercise. An introduction to the problems posed by unusual environments is also given, using aviation physiology as an example. During practical sessions, students are intended to gain experience of investigating cardiovascular and respiratory function at rest and during exercise.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is intended that students will be able to:
1) describe the anatomy and normal function of human cardiovascular and respiratory systems,
2) explain how these systems are controlled so as to maintain a near-constant internal environment, and how they are modified during exercise,
3) describe the challenges to these systems presented during flight in aircraft and outline the physiological mechanisms and practical methods used to surmount these challenges, and
4) measure cardiovascular and respiratory performance with appropriate equipment, and analyse and critically appraise the data obtained from such measurements.

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain practice of self-paced working on directed tasks, and of obtaining practical data while working as part of a group.

Outline content:
Cardiovascular system: After a brief overview of the circulatory system, the mechanics, electrics and control of the heart are considered. This is followed by lectures on blood flow and its control, the exchange of material between blood, interstitium and lymph, and the control of blood pressure. Finally, examples of specialised circulations are given. Respiratory system: The structure of the respiratory system and the mechanics of breathing are considered first. Subsequent lectures describe how respiratory gases are exchanged and transported in the body, and how ventilation and perfusion of the lung are controlled. Exercise physiology: The effects of exercise on cardiac output and its distribution are explained, and the influence of training on these parameters are then introduced. Further lectures consider the possible roles of oxygen, carbon dioxide and lactic acid in increasing ventilation during exercise. Aviation physiology: The problems presented to the human body by aviation are discussed, mainly with respect to cardiovascular and respiratory systems but also with reference to the organs of balance and to circadian rhythms. Practical ways in which problems have been overcome are described. Practical classes: Students investigate their electrocardiogram, cardiovascular responses to postural change, skin circulation, lung capacities, oxygen consumption, and the performance of their cardiovascular and respiratory systems during and after exercise.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two 50 minute lectures each week. Two hours of directed reading. Four practical sessions of two hours. Three practical reports. One test near the end of the module.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Two large practical reports to be submitted one week after the relevant practical classes. One brief practical report to be attached to an in-class test (short answer/MCQ) concerning the two exercise physiology practicals and directed reading.
Relative percentage of coursework : 30%
Examinations
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring three questions out of five.
This contributes 70% of the overall assessment for this module.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September only