Animal Physiology

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Objectives

The curricular unit (CU) aims to provide the student to acquire and deepen knowledge in the field of physiology that is essential to understanding the most diverse areas of Biology. The CU provides clear notions about the principles that enable the maintenance of homeostasis, and the integration of the functions of organ systems (nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, renal, digestive, respiratory and reproductive), in order to understand the functioning of the human body and its regulation mechanisms.

The CU will allow the development of the following competences and skills:

1. Identify, analyze and describe the physiological processes, at organic and systemic level, responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis.

2. Acknowledge the interest of experimentation and knowledge of physiological processes in order to develop an image of their own body that integrates hygiene and healthy life, in defense of health and quality of life.

Program

1. Functional organization of the body and homeostatic control mechanisms.

2. Nutrition and nutritional needs.

3. Digestive system (organization; digestion, absorption, intestinal transit and defecation; regulation of gastrointestinal activity).

4. Cardiovascular system (organization; heartbeat, cardiac cycle and cardiac output; cardiovascular functions, systemic and arterial blood pressure regulation; blood flow; coagulation; blood groups).

5. Respiratory activity (organization; ventilation; dead space, gas transport; regulation of breathing).

6. Urinary system (kidney structure; formation of urine; urination; hidroelectrolytic balance).

7. The body as a field sensitivity.

8. Endocrinology (hormones and mechanism of action; major endocrine glands).

9. The reproductive system (male and female reproductive function).

10. Nervous systems (organization; signalization and neural tissue; neurons, glial cells, neural growth and regeneration; synapses; neurotransmitters).

Teaching Methodologies

The course will be taught in classroom environment complemented with asynchronous activities supported by the Moodle platform. During the classes the expository, interrogative and demonstrative methods will be applied. These will be supported by multimedia presentations and protocols illustrative of the objects, concepts and processes being analyzed in this course.

Tutorials will be provided either through face to face support, either through asynchronous assistance. The latter will include the provision of support materials and development of interactive activities. These activities and practical lessons will contribute to formative assessment of students.

Bibliography

Berne, R. M., Levy, M.N., Koeppen, B.M & Stanton, B.A. Fisiologia. 5ª ed., Ed. Elsevier, 2004.

Carvalho, A., C. Carvalho, F. Ferrand, V. Madeira, A. Nobre & E. Pires. 1984. Biologia Funcional. Livraria Almedina, Coimbra.

Despopoulos, A & Silbernagl, S. Fisiologia Texto e Atlas. 5ªed., Ed. Artmed, 2003.

Guyton A.C., Hall, J.E., Tratado de Fisiologa Médica, 10 Ed., WB Saunders Co., Ed.Guanabara Koogan SA, RJ, 2002

Raff, H, & Levitzky, M. Medical Physiology, a systems approach. 1th ed, McGraw-Hill Med.Publs, N.York, 2011.

Silverthorn, D. Fisiologia Humana: Uma Abordagem Integrada, 2a. ed., Ed. Manole, 2003.

Widmaier, E.P., Raff, H. & Strang, K.T. Vander, Sherman e Luciano – Fisiologia Humana: Os Mecanismos das Funções Corporais. 9ª ed., Ed. Guanabara Koogan, 2006.

Code

0101519

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Práticas e Laboratórios - 30 hours
  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 15 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • Practical component: 25%
  • Theoretical component: 75%