Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Anatomy and Physiology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
A face-to-face appointment can be made with the teacher by sending an email to bmezquita@uic.es
Introduction
This course has been designed to help bioengineering students understand how the human body is organised and how it works. Specifically, anatomy is dedicated to the study of the structures of body components and the relationship between them. Physiology deals with how these components work to ensure the survival of the organism. This subject introduces the human anatomical and physiological bases with a special emphasis on the structures and processes relevant to bioengineering.
Pre-course requirements
None
Objectives
Offer a global and comprehensive vision of the morphology and function of the human organism in a state of health. Familiarize the student with the use of the language of anatomy and physiology.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB1 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study based on general secondary education. This knowledge should be of a level that, although based on advanced textbooks, also includes some of the cutting-edge elements from their field of study.
- CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
- CE7 - To know how to recognise anatomy and physiology when applied to the structures Bioengineering involves.
- CG10 - To know how to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.
- CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
- CT5 - To use information sources in a reliable manner. To manage the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualisation of data and information in your specialist area and critically evaluate the results of this management.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of this course students will be able to:
1. Know the fundamentals and principles of anatomy and physiology, as well as their basic and specific terminology.
2. Know the structure of the organs and systems of the human body and how they work.
3. Appreciate the contributions, individually and collectively, of the different systems of the body so that the human being perpetuates in time.
4. Acquire a positive attitude towards their future professional practice.
5. Apply the knowledge acquired in the field of human anatomy and physiology to challenges in general bioengineering.
6. Know the primary sources of information to understand the latest advances in the physiological sciences.
7. Use the scientific method; promote reasoning and discussion of problems.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Anatomy of the Human Body
1.1 Definition
1.2 Structural organisation levels
1.3 Anatomical nomenclature
2. Introduction to Physiology of the Human Body
2.1 Definition
2.2 Concept of the internal environment
2.3 Concept of homeostasis
3. Cell Structure and Function
3.1 General components of the cell
4. Tissue Structure and Function
4.1 Tissue preparation for analysis under the microscope
4.2 Epithelial tissue
4.3 Connective tissue
4.4 Nerve tissue
4.5 Muscle tissue
5. Blood Physiology
5.1 Blood functions
5.2 Blood composition
5.3 Hematopoiesis
5.4 Hemostasis
5.5 Blood groups
6. Circulatory System
6.1 Anatomy
6.2 Functions of the circulatory system
6.3 Electrical activity of the heart
6.4 Mechanical activity of the heart
6.5 Regulation of cardiac activity
6.6 Cardiac cycle
6.7 General circulation distribution system
6.8 Regulation of blood pressure
6.9 Exchange system
6.10 Lymphatic and venous return systems
6.11 Angiogenesis
6.12 Local circulation
7. Respiratory System
7.1 Anatomy
7.2 Ventilation, perfusion and ventilation / perfusion ratio
7.3 Blood gas transport
7.4 Regulation of respiratory function
8. Renal System
8.1 Anatomy
8.2 Glomerular filtration
8.3 Tubular function
8.4 Renal regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
9. Digestive System
9.1 Anatomy
9.2 Gastrointestinal motor activities
9.3 Gastrointestional secretory activities
9.4 Digestion and absorption
9.5 Liver functions
10. Endocrine System
10.1 Components
10.2 Hypothalamus and pituitary hormones
10.3 Thyroid hormones
10.4 Hormones that control calcium and phosphate metabolism
10.5 Suprarenal gland hormones
10.6 Pancreas hormones
10.7 Sex hormones
11. Nervous System
11.1 Anatomy
11.2 Physiology of the neuron and the neuron microenvironment
11.3 Sensory circuits
11.4 Motor circuits
11.5 Autonomic nervous systems
12. Musculoskeletal System
12.1 Skeletal structure and function
12.2 Joints
12.3 Skeletal muscle anatomy and function
13. Integumentary System
13.1 Anatomy of the skin and nails
13.2 Functions of the integumentary system
14. Reproductive System
14.1 Asexual and sexual reproduction
14.2 Anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system
14.3 Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Face to face theoretical classes.
Practical classes at the dissection lab.
Presentation sessions and discussion of clinical cases relevant to bioengineering / group work.
Sessions of presentation and discussion of scientific articles reflecting the latest advances in physiological sciences / individual work.
Self-learning tests.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final markis calculated based on the following components, with the indicated weights:
1. Participation in the theoretical and practical classes: 15%
2. Resolution of the self-assessment tests in the determined time periods: 15%
3. Partial exam: 20%
4. Final exam: 50%
Important considerations:
- Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will receive a zero in that evaluation section. Plagiarism during exams will lead to immediate failure of the subject.
- In the second-sitting exams, honors distinction will not be awarded; therefore, “Excellent” will be the maximum mark students can obtain.
- Changes in the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted.
- Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
Bibliography and resources
Mezquita. Fisiología Médica, 2ª ed. Panamericana (2018).
Stephanie McCann and Eric Wise. Anatomy Coloring Book, 5th ed. Kaplan (2014)
Evaluation period
- E1 08/01/2025 I3 12:00h