Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Structure and Function of the Integration Systems: Nervous and Endocrine
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Contact the teacher by email to arrange a tutoring session.
Introduction
The subject "Structure and function of integration systems: nervous and endocrine" allows us to know how body activities are regulated by nerve impulses and hormonal secretions, contributing to the maintenance of body homeostasis. The description of the sensory and motor pathways will allow us to understand how impulses are transmitted to the marrow and the brain, and from there to the muscles and glands. We will also study the part of the nervous system that operates without voluntary control, the autonomic nervous system, to conclude with the systems of protection and regulation of the internal organs mediated by this same system. We will also know how behaviors and memories are perceived, and how voluntary movements are carried out. We will understand the general organization of the endocrine system: the structural, general and specific characteristics of the endocrine glands; the molecular structure of the different hormones and the mechanisms involved in their production, transport, metabolism, and regulation, as well as the physiological effects of the different hormones.
Pre-course requirements
Knowledge of chemistry / biochemistry and molecular biology, high school level
Objectives
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Know the structure, organization and functions of the nervous system. Know the electrical and chemical signals of neurons and how they are transmitted in the synapses.
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Identify and describe the morphology of the central and autonomic nervous system.
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Know the composition and function of the autonomic nervous system and the neuro-endocrine system.
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Know the structure, organization and functions of the endocrine system.
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Know the different hormones as well as their different functions, regulation and mechanisms of action in the different organs.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE09 - To be aware of the anatomical, physiological and histological aspects of the organs and systems in the human body at different stages in life and in both sexes, with a particular focus on a comprehensive understanding of ageing.
- CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
During the course, the student has to acquire basic knowledge about the nervous system (central, peripheral, and autonomous) and know the macroscopic and microscopic structure of its components. It must be able to identify the circuits and mechanisms responsible for different physiological functions, as well as the integration of signals. The student must also acquire the necessary knowledge about the endocrine system, its structure and its different functions. You should know the different hormones, their mechanisms of production, regulation, and action at the level of the target tissues, as well as the consequences of their deregulation.
Syllabus
Topic 1. Introduction to the Nervous System
Topic 2. Synapses and Neurotransmission
Topic 3. Ion channels and action potential
Topic 4. Anatomy I: Telencephalon and Diencephalon
Topic 5. Anatomy II: Brain stem and Cerebellum. Medulla, nerves, and ANS
Topic 6. Language
Topic 7. Sensory organs I
Topic 8. Movement control
Topic 9. Sensory organs II
Topic 10. Learning, memory and sleep
Topic 11. Review
Topic 12. Hormones
Topic 13. Hypothalamic-pituitary system
Topic 14. The adrenal gland
Topic 15. Pancreatic hormones
Topic 16. Thyroid hormones
Topic 17. Hormones involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism
Topic 18. Gonadal axis
Topic 19. Sexual differentiation of behavior
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lecture (Master class, CM): Explanation of a theoretical topic by the instructor, during 50 minutes.
Clinical cases (CC): Approach of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the problem in small groups and later in class the answers are discussed. The instructor actively participates and, if necessary, explain new knowledge to the students.
Practical (P):Experimental demonstration in the laboratory about concepts studied in theoretical classes. Familiarization with the most frequent experimental techniques used at a biochemistry laboratory.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Students in the first call:
- 20% - Evaluation of the case methods: students will be evaluated continuously. This type of evaluation includes attendance control, resolution of the case methods and an exam.
- 20 % - Two partial tests. They include all the material taught up to the previous class. Completion is mandatory.
- 45 % - Final test: Includes all the material seen in class and the contents recommended in the bibliography. It is essential to pass it to pass the subject.
- 10 % - Practical test.
- 5 % - Attitude and Participation in class. Participation, initiative and disposition towards the class and the assigned tasks will be valued.
To pass the subject, a minimum of 5 must be obtained in the final exam and a 5 in the average of the grades.
Students in the second call: will take an exam in July that will count for 70% of the final grade and will be averaged with the grade for practices (10%) and preparation of case methods (20%) obtained in the first call. The partial exam and participation will not be averaged (unless the student requests it).
Students with two or more calls exhausted: will take the final exam of each call, which will count for 70% of the final grade and will be averaged with the grade for practices (10%) and preparation of case methods (20%) obtained in the first call. Whenever they wish, students may repeat attendance at practices, case methods, and partial tests to obtain a new grade. They must inform the coordinator in advance.
Bibliography and resources
- Neurociencia. Dale Purves. ISBN: 978-8498357547. Editorial Panamericana, 2016 (5ª Edición).
- Principles of Neural Science. Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell, Siegelbaum y Hudspeth. Editorial
- Neuroscience: exploring the brain. Bear, Mark F. Wolters Kluwer, cop. 2016
- Endocrine Physiology. PE Molina. 1264278454 · 9781264278459. Editorial McGraw Hill 2023 (6ª Edición).
- Fisiología Humana. Un enfoque integrado. Dee U. Silverthorn. ISBN: 9786078546220. Editorial Médica Panamericana, 2019 (8ª Edición).
- Guyton & Hall. Tratado de fisiología médica. J E Hall. ISBN: 9788413820132. Editorial Elsevier 2021 (14ª Edición).
Evaluation period
- E1 07/01/2025 A16 14:00h
- R1 27/01/2025 11:00h
- E2 20/06/2025 A09 11:00h