SYKDB130 Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology

Contents and structure

In this module, students will learn about the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the human body. Anatomy refers to how the body is built, and physiology refers to how the body functions. Biochemistry refers to the chemical structures and processes in living organisms.

Students will also learn about microbiology, which refers to the study of microscopic organisms, e.g. bacteria, virus and fungi. Knowledge of these topics is necessary to understand how infectious diseases occur and are treated, and furthermore how infections can be prevented.

This module includes the following themes:

Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry

• Basic concepts
• Basic chemistry and biochemistry
• Cells
• Genetics - inheritance
• Histology - tissue
• Blood
• The circulatory system (the heart and venous system)
• The respiratory system
• The nervous system
• The endocrine system/the hormonal system
• The senses
• The immune system
• The skeleton
• The muscles
• The digestive system
• The kidneys and urinary tract
• Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base regulation
• The reproductive system (the male reproductive system, the female reproductive system, pregnancy and birth)
• The skin
• Temperature regulation
• Energy conversion

More comprehensive information and expected academic depth and level in the various topics emerged in the description of the subject content in separate documents designed in connection with the national examination (link)

 Microbiology

• Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and other microorganisms
• The pathogenicity and virulence of microorganisms
• Infection risks and the chain of infection
• Resistance development with the use of antimicrobials

Learning Outcome

Upon module completion, students will have attained the following total learning outcomes, divided into knowledge, skills and general competence. The earning outcomes for anatomy, physiology and biochemistry and those for microbiology are set out separately because they are examined separately.

Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry

Knowledge: The student...

• will have a broad knowledge of the organs and anatomical structure of the human body
• will have a broad knowledge of what anatomy signifies in terms of

• macroscopic anatomy: organs and organ systems
• microscopic anatomy: cells and tissue

• will have a broad knowledge of the placement of organs in relation to each other
• will have a broad knowledge of the functions of the various organs and organ systems in the body
• will have a broad knowledge of normal physiology in the various organs and organ systems in the body
• have a broad knowledge of the regulation mechanisms and homeostasis in the healthy body
• have knowledge of the central biochemical processes in the health body

Skills: The student...

• will have mastered concepts and terminology in the fields of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry

 

Competence The student...

• will be able to convey a broad knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body
• will be able to convey a knowledge of biochemistry

Microbiology

Knowledge: The student...

• will have a broad knowledge of the most common microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, prions, parasites and fungi) and the infections they can cause
• will have a broad knowledge of infection risks, for example the pathogenicity and virulence of microorganisms
• will have a broad knowledge of the chain of infection
• will have knowledge of antimicrobials and resistance development

Skills: The student...

• will have mastered concepts and terminology relating to microbiology

General competence: The student...

• will be able to convey a broad knowledge of infectious agents and infection risks
• will be able to convey a broad knowledge of microbiology, antibiotic use and resistance development

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

• Lectures
• Group work
• Multimedia resources
• Student presentations
• Supervision
• Peer feedback
• Problem solving
• Self-study

Compulsory learning activities

The following compulsory learning activities must be completed before students can sit the final examination:

1: Participation in study groups with peer feedback and supervision. Topic: anatomy and physiology.

2: Participation in study groups with peer feedback and supervision. Topic: physiology and biochemistry.

3: Participation in study groups with peer feedback and supervision. Topic: Microbiology

Compulsory learning activities are valid for four semesters. In the case of absence from cumpulsory learning activities, the same rules apply as for absence during practical training according to the regulations relating to programmes of study and examinations at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Assessment

The examination consists of two parts; part 1 counts for 80% and part 2 counts for 20% of the final grade.

Part 1: Written exam on anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, 4 hours. The time and place of the examination will be published on Studentweb.

Part 2: Written exam on microbiology, 2 hours. The time and place of the examination will be published on Studentweb.

Assessment grading

Graded using a scale from A to F, where A to E are passing grades and F is a fail.

Resitting examinations

Students must pass both exams to pass the course. If a student fails one of their exams, it must be taken again. Resit exams are conducted in the same way as ordinary exams.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material