southampton

Module overview

In Biomedical Engineering, it is essential to develop an in-depth understanding of human biology, anatomy and physiology, so that engineering expertise can be meaningfully applied to problems in human healthcare and disease as well as degeneration within the context of the life course. This ‘Human Biology and Systems Physiology’ module comprises a foundation in human cellular and molecular biology and how the body functions as a whole system. Particular attention will be given to five, key biological system strands: the Immune System, the Musculoskeletal System, the Cardiovascular System, the Respiratory System and Neurosensory Systems. In these key strands you will receive a more in-depth view of the relevant biology and physiology, existing concepts and models of the systems in health and in disease. Links are made throughout the module to allied engineering themes.

There will be an integrated, cross-referenced, series of lecturers, first exploring the molecular and cellular characteristics of human biology, followed by multi-lecture strands covering the key human physiological systems. The system lectures will be supplemented with lectures with a biomedical engineering focus from recognised experts in the fields of tissue repair and microfluidics. The lectures will be combined with a presentation workshop and a tutorial involving team-based thematic oral presentations.

This module is primarily aimed at students with an engineering and physical sciences background, wishing to apply their skills to biomedical challenges. It is not recommended for those who already have a background in medicine or biology

This postgraduate module is designed to equip you with the knowledge to appreciate and understand the organisation of human physiological systems, with perspectives spanning molecules, cells, organs and their integration into functional systems. This is coupled with a mechanistic knowledge required to understand system function and the causes of disease and degeneration that represent the focus of the pre-clinical and clinical application of biomedical engineering. The module will give you the breadth of understanding and critical thinking skills to tackle modern challenges in biomedical engineering, solutions to which will deliver real clinical impact.

Through this module you will be able to comprehend the nature of dysfunction of physiological systems in disease and degeneration that informs and underpins the use of biomedical engineering strategies taught throughout the other modules.

The module provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate scientific understanding, biomedical knowledge, communication skills, and critical thinking qualities

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Explain major socio-economic diseases, at the systems level, and how they can be managed using biomedical engineering approaches
Explain the nature and functional attributes of molecular and cellular systems, and extend this to the anatomical and physiological organisation of human tissues, organs and systems
Discuss how disturbances in molecular, cellular, tissue and physiological systems link with diseases and disorders

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Analyse complex biomedical scenarios both systematically and creatively.
Plan and implement tasks at a professional level.
Improve skills relating to lifelong professional learning.
Develop good communication skills (written, listening, and poster and verbal presentations), and an ability to communicate across the life technologies interface.
Constructively contribute to a team in a professional manner.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module will consist of lectures with theoretical analysis and real-world examples and applications to improve students' learning and analytical skills. In-class group discussions of research papers will facilitate deeper understanding and encourage critical thinking.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	120
Teaching	30
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Module Blackboard website.

Useful Journals. Nature Lab on a Chip

Internet Resources

Available from the University of Southampton library resource.

Textbooks

Alberts, Bruce (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York, NY: Garland Science.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

The assessment includes two summative elements that are a group recorded quiz and an individual written essay. The pass mark for the written assignment and module is 50%. A qualifying mark of 40% on each assessed component of the module must be achieved to pass the module. Each of the component marks is then combined, using the appropriate weighting, to give an overall mark for the module. If the overall mark is less than 50% when the weighting has been applied to the components, this constitutes a failure of the module.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Case Study Analysis

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Group assignment including presentation	20%
Individual assignment	80%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Individual assignment	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Human Biology & Systems Physiology