Physiology Modules

• PGU33950 Cell Physiology and Pharmacology (S1)  5 credits - Prof K Connor,  

The lectures in this module focus on (i) membrane structure, proteins and properties; (ii) receptors and neurotransmitters, (iii) the principles of drug action, drug development and drug targets.  The module is designed to consider the structure of the membrane, the changes that occur in the membrane under different biological circumstances using age as an example, and role of membrane proteins.  Cell functions, for example, the control of intracellular calcium by cells and transmitter release will be considered in the context of the membrane proteins that impact on these functions.  There is a problem-based learning element to this course that will be a team-based exercise.  An overall theme will be chosen and groups of 3 or 4 students will be assigned specific aspects of the theme.  The objective is to undertake research on the theme and prepare a presentation that is cohesive across the topic.  Each team member will contribute to the presentation.  

• PGU33005 Research Skills, Cell and Tissue Structure (S1)  5 credits - Profs M Caldwell, E Jimenez-Mateos 

This module will cover components of tissues and how they work together in organ function. It will explain pathophysiological examples from a variety of tissues and organs and interpret 2D images as 3D structures. The module will give examples of changes in tissue structure in relation to function; physiological, pathophysiological and developmental states and explain the basis of the classification of tissues according to different criteria. You will learn the value of different types of classification and show an appreciation of the historical development of the bases of classification of tissues and be able to examine, interpret and comment upon a variety of tissues using the light microscope; including preparation artefacts and staining.  

• PGU33006 Nerve Muscle and Sensation (S1) 5 credits  - Prof A Witney 

This laboratory-based module examines sensory and motor neurophysiology from the nerve to the brain. First, basic principles of nerve conduction and muscle contraction are examined through computer simulation of the amphibian nerve. Group discussions of clinical case studies enable the theory learned to be applied to understand human sensorimotor control. Senses discussed include pain, audition, touch, taste and olfaction. The module includes group work enabling students to design and write a report on a short project. Tutorial sessions supplement the laboratory sessions for in depth discussion.   

• PGU33008: Brain, Nerve and Muscle (BNM) (S1)  5 credits  - Profs A Witney, M Cunningham & K Connor  

This module is divided into three elements. ELEMENT ONE: The principal aims of this element are: (i) to introduce the concept of excitable cells. (ii) To understand the sequence of cellular events, which lead to contraction of skeletal muscle. (iii) To explore the structure and mechanical properties of skeletal muscle. (iv) To understand how the neuromuscular system adapts in relation to specific exercise and clinical cases. ELEMENT TWO: is set of introductory lectures to synaptic transmission and sensory physiology. The basic properties of sensory processing are covered and details the physiological properties of senses.   

• PGU33007 Fluid Heat & Metabolism (FHM) (S2)  5 credits - Prof M Egana 

This course deals with the regulation of temperature, metabolism and fluids, and particularly how this occurs during thermal stress and exercise. A key focus is on learning basic aspects of regulation, and then applying this learning to interpreting human responses measured in the laboratory. This learning is fostered through short lectures, tutorials and laboratory experiments, as well as through the preparation of a visual and written presentation about a topic of interest to the student.  

• PGU33010 Cardiovascular System (CVS) (S2)  5 credits - Prof N Gildea 

The module will examine function and regulation of the circulatory system, using themes of adaptive responses to exercise and environmental change. Students will be assumed to be already familiar with the basic principles of cardiovascular structure and functions. Some sessions will analyse case histories illustrating typical options of cardiovascular adaptation or abnormality. A short research project will involve project planning, experimental design, data collection, handling and statistical analysis, written project report and oral poster presentation. The laboratory classes will provide insights into the practicalities of quantifying cardiovascular performance during exercise and allow students to conduct a short research project using these techniques.  

• PGU33011 Gut, Metabolism and Hormones (HOR) (S1 and S2) 5 credits  - Profs M Egana, M Caldwell, E Downer & R McMackin 

This module will cover Gut function, Metabolism, Renal function, Growth, including the hypothalamic/pituitary axis, Reproduction: regulation of gender, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and parturition.   

• PGU33112 Respiratory Systems (RS) (S2)  5 credits  - Prof M Egana. 

The module content includes respiratory mechanics; lung compliance & airway resistance; diffusion; transport of O2 and CO2; role of respiration in blood acid/base homeostasis; control of ventilation; and respiration in altered environments.  The practical classes explore spirometry & lung volumes; respiratory gas analysis & dead space; ventilation/ perfusion with exercise and exercise & acid/base status. 

BIU33350 Molecular basis of Disease (S1)  5 credits - Profs E Creagh, A Dunne, T McElligot, K Gately, M Barr & K H Mok  

This module covers cell signalling, oncogenic signalling, key pathways that become deregulated in human disease, the molecular basis of cancer, neurodegeneration and other ageing-related diseases. The module also covers the programme of drug discovery and ADME/ADMET and its relationship to treatment of human disease. 

BIU33150 Biochemistry for Biosciences (S1)  5 credits - Profs A Kahn, K Mok, J Murray, M Caffery, D Nolan & A Dunne. 

This module follows on from the biochemistry/cell biology component of the “Molecules to Cells” BYU22201 module of year 2. The aim is to provide Junior Sophister students of other disciplines with the grounding in biochemistry necessary to (i) understand biology at a molecular level, (ii) form a mechanistic view of biological processes and (iii) appreciate the pathobiochemical basis of disease.  The topics covered will include: the biochemistry of protein structure, enzymes and their role in metabolism, membranes and transport, signalling and the cytoskeleton and related cell biology. The module will be assessed through a combination of in course assessment and an individual end of term exam. 

ZOU33050 Introduction to Developmental Biology (S1)  5 credits - Dr R Rolfe 

This module consists of a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions that deals with a range of developmental topics emphasising a molecular approach to understanding the principles of animal development. A number of animal model systems will be dealt with and the contribution of each to our overall understanding of development discussed. Specific topics will include the following: Developmental genetics: the identification of genes that regulate development in Drosophila and vertebrates, Positional determination: how the body plan of the embryo is laid down including the role of homeo-box genes, Induction: the role of cell and tissue interactions and signalling cascades, Developmental neurobiology: positional determination within the vertebrate central nervous system, neuronal diversity and axonal guidance, neural crest cells and development of the peripheral nervous system. Other topics include limb development, organogenesis, and evolutionary developmental biology. 

PGU33109 Neurophysiology I ( S2) 5 credits  - Prof E Jimenez-Mateos, K Connor.  

The lectures in this module focus on how the nervous system works. Lectures will describe the structure and function of neurons, how they communicate and how they are arranged to form the nervous system. Topics include electrical properties of neurons, properties and physiological functions of ion channels, synaptic excitability, transmission and plasticity and the delivery and interpretation of sensory information into the central nervous system. Part of the course is also devoted to describing methods to record both cellular and brain activity. Practical classes focus on computer-simulated recordings of individual nerves to understand features of neuronal activity, recording brain function via electroencephalogram and sensory-evoked potentials. This module is designed to provide understanding of how the brain functions at a cellular and systems level. 

BIU33475 Basics of Neurobiology (S2)  5 credits  - Profs G Davey & D Loane  

This module focuses on chemical transmission between neurons, how neurotransmitters are classified and identified and describes typical and atypical neurotransmitters and their functions in the brain. It considers mechanisms in which abnormal neurotransmission gives rise to common neurological & psychiatric disorders. 

BIU33250 Introduction to Immunology and Immunometabolism (S2) 5 credits - Prof A Dunne, J Fletcher, M Carthy, E Lavelle, L O’Neill. 

This module introduces to the basic components and function of the immune system – the molecules, cells, tissues and organs that make up the immune system. It will illustrate the immune responses to infection. Additionally, it will introduce students to the principles of integrated metabolism and bioenergetics before considering how they are dysregulated in inflammatory diseases and also how we can harness this knowledge for new immunotherapies. 

GEU33215 Medical Genetics (S2)  5 credits  - Profs J Farrar, P Humphries, R McLaughlin 

The module will introduce core concepts in medical genetics and will highlight the exciting advances in this field in the past few years. It will provide an overview of the history of field and insights into key developments in medical genetics up to 2020 including state-of-art powerful technologies such as genome editing. A key objective of the module is to provide an overview of the dominant technologies and methodologies currently used to elucidate the genetic pathogenesis of human disorders. The module will illuminate the enormous role that genetic information now has in disease diagnosis and prognosis, and in directing therapeutic choices for patients for many disorders. This module provides an introduction to: the genetic basis of mendelian and multifactorial diseases, the genetic methodologies and technologies used to define the causes of disease, the exploitation of genomic data in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease, the genetic basis of why different individuals can respond so differently to therapeutics and the individualization of medicine in the genomics era (pharmacogenomics). 

• PGU44006 Biomechanics & Neural Control of Movement (BNCM) (S1)  5 credits - Prof A Witney 

The aim of this module is to understand the biomechanics and neural control of action. First the complementary and overlapping roles of our multiple descending motor pathways are discussed, with the focus on human motor control, but with the contributions of animal models, particularly primates, described and discussed. The control of locomotion is studied, including both the biomechanics and neural control of locomotion. The neural control of locomotion will include the development of the concept of central pattern generators from invertebrates through to man with students having access to computer simulations of the proposed neural circuits. The biomechanics aspect of locomotion focuses on human movement in the context of both athletic performance and the challenges faced in restoring locomotion after spinal cord injury. Musculoskeletal modelling is used to demonstrate how these methods can aid rehabilitation or improvements in performance. Postural control in humans is discussed with the role of different sensory inputs described. Finally, the learning of complex motor skills will be covered including the control of object manipulation.  Clinical case studies of movement disorders are included throughout the module as well as a study of key techniques used to study movement and the neural control of movement including motion capture and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

• PGU44007 - Glial Physiology (GP) (S1) 5 credits  - Profs M Caldwell & E Jiménez-Mateos 

The module is designed to explore the neurobiology of glia and assess the impact of glia on the function of the nervous system.  The first part of the module is designed to provide an understanding of stem cells and their differentiation into neural subtypes including glia. The concept of adult neurogenesis and the effect of exercise will also be discussed. The second part of the module is designed to provide an understanding of astrocytes and microglia and appreciate their ability to adopt different phenotypes.  The diverse roles of astrocytes and microglia will be considered.  We will compile practical examples of how astrocytes and microglia help to maintain homeostasis and respond to injury. 

 Astrocytes are the most prevalent glial cell in the brain and the module will continue by exploring the many functions of astrocytes from the very well-defined role in providing metabolic support to neurons to the finding that astrocytes, like microglia, are active players in cerebral innate immunity.  The role of astrocytes in blood brain barrier function will be described and the impact of changes in blood brain barrier permeability will be considered in different Options. 

 The third part will consider the changes that occur in disorders of the central nervous system with a focus on exploring the impact of neuroinflammation and oxidative changes in disease pathologies.  The changes in glial function in a number of different conditions will be discussed. 

• PGU44101 Neurophysiology (S1)  5 credits  - Prof M Cunningham 

This module focuses on the physiological properties of neurons, synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. In particular, the module builds on knowledge acquired in JS Physiology and describes, in-depth, biophysical membrane properties of neurons including membrane resistance and capacitance; time and length constants; ion fluxes and permeabilities and membrane potential, Nernst equilibrium potentials and the Goldman Hodgkin Katz (GHK) equation for determining membrane potential; electrical properties of neurons; Hodgkin-Huxley recording of the squid action potential and modern electrophysiological techniques; the quantal nature and probability of neurotransmitter release; molecular features of ion channels including conductance, selectivity filters and gating; integrative properties of neurons, dendrites, and dendritic conductance; spatial and temporal summation; synaptic plasticity mechanisms; neuronal and network functions, oscillatory networks, pacemakers, resonators and rebound activity. The module also describes methodology for investigating neuronal function e.g. current and voltage-clamping, extracellular local field potential recordings, whole-cell patch-clamp and optogenetics.  

• PGU44009 Techniques in Cellular Physiology (TCP) (S1)  5 credits  - Profs R McMackin & K Connor 

This module aims to provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience of modern techniques used in cell physiology research. Topics include: The preparation of solutions; benchwork and calculations, biochemical protein analysis, confocal microscopy, cell culture, gel electrophoresis with western immunoblot, and molecular biology techniques with a physiological application. A practical demonstration will accompany most of the lecture topics where students will gain some ‘hands on’ experience and write up their laboratory methods in the style of the Journal of Physiology. Lecture notes and learning supports will be available on blackboard, students are also encouraged to refer to research papers. 

• PGU44803 General Physiology (GP) (S1&S2)  10 credits  - Prof Á Kelly 

There are two components. First, seminars and workshops ensure students have a solid grounding in the function of all physiological systems, from the basis of cell function at the ionic and molecular level to the integrated behaviour of the whole body and the influence of the external environment. The module emphasises the integration of molecular, cellular, systems and whole-body function as the factor that distinguishes physiology from the other life sciences. 

The second aspect of the module focusses on the most important and primary source of scientific knowledge - published research papers.  The module trains students with the skills required to critically assess published papers. This component of the module is designed to provide guidelines to attain this skill, which can be improved only with increasing exposure to scientific literature. In this module, students will present, and critically discuss the findings of scientific papers across Physiology. 

• PGU44802 Integrative Physiology (IP) (S1 &S2) 10 credits  - Prof Á Kelly

This interactive, workshop-based module is intended to ensure students can integrate and apply their knowledge of core material covered in all Sophister modules and has a strong research focus. Students are given discussion topics that they are required to research, using material from journal articles, and present the results of their research via oral presentation. Discussion topics include case studies, recent developments in physiology and current topics in physiology relevant to society. 

• PGU44020 - Capstone Project: Research Skills and Project. (S1 & S2)  20 credits - Prof A Witney

The aim of this module is to develop some of the research skills necessary for successful completion of an independent research project.  In the first semester the focus is on the students gaining necessary research skills. Lecture and laboratory sessions are designed to ensure students are familiar with correct handling of data and use of appropriate statistical tests before undertaking their final year research project. The student performs an extensive review of the literature relevant to the proposed final year research project. The focus on the second semester represents the culmination of your training in scientific research in the Physiology moderatorship. You will conduct a full-time research project in one of the laboratories in the Department. Your independent research starts on the first Monday of the Hilary Term. While you are working in your host laboratory you are expected to full participate in the research environment. This includes presentations at laboratory meetings, keeping adequate laboratory records as well as working and discussing research with your laboratory colleagues. You should plan to complete laboratory work just before the St Patrick’s day holiday. You are then required to submit a written report and present your research findings in the first week of April. You will also be assessed on your conduct in your host laboratory and your keeping of laboratory records and data storage.