Animal Physiology: Neurophysiology and Endocrinology
Code: 100807Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | OB | 3 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Albert Quintana Romero
- Email :
- albert.quintana@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Jordi Pastor Ciurana
- Mercè Giralt Carbonell
- Laura Cutando Ruiz
- Francisco Javier Carrasco Trancoso
- Elisenda Sanz Iglesias
- Albert Quintana Romero
- Gemma Comes Orpinell
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
It is convenient that the student has reached basic knowledge and competences of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Histology and Animal Physiology (systems).
Objectives
The subject of Physiology: Neurophysiology and Endocrinology is programmed during the first semester of the second year of the Degree in Biology and develops the integrated knowledge of the endocrine system and the normal functioning of the nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on the mammalian nervous system.
The acquisition of the basic competences of the subject will allow the student to face with a sufficient base the study of the physiopathology and the understanding of the mechanisms that affect the endocrine and nervous systems of animals and humans.
The general formative objectives of the subject are:
• Know the anatomical organization of the nervous system.
• Identify the different cell types that make up nervous tissue.
• Learn the basic concepts of the physiology of the nervous system in health.
• Identify the circuits and mechanisms responsible for the main neural, motor, sensory and cognitive functions.
• Train the student to apply the knowledge acquired in the deduction of the consequences of the pathological alterations of the endocrine and nervous system.
• Acquire the necessary practical skills to perform frequent functional techniques in the endocrine and nervous fields.
Learning outcomes
- CM21 (Evaluate inequalities for reasons of sex and gender at the experimental level in the field of animal physiology and pharmacology, highlighting the possible biases derived from them.) Evaluate inequalities for reasons of sex and gender at the experimental level in the field of animal physiology and pharmacology, highlighting the possible biases derived from them.
- KM35 (Define electrical phenomena and signal transmission in excitable cells, the concept of homeostasis and the functional organisation of animal organs and systems and the neurobiological substrate that regulates behaviour in animals and humans.) Define electrical phenomena and signal transmission in excitable cells, the concept of homeostasis and the functional organisation of animal organs and systems and the neurobiological substrate that regulates behaviour in animals and humans.
- KM36 (Describe the function and regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems of animals, with special emphasis on humans.) Describe the function and regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems of animals, with special emphasis on humans.
- SM32 (Determine vital parameters and indicators of animal growth and development, carrying out functional tests.) Determine vital parameters and indicators of animal growth and development, carrying out functional tests.
- SM33 (Summarise the physiological bases of the mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt to their environment and those involved in pathological processes and those related to human behaviour.) Summarise the physiological bases of the mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt to their environment and those involved in pathological processes and those related to human behaviour.
- SM34 (Summarise the neuroendocrine basis of animal behaviour.) Summarise the neuroendocrine basis of animal behaviour.
Contents
Theoretical program of the subject
I.- Nervous System
Introduction to the nervous system:
- Cell biology of the neuron.
- Nerve cells: neurons and glia.
- Synapses and Neurotransmission.
-Neurochemistry.
- Concepts of Neural Integration and Neural Integration.
Anatomical organization of the nervous system:
- General anatomy of the nervous system. Blood-brain barrier. Cerebrospinal fluid.
- Histological structure of the cerebral cortex. Functional organization of the cortex.
Sensory physiology:
- Sensory receptors. Concept. Types. Transduction mechanisms.
- Somatosensory information. Touch and pressure receptors. Balance receptors. Pain.
- Phonoreception and human hearing.
- Photoreception and the human eye
- Chemoreception: Taste and smell.
States of activation of the nervous system. Emotion and motivation:
- CNS activation states. Electroencephalogram. The reticular system. Wakefulness and sleep.
- Emotion and motivation. Concepts. The role of the limbic system and hypothalamus.
Motor system:
- Vegetative nervous system. Sympathetic and parasympathetic.
- Somatic motor system: spinal cord organization. Sensory organs of the muscle. The organization of muscle movements.
- Somatic motor system: supramedullary organization. Role of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Vestibular function and balance.
- Higher functions of the SN:
Memory and learning.
II.- Endocrine System and Reproduction:
- Endocrine glands and hormones.
- Hypothalamic-pituitary functional unit. Hypothalamic control of pituitary function.
- The pituitary gland: Neurohypophysis. Neuropituitary hormones. Pars intermedia. Adenohypophysis.Adenohypophyseal hormones. GH and prolactin.
- Pancreatic hormones. Insulin and Glucagon.
- The thyroid gland. Synthesis and Function of Thyroid Hormones
- Calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Parathormona, Vitamin D and calcitonin.
- Adrenal gland: Adrenocortical tissue: Glucocorticoids. Mineralocorticoids. Androgens
adernals. Chromaffin tissue: Catecholamines.
- Testicular function. Control of male reproductive functions
- Ovarian function. The ovarian cycle. Reproductive control in the female.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study | 78 | 3.12 | CM21, KM35, SM33, SM34 |
| Laboratory Practices | 12 | 0.48 | CM21, KM35, KM36, SM32 |
| Theoretical classes | 32 | 1.28 | CM21, KM35, KM36, SM32, SM33, SM34 |
| Problem resolution and analysis of data | 10 | 0.4 | KM35, SM33, SM34 |
| Seminars | 7 | 0.28 | CM21, KM35, KM36, SM33, SM34 |
| Tutorials | 5 | 0.2 | KM35, KM36, SM33, SM34 |
Methodology
Theoretical classes:
Systematized exposition of the subject syllabus, giving relevance to the most important concepts. The student acquires the basic scientific knowledge of the subject by attending theory classes, which will be complemented with the personal study of the topics presented.
Seminars:
The knowledge acquired in the theory classes and with personal study will be reinforced with the seminars, carrying out written tests for discussion and resolution of practical cases and problems that must be solved in a group. These proofs are assessable and are not recoverable. Non-attendance (to 1 or more of them) will be considered a zero of the seminar not presented.
Practical classes:
Practical sessions for the observation and performance of neuroanatomical, neurohistological and behavioural techniques. It promotes group work and active learning.
Attendance at the practical sessions is mandatory. Students will obtain the grade of \"Not Assessed\" when their absence is greater than 20% of the scheduled sessions.
Use of AI:
In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted as an integral part of the development of coursework, provided that the final outcome reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using AI, specify the tools employed, and include a critical reflection on how these technologies have influenced both the process and the final outcome of the assignment. Failure to disclose the use of AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a penalty to the assignment grade or more severe disciplinary sanctions in serious cases.
Note: 15 minutes of a class will be reserved, within the calendar established by the centre/degree, for the complementation by the students of the surveys for the evaluation of the performance of the teaching staff and the evaluation of the subject/module.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 15% | 1.5 | 0.06 | CM21, KM36, SM32 |
| practical exam | 15% | 0.5 | 0.02 | KM35, SM32, SM33, SM34 |
| Theoretical classes | 70% | 4 | 0.16 | CM21, KM35, KM36, SM32, SM33, SM34 |
Evaluation
The competencies of this subject will be assessed by:
Theory: 70% of the final grade:
Written evaluation. Theoretical knowledge will be assessed in three partial stages. The value of each partial will be proportional to the amount of subject evaluated (20-25% each partial).
The theory note corresponds to the part of the nervous system (two partials) and the part of the endocrine system (one partial). To pass by partials, a minimum grade of 4.5 is required for each of these exams to average with the seminars and internships.
There is a make-up exam for each failed midterm.
Seminars: 15% of the final grade:
Written evaluation. Discussion and resolution of cases and problems. 7 seminars. Seminars are not recoverable.
Internship: 15% of the final grade:
Single and individual written evaluation at the end of all the practices, on the same day as the theory exam of the 2nd part. There is no minimum grade at this part to average the marks of theory and seminars, but in practice grades lower than 4, there will be the possibility of taking an exam to recover the practices.
Recovery: To participate in the retake, students must have previously been evaluated in a set of activities whose weight is equivalent to a minimum of two thirds of the total grade of the subject or module. Therefore, students will obtain the grade of \"Not Assessed\" when the evaluation activities carried out have a weighting of less than 67% in the final grade.
To improve grade: There is the possibility of a special exam to improve grade. The exam is for the whole subject (you cannot take the exam to improve only one midterm grade) on thesame day of the recovery.
In the case of requesting the single evaluation, students may take a single Final Exam of the theory that will include all the contents of the subject and will have a weight of 70% of the grade. This test will be held on the same day that the rest of the registered people take the 3rd partial of theory. The part of seminars and practices (30% of the final grade) must be done like the rest of the students.
As mentioned above, the grade of \"Not Assessable\" will be received when the set of evaluation activities carried out has a weight of less than 67% of the final grade.
Any irregularity committed in an assessment activity (including academic fraud, plagiarism, or the improper use of AI, unless such use is explicitly authorized in the course guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the assessment result will result in a grade of 0 for that assessment activity. If the course guide specifies that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment activity is an essential requirement for passing the course, or if multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.
Bibliography
BARRETT KE. et al., Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology (25th Ed.), McGraw Hill, 2016 (*)
KOEPPEN B, STATON B: Berne & Levy Physiology (7 ed), Elsevier, 2018 (*).
CARDINALI DP, Neurociencia aplicada. Sus fundamentos, Panamericana, 2007 (*)
GUYTON AC, HALL JE. Tratado de Fisiología Médica (13 ed.), Elsevier, 2016.
PURVES. Neurociencia, Médica Panamericana, 2016 (*)
TRESGUERRES J.A.F. et al. Tratado de endocrinologia básica y clínica. Volumen I i II Ed.Síntesis 2001
TRESGUERRES J.A.F. Fisiología Humana, Interamericana-McGraw Hill (4ª Ed.), 2014 (*)
(*) Electronic access
Software
We do not use any software
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 13 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 131 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 131 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 131 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 132 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 132 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 132 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 133 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 133 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 133 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 134 | Catalan/Spanish | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLABs) Suport a les pràctiques de laboratori | 134 | Catalan/Spanish | first semester | afternoon |