* Acquire an appropriate functional background of cells, tissues, organs & systems. Integrate physiological data & mechanisms with the ongoing taught sciences: anatomy, histology & biochemistry. * Follow the rapidly changing and inflating details about molecular biology & genetics. * Explore in detail the functions of the autonomic, the neuromuscular, the respiratory and the cardiovascular systems as well as their integration to achieve homeostasis (1st year course). * Explore in details the functions of the endocrinal, the reproductive the nervous, the renal & the digestive systems as well as their integration to achieve homeostasis (2nd year course). * To develop the basic scientific research skills as well as effective communication and team work attitudes. Intended learning outcomes: Intended learning outcomes: 1 Knowledge and Understanding: By the end of the course, students should be able to:
* Describe the cellular functions at the organelle and molecular level. * Describe & explain the functions of the different body systems, at the system and at the molecular levels. * To describe some biophysical laws and their relation to physiology * To present physiological scientific data in a graphical form. 2 Practical Skills: * By the end of the course, 1st year students should be able to:
1.Perform some hematological tests: estimation of blood Hb, bleeding & clotting times, determination of the hematocrite value, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and blood groups . 2. Perform some respiratory function tests. 3. Perform the measurement of the arterial blood pressure. 4. Manipulate a stethoscope for hearing heart and respiratory sounds. 5. Record and read an electrocardiogram. * By the end of the course, 2nd year students should be able to: 1.Perform a systematic examination of the nervous system: types of sensations, motor system, tendons jerks and muscle tone. 2. Perform some visual tests: corneal, light and accommodation reflexes, visual acuity, color vision and visual field defects. 3. Perform a preliminary examination of some common endocrinal conditions: acromegaly, dwarfism and a thyroid disease (hypo or hyper). 4. Integrate physiology with other sciences studied during this year. 3. General Skills and Attitudes: *By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Identify the essential ethical issues involved in scientific research. 2. Work separately or in a team to research and prepare a scientific topic. 3. Use available presentation aids (e.g. Overhead Projectors or Data Show) to present clearly and effectively a scientific topic in a tutorial, a staff meeting or the yearly scientific day.