Examination - Physiology 1, 3 credits

The aim of the course is to introduce the subject physiology with a specialisation in neurophysiology, muscle physiology, motor function and to give students an opportunity to develop basic theoretical knowledge in physiology to become part of an integrated clinical thinking. The course also aims at stimulating a reflecting and scientific attitude.

Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should : be able to describe and understand the physiological function - in different sensory systems and in the autonomous nervous system; in various types of muscle cells; concerning muscle function, motor functions of the brain stem and the cerebellum and higher functions such as memory and sleep, be able to describe/account for/explain concepts in the various component parts and relate them to a physiological context, have developed an understanding of how the body can provide, on the basis of future impressions to our a consciousness, how the body's own pain relieving can be activated through sensory stimulation, how the body can utilise motor programs, how a sensory motor integration may be done, how memory functions and sleep patterns may be affected by pain and stress

Physiology 1 comprises teaching about:

• The physiology of the neuron - osmosis, filtration, diffusion, onset of rest and action potentials
• Sensory physiology - general principles, feeling, vision, hearing, smell, taste, the vestibular nerve; Introduction to pain physiology
• Autonomous nervous system - function in peripheral and central parts, importance for our survival
• Muscle physiology, muscle fibres, muscle receptor, function in skeleton, cardiac and smooth musculature; sarcotubular system, activation and contraction process, the energy system and metabolism of the muscle, regulation of muscle force, muscle fatigue
• Reflectors and motor control
• The higher functions of the nervous system - emotions, wakefulness and sleep, interpretation functions, speech and writing ability, learning and memory, consolidation, abstract thinking and consciousness.

The course is included in the theme Man in motion of the Study Programme in Physiotherapy, and is given directly after the course Anatomy - Theme, man in motion, 7.5 HE credits.

Teaching is based on lectures, own work with study questions and a laboratory session. The laboratory session under the heading of reflectors and sensory functions aims at carrying out practical experiments based on theoretical parts just treated during the lectures. As a support for the implementation of the laboratory programme, a laboratory compendium is used.
In addition to this, the student is expected to acquire a large part of the knowledge through theoretical self-study.

The course is examined according to the following:
written examination. Grading scale: Pass with distinction/Pass/Fail

Compulsory participation for a pass grade on a course is:
participation in laboratory session
Information about complementary assignment, if attendance in a regular laboratory session is not possible, is given by the course coordinator .

In case of failure in the regular examination, the student is given the opportunity to return to a make-up examination during the same semester. After that, the student has the possibility to be examined on two occasions each semester in the following semesters. The student may sit, all in all, six examinations in the subject.

Examination will be provided during one year after a close-down of the course or a new syllabus.

Course evaluation
Course evaluation is conducted according to the guidelines established by the Board of Education at KI, and based on established evaluation routines within the programme.