Human physiology 1: Cells to systems

This unit lays a foundation of knowledge about mammalian systems and provides the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs. You will be introduced to the physiological basis of disease, highlighting the causal connections between cell biochemistry, body function at the tissue, organ and system level and human health. Several cells, organs and systems will be considered in detail, and one or more examples of disease states which are amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed.

The unit aims to provide a basic understanding of the functions of organs and systems such as the nervous and endocrinological systems; however, an equal emphasis will be placed on one of the key components of drug discovery, the choice of therapeutic target based on a thorough understanding of the disease process. The principal aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of basic biological principles and how these can be applied in pharmaceutical science. You will be introduced to experimental approaches to solving biochemical and physiological research questions and to fundamental laboratory techniques.

Topics to be covered include:

• cells, tissues, organs and systems
• homeostasis
• macromolecules
• metabolism
• DNA replication, gene transcription and translation
• the nervous system
• endocrinology