BPS1012 Human Physiology II: Body systems

This unit builds and extends on concepts learnt in BPS1011 Human Physiology I: Cells to systems. This unit extends on a foundation of knowledge about mammalian systems and the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs. Students will investigate 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, tissues, organs and systems will be analysed in detail, and examples of disease states amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed. The unit aims to provide a basic understanding of the functions of organs and systems such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; however, there is an equal emphasis on one of the key components of drug discovery: the choice of therapeutic target based on a thorough understanding of mechanism of action of drugs. A primary aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of basic pharmacological principles and how these are applied in pharmaceutical science. Students will undertake experimental approaches designed to solve biochemical, physiological and pharmacological research questions.

Topics to be covered include the:

• fundamentals of drug action
• cardiovascular system
• respiratory system
• pathophysiology of human disease states