Principles of Physiology and Scientific Enquiry
MODULE CODE
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Module Aims
Aim 1
To provide an introduction to the principles of muscle and skeletal physiology, neurology, endocrinology, immunology and biochemical principles related to exercise, performance and health.
Aim 2
To introduce the research processes and develop skills in presenting supporting evidence.
Aim 3
To equip students with the relevant IT skills for future degree level work related to physiology.
Aim 4
To introduce the students to basic statistical techniques and principles.
Aim 5
To show how the statistical techniques and principles can be applied to answer research questions with an exercise and health framework.
Module Content
Skeletal system: Axial and appendicular skeleton, structure of bone, joints, planes of motion, joint levers.
The nervous system: Cells of the nervous system, functional anatomy of the nervous system, motor units, proprioception, reflexes, control of posture, walking, running.
Muscle structure and function: Types of muscle and their physiological roles, introduction to muscle architecture, muscle pennatio.
Endocrinology: Hormones, control of body functions, mode of action. Neuroendocrine co-ordination, relationship of hypothalamus, hypophysis and other neuroendocrine glands. Hormones and prostaglandins in the control of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, parturition and lactation.
Immunology: immune system, natural and acquired immunity; hypersensitivity, examples of immune malfunction in relation to exercise and general wellbeing.
Bioenergetics: identify metabolic pathways and how they are influenced by daily activity and exercise: ATPase, Creatine kinase, glycolysis (anaerobic threshold), glycogen metabolism, fat metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Exercise Physiology: Introduction to cardiovascular and respiratory parameters at rest and during exercise.
Introduction to research methodologies: the scientific method of problem solving, types of research, research methods process, developing the problem, developing the hypotheses. Basic literature searching strategies, using the Harvard/APA system of referencing.
Introduction to statistics: central tendency / variability / range of scores, basic concepts of statistical techniques, probability, relationships among variables, differences among groups, nonparametric techniques related to sport and exercise science.
Introduction to the use of SPSS including: importing data from Excel, variable view / data view, defining variables, descriptive statistics, simple statistical tests (T-tests, Correlation, Non-parametric tests), interpreting the data output, exporting graphs to Word
Introduction to PowerPoint (including preparing slides for presentations / posters)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
This module is taught using a combination of weekly lectures, practicals and workshops. Students are required to read widely in order to benefit from the lectures. Lectures provide the basic material for the workshops and practicals, wherein the material is applied within a health and exercise context. Extensive use of e-learn will support the delivery.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through a MCQ, an essay, and a group practical assignment and poster presentation.
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