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  6. PY3002: Integrative Physiology

PY3002: INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY (2026-2027)

Last modified: 30 Sep 2025 12:16


Course Overview

  • this course integrates advanced physiological knowledge using examples from four different organ systems to help explain how these systems interact in health and disease; 
  • use of real-life clinical examples, diagnostic test data and a literature-based research project facilitates an enquiry and interest-based learning experience; 
  • with an aging population and ever-increasing number of people with complex diseases, you will appreciate why understanding how organs interact is the key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders; 
  • state-of-the-art practical classes measuring physiological functions delivers hands-on science and clinically-related skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge-based practice

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Derek Scott

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course takes the integrative function of major organ systems as its main theme. We begin by considering the scientific method in physiology and how the human body copes with the challenges of maintaining homeostasis. We then focus on four specific organ systems - the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal and renal systems. The student will learn how these systems function during health and disease, and how they interact with one another. Special emphasis is placed on the measurement of organ function and pathophysiology. Instruction is also provided in experimental design and measurement of cardiorespiratory variables. Lecture and case-study material is accompanied by the use of a microcomputer in data capture and analysis and a problem-solving project. The course consists of 4 lectures and 1 project/laboratory session per week, and is examined by continuous assessment of course work and a 3-hour written exam.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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A 2,000-word essay worth 20% of the overall grade.

 Word Count 2000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Short Answer Case Studies

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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•Cardiovascular case study – 10%
•Respiratory case study – 10%
•Gastrointestinal OR renal case study - 10%
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

PHYSIOLOGY INFOGRAPHIC PROJECT

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

A poster worth 20% of the overall grade.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Practicals

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.
 

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