Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Structure and Function of the Integration Systems: Nervous and Endocrine

Structure and Function of the Integration Systems: Nervous and Endocrine
6
13480
1
First semester
OB
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff

Introduction

In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.


The subject "Structure and function of integration systems: nervous and endocrine" allows us to know how body activities are regulated by nerve impulses and hormonal secretions, contributing to the maintenance of body homeostasis. The description of the sensory and motor pathways will allow us to understand how impulses are transmitted to the marrow and the brain, and from there to the muscles and glands. We will also study the part of the nervous system that operates without voluntary control, the autonomic nervous system, to conclude with the systems of protection and regulation of the internal organs mediated by this same system. We will also know how behaviors and memories are perceived, and how voluntary movements are carried out. We will understand the general organization of the endocrine system: the structural, general and specific characteristics of the endocrine glands; the molecular structure of the different hormones and the mechanisms involved in their production, transport, metabolism, and regulation, as well as the physiological effects of the different hormones.

Pre-course requirements

Knowledge of chemistry / biochemistry and molecular biology, high school level

Objectives

  1. Conocer la estructura, la organización y funciones del sistema nervioso. Conocer las señales eléctricas y químicas de las neuronas y cómo éstas se transmiten en las sinapsis.
  2. Identificar y describir la morfología del sistema nervioso central y autónomo.
  3. Conocer la composición y función del sistema nervioso autónomo y del sistema neuro-endocrino.
  4. Conocer la estructura, la organización y las funciones del sistema endocrino. 
  5. Conocer las diferentes hormonas así como sus diferentes funciones, regulación y mecanismos de acción en los distintos órganos.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • Recognize the anatomy, physiology and histology of the organs and systems of the human body in different stages of life and in both sexes, giving special emphasis to the comprehensive understanding of aging.
  • Recognize the basic biological concepts and the proper language of the biomedical sciences in the state of health.
  • Recognize basic concepts of different areas related to the biomedical sciences.
  • Develop the capacity of organization and planning appropriate to the moment.
  • Develop the ability to solve problems.
  • To be able to teamwork.
  • Be able to carry out autonomous learning.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
  • Use the internet as a means of communication and as a source of information
  • Recognize the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and aging.
  • Interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
  • That students have demonstrated to possess and understand knowledge in an area of study that starts from the base of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that imply knowledge coming from the forefront of his field of study
  • That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature
  • That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to a specialized and non-specialized public

Learning outcomes of the subject

During the course the student has to acquire basic knowledge about the nervous system (central, peripheral, and autonomous), and know the macroscopic and microscopic structure of its components. It must be able to identify the circuits and mechanisms responsible for different physiological functions, as well as the integration of signals within it. The student must also acquire the necessary knowledge about the endocrine system, its structure and its different functions. You should know the different hormones, their mechanisms of production, regulation, and action at the level of the target tissues, as well as the consequences of their deregulation.

Syllabus






























Teaching and learning activities

In person



Lecture (Master class, CM): Explanation of a theoretical topic by the instructor, during 50 minutes.

Clinical cases (CC): Approach of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the problem in small groups and later in class the answers are discussed. The instructor actively participates and, if necessary, explain new knowledge to the students.

Practical (P):Experimental demonstration in the laboratory about concepts studied in theoretical classes. Familiarization with the most frequent experimental techniques used at a biochemistry laboratory.

Virtual Education (EV): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to self-learning concepts related to the subject

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



20% partial test, 5% evaluation of practices, 10% attitude and participation, 45% final test and 20% works and evaluations of case methods and participation in these classes.

  • 20% - Partial test: multiple choice test. This test includes all the subject taught up to the class prior to the test.
  • 5% - Practical test. The student who does not pass this test will not be evaluated on the final exam.
  • 10% - Attitude and Participation in class. Participation, initiative and disposition towards the class and assigned tasks will be valued.
  • 45% - Final test: multiple choice test. Includes all the material seen in class and the contents recommended in the bibliography. It is essential to overcome it to pass the subject.
  • 20% - Evaluation of the methods of the case: the students will be evaluated continuously. This type of evaluation includes attendance control, resolution of case methods and classroom exposure.

To pass the subject you must obtain a minimum of 5 in the final exam.

Bibliography and resources

  • Principles of Neural Science. Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell, Siegelbaum y Hudspeth. Editorial McGraw Hill, 2012 (5ª ed.) **
  • The Neuron: Cell and Molecular Biology. Levitan and Kaczmarek. Oxford Univeristy Press 2002 (3rd ed) **
  • Neurociencia. Dale Purves. ISBN: 978-8498357547. Editorial Panamericana, 2016 (5ª Edición).
  • Williams Tratado de Endocrinología. Wilson, Foster, Kronenberg, Larsen. ISBN: 978-8491131014. Editorial Elsevier, 2017 (13ª ed.)
  • Tratado de Fisiología médica. Guyton y Hall. ISBN: 9781455770052. Editorial Elsevier, 2016 (13ª ed.)
  • Berne y Levy Fisiología. Koeppen y Staton. ISBN: 978-8491132585. Editorial Elsevier, 2018 (7ª ed.)
  • Sobotta Histología. Welsch. ISBN: 978-6077743910. Editorial Panamericana 2014 (3ª ed.)

** higlhy recommendable.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 08/01/2021 I3 16:00h
  • E2 16/06/2021 14:00h