Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Anatomy and Physiology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
A face-to-face appointment can be made with the teacher by sending an email to bmezquita@uic.es
Introduction
This course has been designed to help bioengineering students understand how the human body is organised and how it works. Specifically, anatomy is dedicated to the study of the structures of body components and the relationship between them. Physiology deals with how these components work to ensure the survival of the organism. This subject introduces the human anatomical and physiological bases with a special emphasis on the structures and processes relevant to bioengineering.
Pre-course requirements
None
Objectives
Offer a global and comprehensive vision of the morphology and function of the human organism in a state of health. Familiarize the student with the use of the language of anatomy and physiology.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN02 - Associate the assessments and implantable materials with the variability in the expression of diseases and biological differences between sexes.
- CN05 - Recognise the anatomy and physiology applied to the structures involved in bioengineering.
- HB15 - Identify how bioengineering issues affect the specific needs or characteristics of men and women, in biological, social and cultural aspects, respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights as well as the values of a culture of peace and democratic values that include the promotion of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotyped language.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Classify the fundamentals and principles for the study of anatomy and physiology, including their basic and specific terminology.
• Describe the structure and function of human organs and body systems.
• Associate appropriate professional attitudes for future practice.
• Integrate the scientific method, promoting reasoning and problem discussion.
• Recognize primary sources of information.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Anatomy of the Human Body
1.1 Definition
1.2 Structural organisation levels
1.3 Anatomical nomenclature
2. Introduction to Physiology of the Human Body
2.1 Definition
2.2 Concept of the internal environment
2.3 Concept of homeostasis
3. Cell Structure and Function
3.1 General components of the cell
4. Tissue Structure and Function
4.1 Tissue preparation for analysis under the microscope
4.2 Epithelial tissue
4.3 Connective tissue
4.4 Nerve tissue
4.5 Muscle tissue
5. Integumentary System
5.1 Anatomy of the skin and nails
5.2 Functions of the integumentary system
6. Blood Physiology
6.1 Blood functions
6.2 Blood composition
6.3 Hematopoiesis
6.4 Hemostasis
6.5 Blood groups
7. Circulatory System
7.1 Anatomy
7.2 Functions of the circulatory system
7.3 Electrical activity of the heart
7.4 Mechanical activity of the heart
7.5 Regulation of cardiac activity
7.6 Cardiac cycle
7.7 General circulation distribution system
7.8 Regulation of blood pressure
7.9 Exchange system
7.10 Lymphatic and venous return systems
7.11 Angiogenesis
7.12 Local circulation
8. Respiratory System
8.1 Anatomy
8.2 Ventilation, perfusion and ventilation / perfusion ratio
8.3 Blood gas transport
8.4 Regulation of respiratory function
9. Renal System
9.1 Anatomy
9.2 Glomerular filtration
9.3 Tubular function
9.4 Renal regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
10. Digestive System
10.1 Anatomy
10.2 Gastrointestinal motor activities
10.3 Gastrointestional secretory activities
10.4 Digestion and absorption
10.5 Liver functions
11. Endocrine System
11.1 Components
11.2 Hypothalamus and pituitary hormones
11.3 Thyroid hormones
11.4 Hormones that control calcium and phosphate metabolism
11.5 Suprarenal gland hormones
11.6 Pancreas hormones
11.7 Sex hormones
12. Nervous System
12.1 Anatomy
12.2 Physiology of the neuron and the neuron microenvironment
12.3 Sensory circuits
12.4 Motor circuits
12.5 Autonomic nervous systems
13. Musculoskeletal System
13.1 Skeletal structure and function
13.2 Joints
13.3 Skeletal muscle anatomy and function
14. Reproductive System
14.1 Asexual and sexual reproduction
14.2 Anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system
14.3 Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Face to face theoretical classes.
Practical classes at the dissection lab.
Presentation sessions and discussion of clinical cases relevant to bioengineering / group work.
Sessions of presentation and discussion of scientific articles reflecting the latest advances in physiological sciences / individual work.
Self-learning tests.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final mark is calculated based on the following components, with the indicated weights:
1- Attendance and participation in the theoretical and practical classes: 10%
2- Resolution of the self-assessment tests in the determined time periods: 10%
3- Group project: 10%
3- Mid-term exam: 20%
4- Final exam: 50%
Important considerations:
- Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will receive a zero in that evaluation section. Plagiarism during exams will lead to immediate failure of the subject.
- In the second-sitting exams, honors distinction will not be awarded; therefore, “Excellent” will be the maximum mark students can obtain.
- Changes in the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted.
- Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
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Keep in mind that passing the final exam with a minimum score of 5 is required to pass the course
Consideraciones importantes
- El plagio, el copiado o cualquier otra forma de fraude académico implicarán una calificación de cero en ese apartado de evaluación.
- Si se detecta fraude durante un examen, esto supondrá el suspenso inmediato de la asignatura, sin posibilidad de recuperar la convocatoria.
- Se prohíbe estrictamente el uso de herramientas de inteligencia artificial en la realización de actividades de evaluación, salvo en aquellos casos en que su utilización haya sido expresamente autorizada por el docente responsable como parte de la actividad.
- El uso o la tenencia de dispositivos electrónicos (teléfonos móviles, relojes inteligentes, auriculares, etc.) durante la realización de los exámenes está estrictamente prohibido.
La mera posesión de estos dispositivos, aunque no estén en uso, será considerada intento de fraude.
- Si se detecta en primera convocatoria, supondrá el suspenso automático del examen, y el estudiante deberá presentarse en segunda convocatoria.
- Si se detecta en segunda convocatoria, supondrá el suspenso definitivo de la asignatura, y el estudiante tendrá que volver a matricularse el curso siguiente.
- No se aceptarán cambios en el calendario académico, las fechas de los exámenes ni en el sistema de evaluación bajo ninguna circunstancia.
- Los estudiantes de intercambio (Erasmus u otros) y los repetidores estarán sometidos a las mismas condiciones de evaluación, asistencia y normativa que el resto del alumnado.
Bibliography and resources
Mezquita. Fisiología Médica, 2ª ed. Panamericana (2018).
Stephanie McCann and Eric Wise. Anatomy Coloring Book, 5th ed. Kaplan (2014)
Evaluation period
- E1 07/11/2025 I3 12:00h
- E1 08/01/2026 I3 12:00h