Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Physiology (Biochemistry, Biophysics)
Course Code
LF_124
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 5
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Līga Ēriksone
Structure Unit Manager
Dita Role
Structural Unit
RSU Liepāja Branch
Contacts
Liepaja, Riņķu iela 24/26, lf@rsu.lv, +371 63442118, +371 63442119, +371 63484632
About Study Course
Objective
To ensure the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of students regarding physiological processes of the human organism, mechanisms for regulating them, explaining the mutual integration of these processes and the development of pathological processes as a deviation from normal physiology, as well as to develop an understanding of the functioning of the organism at a molecular level and the importance of basic principles of biophysics and biochemistry in medicine.
Preliminary Knowledge
A student needs basic knowledge appropriate to the level of secondary education in natural sciences (biology, human anatomy, chemistry and physics).
Knowledge
- of basic principles of cell construction and life processes;
- on the general structure of human organ systems (at secondary level);
- on the construction of chemical substances, chemical reactions and basic metabolic principles;
- on basic principles of physical processes (e.g. diffusion, osmosis, pressure, fluid movement and heat processes).
The skills to
- use the basic terminology of biology, anatomy, chemistry and physics;
- to interpret simple schemes, tables and timetables;
- perform simple calculations (such as calculations of concentrations or proportions).
Competence
- was able to use basic knowledge of natural sciences to explain the life processes of the human organism.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.1. Describes the physiological processes of the human body at the level of cells, tissues and organ systems. 2. Explains the mechanisms of organism regulation and their role in maintaining homeostasis. 3. Describe the physiological operating principles of major organ systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine and nervous system). 4. Explains the role of biochemical processes and molecular mechanisms in ensuring the functions of the body. 5. Describes the importance of biophysical regularities in the functioning and medicine of the human body.
Skills
1.6. Analyse physiological processes and their mutual integration into the body. 7. Compares normal and abnormal functional parameters by explaining deviations from the physiological norm. 8. Interpret physiological, biochemical and biophysical data, schedules and diagrams. 9. Theoretical knowledge in the interpretation of physiological processes shall be applied.
Competences
1.10. Integrates basic knowledge of physiology, biophysics and biochemistry within the meaning of the functioning of the human body in a medical context. 11. Use the acquired knowledge in the subsequent professional study process and in the development of the professional competence of the physician’s assistant.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Calculation of nutrients in the context of digestive physiology (proteins, fats, carbohydrates). |
10.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Description available in eStudies |
||
|
2.
Preparing questions on muscle physiology, nervous system physiology and stress physiological mechanisms. |
10.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Job description in e-studies |
||
|
3.
Preparation of written answers on cardiovascular physiology and blood functions. |
20.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Description available in e - studies |
||
|
4.
Four self-test tests |
-
|
-
|
|
Tests available in e-Studies |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
colloquium 1 |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Knowledge test on basic human physiology processes: homeostasis, blood composition and function, digestive, respiratory and urethra function |
||
|
2.
colloquium 2 |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Knowledge test on human body regulation and sensory systems: skin, muscles, endocrine, sensory and nervous system |
||
|
3.
colloquium 3 |
10.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Knowledge test for physiology of the lymphatic system, nervous system and sensory system |
||
|
4.
Practice during classes |
10.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
During practical classes, students perform 3 practical work in which they analyse physiological processes and interpret the acquired data. Practical work shall be carried out on the following topics:
physical works of the endocrine system is evaluated as follows:
|
||
|
5.
colloquium 4 |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Final colloquial test on physiology of human organism systems in study course “Physiology (Biochemistry, Biophysics)” |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology as a science, physiology of irritated tissues
Description
Development and methods of physiology. Homeostasis. Cell membrane potential, action potential, nerve pulse transmission, synaptic transmission, reflex arc. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Blood and hematopoietic physiology, hemodynamics
Description
Blood composition and functions. Physiology of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Hemostasis mechanisms. Blood groups. Physical principles of blood flow, lymphomatic system. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Blood and hematopoietic physiology, hemodynamics
Description
Blood composition and functions. Physiology of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Hemostasis mechanisms. Blood groups. Physical principles of blood flow, lymphomatic system. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Blood and hematopoietic physiology, hemodynamics
Description
Blood composition and functions. Physiology of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Hemostasis mechanisms. Blood groups. Physical principles of blood flow, lymphomatic system. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cardiovascular physiology
Description
Heart cycle. Guide system. Cardiac control. Blood pressure regulation. Microcirculation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cardiovascular physiology
Description
Heart cycle. Guide system. Cardiac control. Blood pressure regulation. Microcirculation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cardiovascular physiology
Description
Heart cycle. Guide system. Cardiac control. Blood pressure regulation. Microcirculation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Cardiovascular physiology
Description
Heart cycle. Guide system. Cardiac control. Blood pressure regulation. Microcirculation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digestive physiology
Description
Digestive secretion and motor. Nutrient cleavage and absorption. Regulating mechanisms. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Respiratory physiology
Description
Lung ventilation, gas exchange, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Respiratory adjustment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Respiratory physiology
Description
Lung ventilation, gas exchange, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Respiratory adjustment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digestive physiology
Description
Digestive secretion and motor. Nutrient cleavage and absorption. Regulating mechanisms. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Respiratory physiology
Description
Lung ventilation, gas exchange, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Respiratory adjustment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Digestive physiology
Description
Digestive secretion and motor. Nutrient cleavage and absorption. Regulating mechanisms. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Renal physiology
Description
Glomerular filtration, reabsorption, secretion. Water-salty balance. Acid-base regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Renal physiology
Description
Glomerular filtration, reabsorption, secretion. Water-salty balance. Acid-base regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Renal physiology
Description
Glomerular filtration, reabsorption, secretion. Water-salty balance. Acid-base regulation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Muscle physiology
Description
Mechanisms for working the skeletal, smooth and heart muscles. Molecular basis of contraction. Skin and mucosal physiology. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Muscle physiology
Description
Mechanisms for working the skeletal, smooth and heart muscles. Molecular basis of contraction. Skin and mucosal physiology. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Muscle physiology
Description
Mechanisms for working the skeletal, smooth and heart muscles. Molecular basis of contraction. Skin and mucosal physiology. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of the endocrine system
Description
Mechanisms for hormones. Functions and regulation of major endocrine glands. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of the endocrine system
Description
Mechanisms for hormones. Functions and regulation of major endocrine glands. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of the endocrine system
Description
Mechanisms for hormones. Functions and regulation of major endocrine glands. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of sensor systems
Description
Receptor operation. Physiology of vision, hearing, smell, taste and somatosensory system. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of sensor systems
Description
Receptor operation. Physiology of vision, hearing, smell, taste and somatosensory system. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of sensor systems
Description
Receptor operation. Physiology of vision, hearing, smell, taste and somatosensory system. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of central NS and vegetative NS
Description
CNS organization. Reflexes. The ultimate nervous activity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of central NS and vegetative NS
Description
CNS organization. Reflexes. The ultimate nervous activity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of central NS and vegetative NS
Description
CNS organization. Reflexes. The ultimate nervous activity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of central NS and vegetative NS
Description
CNS organization. Reflexes. The ultimate nervous activity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of central NS and vegetative NS
Description
CNS organization. Reflexes. The ultimate nervous activity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiology of central NS and vegetative NS
Description
CNS organization. Reflexes. The ultimate nervous activity. Sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
L. Aberberga-Augškalne, O. Koraļova – Fizioloģija ārstiem, „Medicīnas apgāds”, 2021. 13-298 lpp.
2.
L. Aberberga-Augškalne, O. Koraļova – Fizioloģija rehabilotologiem un veselības sporta speciālistiem, „Medicīnas apgāds”, 2008. 13 - 71 lpp. (akceptējams izdevums)
3.
A. Valtneris – Cilvēka fizioloģija, „Zvaigzne ABC”, 2018. 3- 218 lpp.
4.
Apinis P. Cilvēks. Anatomija, fizioloģija, patoloģijas pamati. SIA "Nacionālais Medicīnas apgāds", SIA "Apgāds Jāņa sēta", 1998. (akceptējams izdevums)
Additional Reading
1.
Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. ClinicalKey, 2021., 10th ed.
2.
R.K. Murray et al. Harper's illustrated biochemistry. 31st ed. (Prentice Hall Inc., 2018).
3.
D. Giancoli. Physics: Principles with Applications. - Prentice Hall, 2016.
Other Information Sources
1.
L. Stryer, J.M. Berg, J.L. Tymoczko. Biochemistry (8th ed.); 1100 pages, W.H. Freeman Publ. 2015
2.
Martinez-Lemus, L. A. (2025). Insights in vascular physiology. Frontiers in Physiology.
3.
Frąk, W. et al. (2022). Pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
4.
Kuang, S. Y. (2023). Advancing physiology education by understanding the concept of homeostasis. Advances in Physiology Education.