08068 - Applied Physiology (LZ-A)

Learning outcomes

The aim of course is to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to determine the major human physiological variables.

Course contents

Electrocardiogram

Physics of electrocardiography: volume conduction, equivalent electric dipole and electric field vector. Recording techniques of cardiac electrical activity: bipolar derivations, monopolar augmented and precordial leads. Instantaneous mean vector and genesis of the waveforms in bipolar derivations. Calculation of mean cardiac vector (ventricular electrical axis).

Electroencephalography

Principles of electroencephalography. The cortical rhythms in the different wake-sleep states.

Spirometry

Determination of flow-volume curves. Direct and indirect spirometry: measurement of lung volumes and capacities.

Measurement of blood pressure

Measurement of blood pressure with Riva-Rocci method.

Readings/Bibliography

Berne & Levy Physiology, (B.M. Koeppen and B.A. Stanton, Editors) 7th edition, Philadelphia, Mosby Elsevier, 2018 (ISBN: 978-0-323-39394-2).

Autori vari, FISIOLOGIA MEDICA vol.2 (a cura di Fiorenzo Conti), 3a Edizione, Milano Casa Editrice Edi.Ermes, 2020 (ISBN 978-88-7051-546-6)

Agnati, FISIOLOGIA CARDIOVASCOLARE, Piccin (ISBN: 978-88-299-1294-0)

Teaching methods

The Course of Applied Physiology (1CFU) consisting in 17 hours of Laboratory Practicals, either shown to large groups of students or directly performed by small groups of students.

Due to the type of activities and teaching methods adopted, participation in laboratory activities requires prior completion of modules 1 and 2 of safety training in study environments via e-learning. Information regarding this training is available at: https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/ . The examination syllabus is covered in its entirety during the course. The iconographic material shown during lectures is mainly taken from the recommended textbooks; otherwise, the source is cited. The teaching activity aims to provide an integrated understanding of the functions of the main systems of the human body and the mechanisms that regulate its homeostasis. Lectures are organized to encourage connections between the different topics of the course and an integrated understanding of physiological processes. Traditional teaching activity is based on classroom lectures, while online teaching activity consists of iconographic and multimedia material commented by the professors, which is made available to students through the University's Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ). The iconographic material presented in class is mainly taken from the recommended textbooks; when different sources are used, they are appropriately cited.

Assessment methods

The teaching of the Integrated Course (C.I.) of Physiology is divided into three parts: Cellular Physiology (first semester, 2nd year), Apparatuses Physiology and Applied Physiology (second semester, 2nd year). The final exam is a single examination held at the end of the second semester. At the end of the Cellular Physiology course, students can take an intermediate test consisting of 44 true/false questions. The score is calculated by awarding 1 point for each correct answer, −0.6 points for each incorrect answer, and 0 points for each unanswered question. The score obtained is converted into a mark out of 30. The test is considered passed with a grade of 18/30 or higher. Students who accept the grade achieved in the intermediate test will take the final oral exam exclusively on the topics of Apparatuses Physiology and Applied Physiology. The oral exam is based on a balanced topic drawing procedure and involves different professors for the various parts of the syllabus. Students who have passed the midterm exam answer two questions concerning Systems Physiology and Applied Physiology. Students who have not taken the midterm exam must also answer a third question relating to Cellular Physiology. Each question is graded on a scale from 18/30 to 30 cum laude. The final grade corresponds to the average of the scores obtained in the individual questions. Failing even a single question means failing the exam. The evaluation takes into account: the accuracy and completeness of the acquired knowledge; the ability to integrate the different topics of the discipline; the capacity for physiological reasoning and making connections between different biological systems; the appropriate use of scientific terminology; and the clarity and precision of the presentation. A broad and in-depth preparation, combined with the ability to make independent connections between various topics and a full mastery of scientific language, is awarded the highest scores. A predominantly rote-learned preparation, with limited analytical and integration skills, leads to intermediate grades. Gaps in knowledge, difficulty in using specific terminology, and a limited ability to navigate the covered topics will result in barely passing or failing grades. Regarding the use of generative Artificial Intelligence in assessment tests, its use is not permitted, and any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity. Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD/DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities are invited to contact the dedicated University service ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ) in a timely manner to agree on any test adaptations, in compliance with the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Traditional lectures are supported and integrated by multimedia presentations and properly annotated digital teaching materials, which together constitute the distance/supplementary teaching. The practical activities of Applied Physiology involve the use of instrumentation dedicated to the assessment of the main physiological functions, including spirometers for the analysis of respiratory volumes and flows, electrocardiographs, sphygmomanometers for measuring arterial blood pressure, oximetry assessment systems, electroencephalography equipment, and polysomnographic recording systems. The iconographic and textual material used during the course is restricted to students enrolled in the course via authentication with their institutional University credentials through the University of Bologna's Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ), which therefore serves as a supporting tool for individual study and in-depth learning of the topics.

Office hours

See the website of Michela Gamberini