08068 - Applied Physiology (LZ-B)

Learning outcomes

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

Course contents

At the end of the Integrated Course of Physiology, students will have acquired knowledge of the functional mechanisms and general regulatory processes governing the systems, organs, and tissues of the human body, as well as their main morphofunctional correlates under normal physiological conditions. The Integrated Course of Physiology also aims to provide students with an understanding of the normal functioning of the human body in maintaining the homeostasis of the physiological variables essential for survival and for preserving individual health, with due attention to individual, population, sex/gender, and age-related differences.

At the end of the Applied Physiology Course, students will have acquired the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to measure the main physiological variables of the human body using physical examination and instrumental techniques, and to evaluate the principal functional findings.

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).

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.

Elettroencephalography

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

Readings/Bibliography

Conti F. (a cura di), Fisiologia Medica, Volumi I e II, Edi-Ermes, Milano, 2025. ISBN 978887051867-2/ 978887051868-9

Koeppen B.M., Stanton B.A. (Eds.), Berne & Levy Physiology, Elsevier, Philadelphia, 2023. ISBN 9780323847902.

Berne R.M., Levy M.N., Koeppen B.M., Stanton B.A. (a cura di), Fisiologia di Berne e Levy, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2018. ISBN 978-8808480040.

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

Teaching 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 teaching activities of the Physiology course aim to provide students with the fundamental principles of cellular physiology and the general mechanisms governing the functioning of the human body. The final exam is a single examination held at the end of the second semester. The teaching of Physiology of Organ Systems consists of 13 CFU (ECTS), corresponding to 110.5 hours of traditional lectures and 52 hours of distance/supplementary teaching with mandatory attendance for both. These requirements must be met according to the modalities defined by the Degree Program and approved by the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences. This course runs parallel to the 1 CFU (17 hours) Applied Physiology course, which partly includes practical demonstrations for large groups of students and practical exercises for small groups of students. The teaching load is shared among Prof. Amici (7 CFU), Prof. Ciani (5 CFU), and Prof. Trazzi (1 CFU), who cover the different topics of the syllabus in a coordinated and integrated manner, while the Applied Physiology course is taught by Prof. Gamberini and Prof. Trazzi. 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 Stefania Trazzi