08068 - Applied Physiology (C1)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Applied Physiology course, students will have acquired the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to measure the main physiological variables of the human body through physical examination and instrumental assessment techniques, and to evaluate the principal functional findings derived from these investigations.

Course contents

Seminars

Physiology Applied to Medical and Surgical Practice

Practical spirometry sessions.

Flow–volume curves. Direct and indirect spirometry. Measurement of lung volumes and capacities.

Readings/Bibliography

Italian edition:

R.M. Berne, M.N. Levy, Fisiologia (edited by B.R. Koeppen and B.A. Stanton), 7th Edition, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018 (ISBN 8808480046).

English edition:

Berne & Levy, Physiology (B.R. Koeppen and B.A. Stanton, Editors), 7th Edition, Elsevier, 2017 (ISBN 9780323393944).

Teaching methods

The course consists of seminar-based lectures and practical sessions conducted in small groups of students.

Given the nature of the activities and the teaching methods employed, attendance requires prior completion of Modules 1 and 2 of the University’s Health and Safety Training Program for Study Environments, delivered through e-learning.

Assessment methods

The Physiology course consists of three components. The first component (Cellular Physiology) is taught during the first semester, while the second (Systems Physiology) and third (Applied Physiology) components are taught during the second semester.

A single final examination is held at the end of the second semester. However, students may take an intermediate true/false quiz at the end of the Cellular Physiology course.

The intermediate test consists of 44 questions. The final score is calculated as the algebraic sum of correct answers (+1 point), incorrect answers (–0.6 points), and unanswered questions (0 points), subsequently converted to a 30-point grading scale. A score of 18/30 is required to pass the intermediate test.

Students who accept the grade obtained in the intermediate test are required to take the final oral examination only on Systems Physiology and Applied Physiology.

During the oral examination, students are questioned on topics selected by a balanced random procedure. Two questions concern Systems Physiology and Applied Physiology, while a third question on Cellular Physiology is included if the student has not taken the intermediate test. Different instructors assess each topic.

 

If the response is deemed satisfactory, each question is graded on a scale ranging from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude.

Outstanding grades are awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the topics discussed during the examination, together with the ability to apply their knowledge critically, as well as proficiency in scientific terminology and effective communication skills.

Predominantly mechanical and/or memorization-based knowledge, limited analytical and synthesis skills, and generally correct but not always appropriate terminology lead to satisfactory grades. Educational gaps and/or inappropriate terminology, even when accompanied by minimal knowledge of the examination material, result in grades that do not exceed the minimum passing level.

Significant deficiencies in knowledge, inappropriate terminology, and an inability to navigate the teaching materials provided during the course are assessed negatively.

Each of the three examination questions contributes one third of the final grade. An insufficient evaluation in even one of the three questions results in failure of the examination.

Teaching tools

Spirometers used for measuring slow vital capacity and forced vital capacity.

Multimedia projector and computer.

Support for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office as early as possible in order to arrange appropriate accommodations.

Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination date. The instructor will evaluate the appropriateness of the requested measures in relation to the course learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Viviana Carmen Lo Martire