Course syllabus for Human physiology: Mechanisms of transport and flow

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-06 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameHuman fysiologi: transport och flöden
  • CodeEEN270
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKBIO
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyBioengineering
  • DepartmentNEUROVETENSKAP OCH FYSIOLOGI (GU)
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 48127
  • Maximum participants80
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0126 Laboratory 1.5 c
Grading: UG		 1.5 c
0226 Examination 6 c
Grading: TH		 6 c

In programmes

Examiner

Information missing

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

Basic courses in cell- and molecular biology, biochemistry, and human tissue biology.

Aim

This course is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge of human physiology and a broad understanding of the anatomy and functional organization of the human body. Particular emphasis will be placed on the circulatory system and the body’s principal regulatory mechanisms. In addition, the course aims to familiarize students with essential medical terminology and to prepare the students for advanced studies in biotechnology with a focus on human biology.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and Understanding

Overall Goals
  • dscribe human anatomy and physiology at a general level.
  • explain the function of cells, tissues, and organs as well as general physiological control mechanisms.
  • summarize and explain how nerve cells communicate with each other and with other cells.
  • describe the basic functions of the endocrine system.
Circulatory Physiology
Describe and explain
  • the properties of blood and their importance for flow and resistance in blood vessels.
  • the different phases of the cardiac cycle, including ECG and heart sounds.
  • the structure of the circulatory system (pulmonary and systemic circulation) and the function of its different parts, e.g., different types of capillaries and how fluid and nutrient transport across the capillary wall is regulated.
  • principles for the regulation of blood flow in a tissue.
Respiratory Physiology
Describe and explain
  • the basic structure of lung tissue, the airways, and the respiratory muscles.
  • methods for measuring lung volumes and lung function.
  • breathing mechanics and regulation of breathing.
  • how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood.
Renal Physiology
Describe and explain
  • the basic structure and function of the kidneys.
  • the volume and composition of the primary urine.
  • absorption and secretion processes.
  • regulation of GFR (glomerular filtration rate).
  • the endocrine functions of the kidney.
  • the body's water balance.
pH Regulation
Describe and explain
  • the buffer systems of blood and urine.
  • the pH-regulating mechanisms of the kidneys and lungs.
  • causes of and compensatory mechanisms for acid–base disturbances.
Digestive Physiology
Describe and explain
  • the basic structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract (oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and intestines), including the liver and pancreas.
  • absorption of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, salts, and water in the digestive tract, as well as their regulation.
Skills and Abilities
  • explain and use basic medical terminology.
  • use physiological knowledge as a basis for discussing normal functions of the body's organs and various adaptations.
  • explain the regulation of the circulatory system and the control of cardiac function.
  • explain the body's volume regulation.
  • explain the body's acid–base balance.
  • explain the regulation of breathing at rest and during physical activity.
  • explain the regulation of kidney urine production and its connection to the heart, circulation, and neurohormonal systems.
  • explain the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic adjustments during exercise.
  • explain the digestive tract’s protective mechanisms (mucus, bicarbonate and fluid secretion) and their functions.
  • explain the coordination and regulation of the digestive system.
  • measure vital parameters such as pulse, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen saturation.
  • describe the measured parameters and what they represent.
  • understand the heart as a pump by measuring ECG and understanding what the QRS complex represents.
Ability to Assess and Reflect
  • discuss central nervous system programs involved in regulating the circulatory system, for example during exercise, cold, heat, and stress.
  • describe integrative processes between different organ systems.
  • evaluate and assess potential sources of error when measuring vital parameters.
  • identify one’s need for further knowledge.

Content

The course provides fundamental knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with a particular focus on transport and flow. The course will include regulation and control mechanisms that govern these systems at rest, as well as certain adaptations that occur during exercise. The focus will be on integrative aspects of organ systems. The course is based on lectures, seminars and/or group work, as well as demonstrations and/or laboratory sessions.

Organisation

The course is offered by the Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.

The course includes lectures, laboratory sessions/demonstrations, and seminars/group work.
Participation in laboratory sessions/demonstrations and seminars/group work is mandatory.

Literature

Elaine N Marieb and Katja Hoehn, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition, 12 ed.
Lecture material

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined by a written exam at the end of the course
The examination of the module Laboratory contains mandatory participation in and presentation of demonstrations, laboratory sessions, seminars, and group work. Detailed information on the examination is given in the course PM and on the course website before the course starts.
Bonus points toward the exam may be offered; more detailed information about any bonus points will be provided in the course PM and on the course website before the course starts.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.