This unit aims to enable learners to understand aspects of the anatomy and physiology of human body systems. Learners will be able to gain an overview of the organisation of the human body before looking at how body systems work together to provide energy for the body. Learners will have the opportunity to investigate how homeostatic mechanisms operate in the body.
Learners will examine the homeostatic mechanisms involved in regulating these systems to maintain health. Learners will be given the opportunity to undertake practical activities which will require them to take measurements of the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system and of body temperature, using noninvasive techniques to investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning.
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Fee EU/Local Students €350 Exam fee: €20 /module
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Easy Pay Option: €150 deposit €55/ week for 2 weeks |
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| Duration: | 6 weeks |
Awarding Body |  |
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| Start Dates: | January/February | September/October | ||
| Entry Requirement: | Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old |
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| University Progression Route | ||||
Learning Outcome
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1. Know the organisation of the human body
Organisation: cells; tissues; organs; systems.
Cells: cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm; organelles – mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and
rough), Golgi apparatus, lysosome
Tissues:
Systems: gross structure of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, nervous, endocrine, reproductive,
lymphatic, musculo-skeletal, immune
Main functions of systems: overall function of each system, eg digestion of food materials, maintenance of
oxygen supply, transport and supply of materials to cells, receptors of information from the environment,
co-ordination, eliminating waste products, reproduction; overview of interactions of the different
structures within each system
2. Understand the functioning of the body systems associated with energy metabolism
Energy: forms, eg chemical, heat, sound, electrical, light
Energy laws: conservation of energy; transformation of energy
Energy metabolism: role of energy in the body; anabolism and catabolism; activities involved in supplying
energy to the cells of the body– roles of cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems
Cardiovascular system: heart – structure, cardiac cycle, heart rate, stroke volume, blood pressure, blood
vessels– arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins; pulmonary and systemic circulation; structure and
function of the blood.
Respiratory system: role of air passages in nose; structure and functions of trachea, bronchi, lungsbronchial
tree, alveoli; role of ciliated epithelial tissue; respiratory muscles– intercostal muscles,
diaphragm; ventilation, gaseous exchange, diffusion.
Digestive system: alimentary canal – oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon; liver, pancreas, salivary glands; role of digestive system in breakdown and absorption of food materials, ingestion, peristalsis, digestion, absorption, egestion.
Role of enzymes in digestion: amylases, proteases, lipases; sites of secretion; role in digestion Major products of digestion: peptides and amino acids, sugars, glycerol and fatty acids; roles in the body; storage of excess fats and carbohydrates; deamination of excess proteins and the fate of end products; role of the liver; role of the kidneys
Absorption of food: into blood; into lacteals; role of villi and microvilli
3. Understand how homeostatic mechanisms operate in the maintenance of an internal environment
Homeostasis: definition of homeostasis, internal environment, concept of negative feedback as a regulatory
mechanism
Homeostatic mechanisms for regulation of:
4. Be able to interpret data obtained from monitoring routine activities with reference to the functioning of healthy body systems
Measurements: pulse rate, breathing rate, temperature; normal values and ranges; safe practice in taking
measurements, recognition of factors affecting reliability of measurements
Normal variations: as measured at rest and then at intervals during recovery following a standard exercise
test, eg Harvard step test
Data presentation and interpretation: graphs and charts; supporting explanations of collated data
Unit Assessment
Assessment takes the form of written assignments, observations, in-class tests, verbal assessment and projects
To gain the unit learners must achieve, as a minimum, the Pass grade; the Pass grade is in effect the gaining of the credit for the unit, and this contributes to the overall qualification grade. All units must be passes within the rules of combination to achieve the overall qualification.
The table below shows the number of points scored per credit at the unit level and grade
| Level | Points per credit | ||
| Pass | Merit | Distinction | |
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Learners who achieve the correct number of points within the ranges shown in the 'qualification grade' tables below will achieve the qualification Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* grades (or combinations of these grades appropriate to the qualification).
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