Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences - delivered in blended mode

MYRIAM CATALANO
STEFANO GAROFALO

By the end of the course, the student will know: 1) the molecular basis of cell functioning with special
attention to excitable cells; 2) the main features of the integrated functioning of organs of the human body
under conditions of homeostasis. The student will be aware of the main mechanisms governing the human
body in order to relate them to the professionality of their curriculum (herbal sciences, scientific drug
information, quality control of health products).

Specific Aims
1. Student knowledge and understanding
The student will know the basic aspects of cellular and plasma membrane functioning, of the central and
autonomic nervous system, muscle contraction (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle), cardiovascular
system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system and hormonal communication.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, the student will know how to understand the role of different organ
systems in the functioning of the human body. He/she will know which are the most relevant relationships
between structure and function of individual organs and systems. He/she will know the main cellular and
molecular mechanisms responsible for the proper functioning and control of the body's functions.
3. Critical judgment skills
Lectures will be interactive in which the Professor will ask students continuous questions to stimulate them
to develop critical sense and integrate prior knowledge. Such questions will also serve to assess and prompt
students to make connections with previously acquired skills, avoiding considering the study of the subject
an end but integrating physiology in the light of already acquired chemical, biological and anatomical
knowledge.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learned
The student's ability to communicate will be assessed based on the exposition of the topics covered by the
program. The student will be able to integrate the topics covered and expound them in an organic manner
giving an overview of the physiology of the human organism. Group works will be organized during the
course on specific topics on the functioning of the human organism.
5. Ability to pursue study independently
The student will find further study of what was heard in class in the recommended texts. The texts will
remain the reference point of the student who will know where to go to find the notions in detail.

At the end of the course the students have acquired knowledge about
a) the organization of tissues and organs; b) the basic physiological processes, the biological meaning, the regulation and integration between the different processes; c) the physiological adaptation processes that take place in response to simple environmental modifications.
Students apply the knowledge acquired through answers to specific questions on the organization of tissues and organs, analysis of the biological meaning, regulation and integration between physiological processes; by defining the physiological adaptation processes that take place in response to simple environmental modifications.
The course develops transversal disciplinary and methodological skills and competences to allow students to understand the biological aspects of contemporary courses and subsequent to the Human Physiology course.

Indispensable: knowledge of the Fundamentals of Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, Biology and Human Anatomy is essential
Important: the acquisition of general and organic chemistry principles is important
Useful: it would be useful to have knowledge of Biochemistry and Microbiology

Program of Human Physiology ( Prof. Catalano, 4 CFU, Prof. D’Alessandro, 4 CFU):
(The time scheduled of the topics may vary according to the educational needs found)

Introduction to Physiology; concept of homeostasis; positive and negative feedback adjustments - Plasma membrane - Membrane transport - Ionic channels (passive, activated by voltage, by extra and intracellular ligand, by mechanical deformation) - G protein coupled receptors - 4 HOURS
Membrane excitability - The neuron - Action Potential - Myelin - Synaptic communication - molecular basis of electrical and chemical transmission - receptors for neurotransmitters - synaptic integration - 4 HOURS
Neuromuscular junction and contraction of skeletal muscle and smooth muscle - excitability of heart muscle -6 HOURS
Central Nervous System: Anatomo-physiological organization (meninges, cerebrospinal CSF and cerebral ventricle system, blood brain barrier) - Sensory physiology: somatic senses, hearing, sight. 8 HOURS
Autonomic Nervous System - Anatomical organization of the sympathetic and orthosympathetic systems - Neurotransmitters, receptors, effects on target organs 4 HOURS
Physiology of the endocrine system: classification of hormones - Control of hormone release - glucose homeostasis - calcium homeostasis 6 HOURS
Organization and Physiology of the Heart and Cardiovascular System - 8 HOURS
Respiratory System Organization and Physiology - Breathing Control - 8 HOURS
Organization and Physiology of the Renal System - Regulation of pH and acid base balance - 8 HOURS
Blood pressure control - 2 HOURS
Organization and Physiology of the Digestive System - 6 HOURS

The use of one of the following books is recommend:
D.U. Silverthorn: Fisiologia Umana Un Approccio Integrato (Pearson)
L. Sherwood: Fondamenti di Fisiologia Umana (PICCIN)

The lessons are conducted frontally with the aid of presentations. The material necessary to follow the lessons is available on e-learning. Some lessons are delivered in a flipped manner, by agreement with the students.

According to the CCS, it is not mandatory to attend the lessons.

The assessment methods are characterized by exam sessions scheduled accordingly to the academic calendar (2 for each session, plus some additional session ).
The final exam can be a multiple choice test followed or not by oral exam.
The objective of the evaluation is to certify the student's knowledge on the functioning and homeostatic control mechanisms of the human body with reference to the cellular mechanisms underlying the action of drugs.
The topics presented must be treated in a language appropriate.
The elements taken into consideration for the evaluation are the knowledge of the subject, in all the areas covered in the course, the use of an appropriate language, the active participation during the lectures, the ability of reasoning demonstrated during the interview examination, the ability to study independently on the texts indicated.
Sufficient knowledge of the topics covered, in the various parts of the program, is required for passing the exam with minimum grades. To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, being able to link them in a logical and consistent way. He/she must also demonstrate that he/she has "digested" the topics. In short, he/she must demonstrate that he/she has acquired an awareness of the proposed program of physiology that goes beyond the common 100% notional learning.

QUESTION: Active transport is used for
ANSWER TO: gas exchange at the alveolar level
ANSWER B: renal reabsorption of glucose
ANSWER C: Answer B and Answer D
ANSWER D: Nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract