General and Environmental Physiology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course aims at providing the basic knowledge of general and animal physiology, necessary to understand the functional properties of organs and systems.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to:
- understand the relationship between structure and function;
- understand the function of the animal organs and systems;
- understand how animals maintain homeostasis.
- understand the relationship between structure and function;
- understand the function of the animal organs and systems;
- understand how animals maintain homeostasis.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course introduces the fundamentals of general physiology, providing the basis for understanding the integrated functioning of the human organism. After an introductory part on the principles of physiology and homeostatic mechanisms, the topics of cellular physiology (membranes, transport, membrane potential) will be addressed, followed by the study of the main regulatory systems and functional apparatuses.
Topics covered:
- General principles of physiology
- Homeostatic control mechanisms
- Water compartments and chemical and physical composition of the organism
- Structure and function of the biological membrane
- Transport physiology
- Membrane potential
- Physiology of the neuron and synapses
- General organisation of the nervous system (with focus on the autonomic nervous system)
- Sensory systems: the mechanism of the visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, olfactory systems
- Muscle physiology
- Absorptive epithelia
- Mechanism of action of hormones
- Circulatory system (with references to the lymphatic system)
- Respiratory system
- Excretory system
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Topics covered:
- General principles of physiology
- Homeostatic control mechanisms
- Water compartments and chemical and physical composition of the organism
- Structure and function of the biological membrane
- Transport physiology
- Membrane potential
- Physiology of the neuron and synapses
- General organisation of the nervous system (with focus on the autonomic nervous system)
- Sensory systems: the mechanism of the visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, olfactory systems
- Muscle physiology
- Absorptive epithelia
- Mechanism of action of hormones
- Circulatory system (with references to the lymphatic system)
- Respiratory system
- Excretory system
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of general biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures, in which regular attendance is recommended. The teaching materials used during the course will be made available via the MyAriel portal.
Teaching Resources
Elementi di Fisiologia - Cambiaghi M. -- EdiSES
Principi di Fisiologia - Luciano Zocchi - EdiSES
Principi di Fisiologia - Luciano Zocchi - EdiSES
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination can be taken in two ways, at the student's discretion:
- two ongoing written examinations
- oral examination
In the event of non-participation in both written tests, the examination may only be taken orally. The final assessment, expressed in thirtieths, will take into account the following criteria: mastery of concepts, clarity of presentation, ability to reason and synthesise, correct use of scientific terminology.
- two ongoing written examinations
- oral examination
In the event of non-participation in both written tests, the examination may only be taken orally. The final assessment, expressed in thirtieths, will take into account the following criteria: mastery of concepts, clarity of presentation, ability to reason and synthesise, correct use of scientific terminology.
Professor(s)