Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes:

The students who pursue Physiology (H) have to study a variety of topics included in their core courses. All the topics encompass the human system. Moreover there are skill enhancement courses taught in Semester III and IV that have a direct practical approach and useful in everyday life.

The core course (CC1TH) taught in Semester I include a detailed discussion on Cell Biology. It is imperative to study the physiology of cell as the latter constitutes the building block of any living system. Apart from that genetics is also included to provide an insight into the structure of chromosomes and cell division. A closely related portion Cell Signalling is taught in CC3TH in Semester II that deals with the mechanism of action of a number of chemical substances in our body. A detailed study on Enzymology is also included in the curriculum as enzymes form the integral part of all the biochemical reactions that are constantly taking place in human body. In addition the clinical aspect of different enzymes, i.e, how these enzymes function in diseased condition are also taught in Clinical Biochemistry Section of SEC in Semester III. This Clinical Biochemistry section also deals with the pathophysiological aspects of a number of compounds that are otherwise continuously formed due to the metabolic activities of our body.

The core course (CC2TH) taught in Semester I also include Biophysics that has its own importance. It encompasses diffusion, osmosis, surface tension and viscosity that are vital properties of the different body fluids. Any alteration in these parameters can pose serious threat in the homeostasis of our body. The students also need to study pH and buffer as well as thermodynamics in this section which are important for the establishment of equilibrium in human system. Since physiology has intensive practical courses, so the students have to study instrumentation in details ranging from different types of microscopes, colorimeter and spectrophotometer. This core course also introduces Biochemistry wherein the fundamental basis of biomolecules is discussed vividly- carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides and proteins, purines and pyrimidines and nucleic acids.

The topics included in practical syllabus are arranged in such a manner that they are synchronized with their respective theory syllabus for every core course paper being taught. The practical syllabi for Semester I broadly covers cell biology and qualitative estimation of physiologically important biochemical substances.

. The core course (CC3TH) taught in Semester II involve nerve-muscle physiology that constitute a very vital part of System Physiology dealing with our ability to carry out movement of different body parts. The CC4TH paper includes Nervous System that is the most important topic of System Physiology almost single handedly controlling the functioning of the different systems of our body. Moreover it deals with the higher functions of brain like memory, learning, cognition etc that exhibits the supremacy of human race over other mammals. Here the students also have to study in brief about the principles and uses of CT scan, MRI and PET scan –advanced tools to diagnose complications in the body. The practical papers include dissection of amphibians like toad to understand nerve-muscle physiology and also some experiments on histology.

The core courses (CC5TH, CC6TH & CC7TH) taught in Semester III involve System Physiology including Haematology, Cardiovascular System and Respiratory System respectively. Haematology deals with blood and body fluids that entail different components of blood, their origin, function and fate. Moreover the different blood related disorders will be covered. The manner of ascertaining blood group will also be discussed. In addition the clinical aspect of Haematology will be taught under Haematological techniques in SEC section in Semester III. To make the theoretical knowledge more effective, related practical involving identification of blood cells and complete haemogram have been included.

The syllabus on Cardiovascular System is elaborate wherein how human heart functions, its properties and disorders have been covered. The process of electrocardiography (ECG) has been discussed in details both as theory as well as in practical form. The neural and chemical regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis and coronary circulation has been covered. At the same time in the practical portion, measurement of blood pressure of human has been incorporated. Moreover amphibian experiments related to the effects of drugs on perfused heart are included in the practical segment.

The syllabus of Respiratory System involves mechanics of breathing, pulmonary circulation, transport of gases in human body, neural and chemical regulation of respiration. In addition, disorders of breathing have also been incorporated. The practical experiments include pneumographic recording of different effects on respiration as well as lung function tests using spirometer.

The core courses (CC8TH, CC9TH & CC10TH) taught in Semester IV involve Digestive System & Metabolism; Molecular Biology & Methodologies; Nutrition & Dietetics respectively. The syllabus on Digestive System and Metabolism involve detailed study of digestive glands, their secretions, mechanism of digestion and absorption as well as disorders of the digestive system. The Metabolism syllabus includes elaborate study on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The practical segment corroborates with the theory part wherein experiments related to mammalian intestinal movements and effects of drugs will be performed. Quantitative estimation will be done under Biochemistry segment of practical.

The syllabus for CC9TH involve detailed study on Molecular Biology particularly DNA replication, transcription, translation and recombinant DNA technology. This paper also includes study of different Methodologies ranging from chromatography, electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation, RIA, ELISA, Western, Northern and Southern blotting techniques that have immense application in the field of research work. The practical part involves biochemical estimations using colorimetric methods.

The syllabus for CC10TH encompasses study on vitamins, minerals, dietary requirements of nutrients, and principles of formulation of balanced diets for different age groups as well as male and female. The practical part involves preparation of Report based on the Diet Survey carried out by each individual student. There is also qualitative analysis of foodstuffs like milk, potato, flour, rice and pulses.

The Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) to be taught in the 4^th Semester include detection of the commonly applied food additives/adulterants and xenobiotics. This paper also has immense application in our daily life.

The core courses (CC11TH & CC12TH) to be taught in Semester V involve Special Senses and Endocrinology respectively. The syllabus on Special Senses includes vision, audition, olfaction and gustation. The practical paper includes determination of visual acuity, colour blindness and deafness. There is also identification of stained sections of different mammalian tissues and organs- this practical is included in CC11P, CC12P and CC13P.

The CC12TH provides a vast opportunity to study Endocrinology- the total hormone system acting on our body, the different endocrine glands like hypothalamus, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal gland- their respective secretions and mechanism of action. The local gastrointestinal hormones are also included. The practical segment corroborates with the theory part wherein experiments related to mammalian uterine movements and effects of drugs will be performed.

The core courses (CC13TH & CC14TH) to be taught in Semester VI involve Reproductive Physiology, Developmental Biology, Excretory System and Skin and Body Temperature Regulation respectively. The syllabus for CC13TH encompasses study on Reproductive Physiology involving detailed discussion on male and female reproductive system. There is also a segment Developmental Biology wherein stem cells, gastrulation, organogenesis and fetal circulation will be covered.

The syllabus for CC14TH includes an elaborate discussion on excretory system- renal circulation and its peculiarities; formation of urine; renal function tests; physiology of urinary bladder and micturition; non-excretory functions of kidney and disorders of renal system. It also includes skin and body temperature regulation that entails cutaneous circulation; sweat glands and their secretions; regulation of body temperature and pyrexia, hypothermia and hyperthermia. The practical segment for both CC13 as well as CC14 involve relevant topics like pregnancy test using immunological methods; identification of normal and abnormal constituents of urine; identification of histological sections of different glands and organs.

The Discipline Specific Electives (DSE) will be taught in Semester V and VI. These are basically applied aspects of Physiology involving biostatistics; microbiology and immunology; ergonomics and community and public health; work, exercise and sports physiology; advanced molecular biology and nanotechnology; chronobiology and stress physiology; toxicology and pharmacology.

It is imperative to learn statistics that augments higher studies. The syllabus of Biostatistics is designed to fulfill this requirement. Immunology and Microbiology are integral components of Physiology. A comprehensive understanding of these subjects is mandatory. The syllabus serves this aspect adequately. A very emerging and promising arena is Ergonomics- a branch that directly provides job opportunities. While studying human physiology, community and public health must be included.

Another significant applied field is Work, Exercise and Sports Physiology with ample opportunities for higher studies and job placements. To keep in pace with modern science and latest technologies, it is compulsory to have a knowledge of advanced molecular biology and nanotechnology. Henceforth this is included in the syllabus. Once a student is studying human physiology, it is extremely important to know toxicology and pharmacology. The use of different drugs in pathological conditions; their mechanism of actions and adverse effects have been incorporated in the syllabus.

The entire syllabus of Physiology Honours that will be taught in the Under Graduate programme is very compact, well structured and the students will going to reap benefits if they study thoroughly.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs): Benefits of studying B.Sc. Hons. in Physiology.

The subject Physiology is an integral component of Basic Science. However since the University Curriculum primarily entails Human Physiology, so quite obviously it not only remains a part of Basic Science but also becomes a part of Medical Science.

One of the benefits of studying B.Sc. Hons. in Physiology is that, a student can expand his horizon of knowledge immensely as the subject has an interdisciplinary approach. Apart from core System Physiology, it encompasses Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Food & Nutrition, Biophysics and a number of other inter-related arena.

A number of avenues open up once a student passes the undergraduate examination. They can pursue higher studies in terms of Post Graduation at different Universities. Moreover not only Physiology, students can study Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Marine Science, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Food & Nutrition at Post Graduate Level.

For those who want to start a job oriented career, they can get engaged in different Pharmaceutical Companies as Medical Representative. Those who want to join as School Teacher can opt for the same by qualifying School Service Commission. They can also compete at different competitive examinations for numerous state and central government organizations.

Program Outcomes (POs): Benefits of studying Honours Courses

The students who take up Honours Courses always have an advantage primarily in terms of job opportunities in the government as well as private sectors. They become eligible for appearing in School Service Commission both at state and national levels which is a prerequisite for school teaching all over the country. Moreover having a honours degree renders a candidate significant mileage in different competitive examinations, viz, in banking sector, staff selection commission, public service commission and in civil service examination to name a few. Students with Honours degree always have an edge when they appear in interviews even for jobs in private sector. Job prospects also blossom for those with Honours degree.