Integrated course: anatomy, physiology and Biochemistry

Module physiology

1. Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire the ability to recognize the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including, where possible, recent advances related to the latest scientific discoveries.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will apply their knowledge and deepen their understanding through a series of examples, where possible, related to specific pathologies and methodologies relevant to the core subject of their degree program.

3. Independent Judgment
Students will develop the ability to discuss key mechanisms and, where applicable, clinical examples. They will be encouraged to reflect independently in small groups on these functions and, in some cases, on new methodologies and/or scientific findings.

4. Communication Skills
As noted above, students will be encouraged during lessons to actively participate in small group discussions on different mechanisms and functions. In addition, lectures will be structured to allow ample space for student questions, including during the course.

5. Learning Skills
Students’ learning skills will be assessed both through formal methods such as direct questions from the lecturer and through discussion and reasoning applied to study methodologies and physiological mechanisms. In particular, learning ability will be fostered through group work focused on discussing the various topics covered in the course, thereby also promoting teamwork, which will be essential throughout the students' academic and professional careers.

Frontal lessons. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Sensory Coding 
The Somatosensory System: Receptors and Central Pathways 
Touch

Pain

The Constructive Nature of Visual Processing

Low-Level Visual Processing: The Retina 

The Inner Ear 

The Auditory Central Nervous System 

The Organization and Planning of Movement 

Striated muscle
The Motor Unit and Muscle Action 
Spinal Reflexes 

The Control of Gaze 

The Vestibular System 
Posture 
The Cerebellum 
The Basal Ganglia 

Hormones

1) Silverthorn. Fisiologia. Un approccio integrato. Pearson.

2) Purves-Augustine-Fitzpatrick-Hall-LaMantia-McNamara-White: Neuroscienze. Zanichelli. 

Oral Examination. The assessment of learning may also be conducted online, should conditions require it. Evaluation is expressed on a scale of thirty. The examinee will be required to answer a minimum of three to four questions covering all parts of the syllabus. The student must demonstrate, with appropriate clarity and argumentation skills, an organic knowledge and understanding of the course content. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

i) Excellent (grade 30–30 with honors): thorough knowledge and understanding of the topics, excellent command of language, and advanced ability to apply knowledge to the resolution of proposed problems;

ii) Good (grade 26–29): good mastery of the topics and appropriate use of language, with a solid ability to apply acquired knowledge to problem-solving;

iii) Fair (grade 22–25): adequate knowledge of the course content, though lacking full understanding of its more complex aspects, and limited ability to autonomously apply knowledge to solve the proposed problems;

iv) Sufficient (grade 18–21): superficial understanding of the program, minimal basic knowledge of the topics, difficulties in solving exercises and problems, and limited language proficiency;

v) Insufficient: lack of understanding of the basic topics, limited and fragmented knowledge of the course content.

Students with disabilities or neurodiversity will be provided with compensatory tools and exemption measures as identified by CInAP – Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion of the University of Catania, based on their specific needs and in accordance with current regulations.

Exploring Action Potential Properties in Nerve Fibers: Delving into the Intricacies of Action Potentials within Nerve Fibers.

Shedding Light on Phototransduction Mechanisms in Rods and Cones: Unveiling the Mechanisms Behind Phototransduction in Rod and Cone Cells.

Navigating the Complexity of the Primary Visual Cortex Organization: Unraveling the Organization and Function of the Primary Visual Cortex.

The Foundations of Color Vision: Key Characteristics: Examining the Fundamental Principles Underlying Color Vision.