The B.Sc. (Intercalated) Program in Medical Physiology was started 1986 with an interim approval of the Senate and has been graduating a small number of students since then. A general curriculum based on the British model has been used, but a detailed curriculum consistent with the 8-4-4 structure has never been prepared. It was therefore determined that the programme is overdue for review.
Minimum admission requirements
Applicants with the following minimum qualifications shall be admissible:
i. Be registered student either in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree program at the University of Nairobi, or another university recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
- Have completed at least level two (2) of their respective courses to cover two (2) academic years of full-time studies at the University of Nairobi, or equivalent in another university recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
- Have passed with a minimum credit (B plain) in Medical Physiology and pass (C plain) in Medical Biochemistry and Human Anatomy.
2. Have had no Supplementary Examination or re-sit in any of the subjects
Qualified applicants are required to write an application letter to the Chairman, Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology
| TUITION | 450,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 4,500.00 |
| ICT SERVICES – (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 |
| Semester 1 | 252,000.00 |
| Semester 2 | 225,000.00 |
| TOTALS | 477,000.00 |
NOTE: The above fees is applicable to both local and international students.
Theory
Practicals in both applied and basic Physiology
Research in thematic areas
Journal club
Workshops and seminars
Duration and structure of course units
1st Semester
Code HMP401
Course Systems Physiology and Pathophysiology
Hour 45
Units 1
Code HMP 402
Course Research Methods and Biostatistics
Hour 45
Unit1
Code HMP 403
Coorse Seminars I -Topics from Basic Physiology
Hour 45
Unit 1
Code HMP 404
Course Special topics in Physiology
Hour 45
Unit 1
Code HMP 405
Course Literature Review and Research Proposal Development
Hour 45
Unit 1
Total 225
Units 5
2nd Semester
Code HMP406
Course Seminars II – Topics from Applied Physiology
Hour 45
Unit 1
Code HMP 407
Course Project
Hour l 225
Units 5
Total 270
Units 6
- Course Matrix
Table 1 Learning Outcome Course Matrix
Learning outcome
HMP 401
HMP 402
HMP 403
HMP 404
HMP 405
HMP 406
HMP 407
Learning outcome 1
Describe the physiological processes of the human body systems
Describe various research methods and data management
Prepare and present seminars on various scientific topics in basic physiology
Describe the physiology of selected topics in advanced physiology
Review existing literature and come up with research questions
Prepare and present seminars on various scientific topics in applied physiology
Write a thesis of their own research
Learning outcome 2
Describe the pathophysiology of the human body
Mount and perform various experiments covered in the course.
- COURSE DESCRIPTION
- SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Code and Unit Title
HMP 401 SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Learning Hours
45 hours 1 unit
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to know the detailed physiology and pathophysiology of the human body
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the physiological processes of the human body systems
- Describe the pathophysiology of the human body
Content
- Principles of measurement and interpretation of physiological parameters.
- Homeostasis and Body Fluid balance.
- Disorders of Homeostasis, and Fluid Replacement.
- Principles of the receptor mechanism; Disorders of receptor function.
- Myocardial contractility.
- Gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction.
- Principles of exercise tolerance; Disorders of the cardiovascular system.
- Principles of respiratory function; Disorders of the respiratory system.
- Principles of gastrointestinal function; Disorders of gastrointestinal system.
- Principles of endocrine functions; Disorders of endocrine functions.
- Principles of the nervous system function; Disorders of the nervous system function.
- Principles of special senses; Disorders of special senses.
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, discovery learning, problem based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies and eLearning and practicals
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials and laboratory practicals
Assessment mode
CATs and End of Semester Examinations
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
Hall, John E., (2016) Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th Edition. Elsevier, Canada.
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition. (2015) Kim E. Barrett, Susan M. Barman, Scott Boitano, Heddwen L. Brooks. Lange, Tata McGraw-Hill Edition
Gould’s Pathophysiology for the Health Professions. Saunders; 4th edition (February 2, 2009). ISBN-10: 1416055436. By Robert J Hubert.
Berne & Levy Physiology. 7th Edition. Mosby
ISBN-13: 9780323073622. by Bruce M Koeppen, MD, PhD (Editor), Bruce A Stanton, PhD (Editor)
- RESEARCH METHODS AND BIOSTATISTICS
Code and Unit Title
HMP 402 RESEARCH METHODS AND BIOSTATISTICS
Learning Hours
45hrs 1 unit
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to understand the various research methods and statistical approaches to data analysis
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Describe various research methods and data management.
- Mount and perform various experiments covered in the course.
Content
Overview of existing research methods- Sampling methods; Ethics. Research logs. Scientific writing. Descriptive Statistics. Measurement scales and variables. Presentation of data. Probability and sampling. Measures of central tendency; Sample size; Inferential Statistics. Comparison of two samples by t-test; the chi-square test, ANOVA. Non-parametric tests. Correlation and regression analysis. Reporting of statistical analysis.
Basic laboratory techniques, in vitro and in vivo methodology, total blood analysis; Measurement of blood pressure, ECG, isolated heart preparation. Measurement of lung volumes and capacities; Automaticity of the GIT; Visual and Hearing Assessment; Behavioral neuroscience techniques, electrophysiology.
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, discovery learning, problem based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies and eLearning and practicals
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials
Assessment mode
CATs and End of Semester examinations
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
Olive Mugenda and Abel G. Mugenda: Research methods: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (1999). African Center for Technology Studies. ISBN 9966411070, 9789966411075 256 pages www.oalib.com/references/15165882
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Kothari C.R. 2015. Research methodology : methods and techniques,(2nd Revised Edition) New Age International Private Ltd. Available on the internet
Research Methodology and Biostatistics. 1st Edition. A Comprehensive Guide for Health Care Professionals by Sharma Suresh. Paperback ISBN: 9788131244425. eBook ISBN: 9788131246481
- SEMINARS 1-TOPICS FROM BASIC PHYSIOLOGY
Code and Unit Title
HMP 403 SEMINARS 1-TOPICS FROM BASIC PHYSIOLOGY
Learning Hours
45 hours 1 unit
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to prepare and present scientific information in basic physiology in seminar settings
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Prepare and present seminars on various scientific topics in basic physiology
Content
- Regulation of gene transcription
- Epigenetics
- Second messengers
- Autocrine gases
- Biological motors
- Principles of Biological control
- The phenomenon of immunodeficiency
- Gastric acid secretion
- Respiration in special environments
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Discovery learning, problem based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies, eLearning and Journal Club presentations
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials
Assessment mode
Grading of the preparation and actual seminar presentation
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
Journal articles on the relevant topics
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition. (2015) Kim E. Barrett, Susan M. Barman, Scott Boitano, Heddwen L. Brooks. Lange, Tata McGraw-Hill Edition
Genetics: A Conceptual Approach Sixth Edition
by Benjamin A. Pierce. ISBN-13: 978-1319050962
ISBN-10: 1319050964
Visscher, Peter M., William G. Hill, and Naomi R. Wray. “Heritability in the genomics era—concepts and misconceptions.” nATurE rEvIEWS| genetics 9 (2008): 255.
Allis, C., Jenuwein, T. The molecular hallmarks of epigenetic control. Nat Rev Genet 17, 487–500 (2016) doi:10.1038/nrg.2016.59.
Molecular Cell Biology 6th Edition. by Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Matthew P. Scott, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Paul Matsudaira. ISBN-13: 978-0716776017
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGYCode and Unit Title
HMP 404 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGY
Learning Hours
45 hours 1 unit
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to understand selected topics in advanced physiology
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the physiology of selected topics in advanced physiology
Content
- Cell and Molecular biology
- Regulation of gene transcription
- Epigenetics
- Receptors and second messengers
- Autocrine gases
- Biological motors
- Principles of Biological control
- Immunobiology in health and disease
- Gastric acid secretion
- Respiration in special environments
- Renal auto-regulations
- Renal concentration mechanisms
- Fever and temperature regulation
- Mechanisms of arterial hypertension
- Role of physical exercise in metabolism
- Cloning in reproduction
- Stress and sleep
- Physiological control of pain
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Discovery process in physiology and medicine
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, discovery learning, problem based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies and eLearning and practicals
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials
Assessment mode
CATs and End of Semester Examinations
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
Hall, John E., (2016) Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th Edition. Elsevier, Canada.
Janeway’s immunobiology / Kenneth Murphy, Casey Weaver; with contributions by Allan Mowat, Leslie Berg, David Chaplin; with acknowledgment to Charles A. Janeway Jr., Paul Travers, Mark Walport. 9th edition. | New York, NY : Garland Science/Taylor & Francis
Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition. (2015) Kim E. Barrett, Susan M. Barman, Scott Boitano, Heddwen L. Brooks. Lange, Tata McGraw-Hill Edition
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Hynes, N., Ingham, P., Lim, W. et al. Signaling change: signal transduction through the decades. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 14, 393–398 (2013) doi:10.1038/nrm3581
Neuroscience. Sixth Edition. Edited by Dale Purves, George J. Augustine, David Fitzpatrick, William C. Hall, Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, Richard D. Mooney, Michael L. Platt, and Leonard E. White. Publication Date – October 2017. ISBN: 9781605353807
- LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
Code and Unit Title
HMP 405 LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
Learning Hours
45 hours 1 unit
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to be able to review existing literature and identify knowledge gaps for further study
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Review existing literature and come up with research questions
Content
Definition of research; Background information for research of interest; The research problem and hypothesis; Literature review; Writing a research proposal; Critical appraisal; Impact factor; Manuscript preparation.
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, discovery learning, problem based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies and eLearning and practicals Sessions of preparation and presentation of write-ups
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials
Assessment mode
Grading the written proposal
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
C.R Kothari, 2015. Research Methodology: Methods And Techniques’ ,Second Revised Edition (2nd Revised Edition) New Age International Private Ltd. Available on the internet
Existing relevant published literature
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Title: Writing dissertation and grant proposals epidemiology, preventive medicine and biostatistics by Lisa Chasan-Taber. Boca Raton: CRC Press/Taylor and Francis. 2014
Effective science communication: a practical guide to surviving as a scientist. Sam Illingworth author.; Grant Allen (Ph. D), author. : IOP Publishing ; 2016. Bristol England Temple Circus, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6HG, UK.
Research Methodology and Scientific Writing 2nd Edition. C George Thomas. ISBN: 978-938-826-4488. Publisher: Ane Books, New Delhi
- SEMINARS II- TOPICS FROM APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
Code and Unit Title
HMP 406 SEMINARS II – TOPICS FROM APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
Learning Hours
45 hours 1 unit
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to prepare and present scientific information in applied physiology in seminar settings
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Prepare and present seminars on various scientific topics in applied physiology
Content
- Renal auto-regulations
- Renal concentration mechanisms
- Fever and temperature regulation
- Mechanisms of arterial hypertension
- Role of physical exercise in metabolism
- Cloning in reproduction
- Stress and sleep
- Physiological control of pain
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Discovery process in physiology and medicine
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, discovery learning, problem-based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies and eLearning and practicals Journal club presentations
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials
Assessment mode
Grading of the preparation and actual seminar presentation
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 24th Edition. (2015) Kim E. Barrett, Susan M. Barman, Scott Boitano, Heddwen L. Brooks. Lange, Tata McGraw-Hill Edition
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Pathophysiology of Disease: An Introduction to Clinical Medicine 8E 8th Edition. by Gary Hammer (Author), Stephen McPhee (Author). Lange ISBN-13: 978-1260026504.ISBN-10: 1260026507
Sato, N. (2018). Congestion: Historical and Pathophysiological Review and the Concept of Fundamental Management for Hospitalized Heart Failure. In Therapeutic Strategies for Heart Failure (pp. 39-54). Springer, Tokyo.
Ames, M. K., Atkins, C. E., & Pitt, B. (2019). The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and its suppression. Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 33(2), 363-382.
Agaba, E. I., Rohrscheib, M., & Tzamaloukas, A. H. (2012). The renal concentrating mechanism and the clinical consequences of its loss. Nigerian medical journal: journal of the Nigeria Medical Association, 53(3), 109.
Tansey, E. A., & Johnson, C. D. (2015). Recent advances in thermoregulation. Advances in physiology education, 39(3), 139-148.
Gabriel, B. M., & Zierath, J. R. (2017). The limits of exercise physiology: from performance to health. Cell metabolism, 25(5), 1000-1011.
Chen, J. S., & Sehdev, J. S. (2019). Physiology, Pain. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
- PROJECT
Code and Unit Title
HMP 407 PROJECT
Learning Hours
225 hours 5 units
Prerequisite
Knowledge of undergraduate physiology and students who have completed third year in MBChB, BDS and BPharm
Purpose
The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to write a thesis based on their research work
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, the learner should be able to:
- Write a thesis of their own research
Content
Preparation of a basic research proposal. Carrying out of the research in consultation with the supervisors. Writing and presenting a thesis which conforms to University of Nairobi guidelines.
Learning and Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, discovery learning, problem based learning, experimental learning, group –based learning, independent studies and eLearning and practicals Consultation and presentation
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Audio visual aids, printed materials
Assessment mode
Thesis presentation
Academic Staff Evaluation
Monitoring/observation by the Head of Department and assessment by lecturers and student evaluation forms.
Course Texts
Department format for thesis preparation
Further Reading Materials and Resources
Thesis Writing for Master’s and Ph.D. Program. Editors S.C. Parija and Vikram Kate. 2018. Publisher. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. eBook ISBN 978-981-13-0890-1.
Research and Thesis Writing: A Textbook on the Principles and Techniques of Thesis Construction for the Use of Graduate Students in Universities and Colleges Paperback– 2008. by John C. Almack (Author). Publisher: Indigo Books (2008). ISBN-10: 8129201461. ISBN-13: 978-8129201461
Chandrasekhar, R. (2002). How to write a thesis: A working guide. The University of Western Australia.