This course examines the relation between the normal functioning (physiology) and disease (pathophysiology) of seven basic organ systems: 1. heart and blood vessels (cardiology, arteriosclerosis), 2. lung (pulmonology), 3. kidney (nephrology), 4. gastro intestinal tract, 5. endocrine glands (endocrinology), 6. the central nervous system, and 7. the reproductive system.  To demonstrate the relation between two or more organ systems, the course ends with a study of diabetes, which involves aspects of endocrinology and the cardiovascular and nervous system.

 

Format
Students are expected to spend about ten hours per week on the course outside of class. Lectures are dedicated to introducing course materials and preparing students for their assignments. Students complete several reports about an aspect of embryology, anatomy, physiology and pathofysiology, and report their findings to the class. Student presentations are subjected to peer and teacher assessment.

After receiving an overview of various organs systems and diseases, students begin to recognize the symptoms a patient will show when a particular organ fails. The instructor demonstrates a real diagnosis at the University Hospital. Though the course does not emphasize clinical skills, students participate actively during this demonstration.