Physiology and Bio-Chemistry

Introduction

The purpose of a course in physiology is to teach the functions, processes and inter‐relationship of the different organs and systems of the normal disturbance in disease and equip the student with normal standards of reference for use while diagnosing and treating deviations from the normal.

To a homoeopath the human organism is an integrated whole of body life and mind and though life includes all the chemico‐physical processes it transcends them. There can be no symptoms of disease without vital force animating the human organism and it is primarily the vital force which is deranged in disease.

Physiology shall be taught from the stand point of describing physical processes underlying them in health. There should be close cooperation between the various departments while teaching different systems. There should be joint courses between the two departments of anatomy and physiology so that there is maximum coordination in the teaching of these subjects.

Seminars should be arranged periodically and lecturers of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry should bring home the point to the students that the integrated approach is more meaningful.

Objectives

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

Explain the normal functioning of all the organ systems of the body and their interactions.
Narrate the contribution of each organ system to the maintenance of homeostasis.
Elucidate the physiological aspects of normal growth and development.
Describe the physiological response and adaptations to environmental stresses.
List the physiological principles underlying pathogenesis and treatment of disease.
Describe the basic and clinical aspects of enzymology and regulation of enzymatic activity;
Explain the process of digestion and assimilation of nutrients and consequences of malnutrition;
Discuss the integration of various aspects of metabolism, and their regulatory pathways;

Skills

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

Perform experiments designed either primarily for the study of physiological phenomena or for assessment of function.
Analyse and interpret experimental/investigative data critically.
Distinguish between normal and abnormal data derived as a result of tests which he/she has performed and observed in the laboratory.
Make use of conventional techniques/ instruments to perform biochemical analysis relevant to clinical screening and diagnosis, analyse and interpret investigative data