West Bengal State University
(Barasat, North 24 Parganas)
Following is the syllabus (finalized) by the Under Graduate Board of Studies in Physiology
of the W.B.S.U. for the 3-year B. Sc. Honours Course in Physiology. The Part I syllabus has
been given in details here which is to be followed from the academic session of 2010-2011.
Syllabus for the B.Sc. Physiology
THREE-YEAR HONOURS
DEGREE COURSES OF STUDIES
The Syllabus for the 3 years (1+1+1) B.Sc. Honours in Physiology
Physiology (Hons)
Full marks-800
PART-I (200 Marks)
Paper-I:
Theory (Full Marks 100)
Unit 01: 50 Marks
(Numbers in the parentheses denote lectures suggesting the depth of the topics to be taught at under the said module)
Module 1 (10) : CELL,TISSUE, SYSTEM AND HUMAN BODY
Module 2 (10): ORGANIZATION OF GENE AND CHROMOSOME
Module 3 (16): BIOPHYSICS
Module 4(10): ENZYME
Module 5(14): GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY
Unit 02 : 50 Marks
(Numbers in the parentheses denote lectures suggesting the depth of the topics to be taught at under the said module)
Module 6 (10) : BIOCHEMISTRY I
Module 7 (12): BIOCHEMISTRY II
Module 8 (14): VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Module 9 (12): MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY
Module 10 (12): NERVE PHYSIOLOGY
Paper IIA: Theory (Full Marks 50)
Unit 03: 50 Marks
(Numbers in the parentheses denote lectures suggesting the depth of the topics to be taught at under the said module)
Module 11 (14) : BLOOD
Module 12 (14):CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY I
Module 13 (10): CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY II
Module 14 (08): BODY FLUID AND CIRCULATION
Module 15 (14): RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
Paper – II B: Practical (F.M. 50)
(One practical class is of 3 periods)
(Each period of 45 minutes duration)
Unit – 04 : 50 Marks
Classes required 50
1. Histology
Haematological Experiments
Permanent slide identification
Examination of fresh tissue
2. Biochemistry
Qualitative Experiments
3. Viva – Voce
4. Laboratory Note Books
10 marks
10 marks
10 marks
10 marks
5 marks
5 marks
PART-I
Theoretical
PAPER – I (F.M. 100)
UNIT : 01 (50 Marks)
Module 1 ((10): CELL,TISSUE, SYSTEM AND HUMAN BODY
Origin of life. Comparison of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, Discovery and
landmark experiments relevant to the field of cytology by scientists, Fluid mosaic
structure of cell membrane, Membrane transport- active and carrier mediated, passive
transport, Ion pores, ion pumps, ion channels, ionophores, uniport, symport, antiport.
Artificial membrane –liposome and erythrocyte ghost. Electron microscopic structure
and functions of eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum, Ribosome, Golgi complex,
Mitochondria, Lysosomes, Peroxisomes, Cytoskeleton and its role in stabilizing cell
shape, Microtubules. Basic idea of tight junctions, gap junctions and cell adhesion
molecules. Cell cycle – events and regulatory role of cyclin. Cell death : apoptosis
mechanism including molecular events. Necrosis. Structure, classification and
functions of Epithelial, Connective, Muscular and Nervous tissues. Organization of
cells into organs and systems of human body. Anatomical planes and position of
human body.
Module 2 (10): ORGANIZATION OF GENE AND CHROMOSOME
Landmark discovery relevant to the field of genetics by F. Meiescher, O. Avery,
Watson and Crick. Eukaryotic Chromosome structure. Chromosomal DNA
packaging – nucleosomes and higher levels of organization of chromatin.
Euchromatin and heterochromatin. Human genome and its characteristics. Nuclear
and mitochondrial DNA. Gene and interrupted genes, gene families, Gene mutation.
Transposons.
Module 3 (16): BIOPHYSICS
Diffusion, surface tension and viscosity -- their characteristics, factors influencing and
biological applications. Osmosis: osmotic pressure – laws, determination – freezing
point depression method and biological applications. Proteolysis of water, pH, acidbase neutralization curves, Buffers, Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Regulation of
pH by blood buffers. Determination of pH –Basic concept of indicators, principle of
pH meter- hydrogen electrode and glass electrode. Colloids : Classification, properties
– optical, electrical, electrokinetic. Biological importance of colloids. Dialysis and
ultrafiltration. Gibbs-Donnan membrane equilibrium. Thermodynamics : Type of
surroundings and systems. First Law– Internal energy, enthalpy. Second Law –
Entropy. Gibbs free energy, Endergonic and Exergonic reactions. Physiological
steady-state, Living body as a thermodynamic system.
Module 4(10): ENZYME
Contribution of Eduard Buchner and James B. Sumner to the field of enzyme.
Classification- IUBMB nomenclature, Concept of apoenzyme, holoenzyme, cofactors,
coenzyme, and prosthetic group. Mechanism of enzyme action : Activation energy,
Enzyme-substrate complex, Transition state and Products. Models of enzymesubstrate interactions. Specificity of enzymes. Catalytic Mechanisms. Concept of
initial rate, maximum velocity and steady-state kinetics. Michaelis constant,
Michaelis-Menten equation, Graphical representation of hyperbolic kinetics-Lineweaver-Burk plot. Significance of Km and Vmax. Factors influencing enzymecatalyzed reactions : substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, pH, temperature.
Competitive, non-competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions. Regulation of enzyme
activities -- covalent modifications, allosteric modifications – Sigmoid kinetics and
Hill equation : K- and M- series, Model of Allosteric modulation, Feed-back
inhibition. Rate-limiting enzymes. Isozymes, Ribozymes and Abzymes. Enzymes in
clinical diagnosis-significance(AST, ALT, ACP, ALP and amylase).
Module 5(14): GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY
Anatomy and histology of alimentary canal. Digestive glands – histological structures
of salivary glands, pancreas, liver. Nerve supply of the alimentary system.
Mastication. Deglutition. Movements of alimentary canal and their regulations.
Composition, functions and regulation of the secretion of salivary, gastric, pancreatic
and intestinal juices and bile. Mechanism of gastric HCl secretion. Ivan Petrovich
Pavlov’s work on physiology of digestion. Synthesis of Bile acids. Enterohepatic
circulation of bile. Functions of Gall bladder. Digestion and absorption of
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Defecation. Feces. GALT. Basic
concepts of Peptic Ulcer, Jaundice and Gall-stones, Pancreatitis, Achlorhydria.
Hyperchlorhydria. Liver function tests.
Unit 02 (50)
Module 6 (10) : BIOCHEMISTRY I
Carbohydrates : Definition and classification. Monosaccharides – Classification,
structure, stereoisomerism, optical isomerism, optical activity, epimerism. Cyclic
structures- Pyranose and furanose forms, anomerism, mutarotation and its mechanism.
Chemical reactions of monosaccharides (Glucose & Fructose) ---- Reactions with
concentrated mineral acids, alkali, phenylhydrazine and their biochemical importance.
Derivatives of monosaccharides -----Amino sugars, deoxy sugars, sugar alcohols,
sugar acids, sugar esters, their biochemical and physiological importance.
Disaccharides – Maltose, Lactose and Sucrose : Structure, Occurrence and
Physiological importance.
Polysaccharides – Starch, Glycogen, Dextrin, Cellulose, Glycosaminoglycans,
Glycoproteins, Functions of Oligosaccharides.
Lipids : Definition and classification. Fatty acids-- Classification, systemic
nomenclature and structure.Triacylglycerols. Properties of Fat and Fatty acids,
Hydrolysis, Saponification, Saponification number, Iodine number, Acetylation Acetyl number. Hydrogenation, Rancidity-Acid number, Reichert-Meissl number.
Cis-trans isomerism. Eicosanoids, Phospholipids, Glycolipids, Sphingolipids,
Cholesterol & its ester ---- their structure and physiological importance. Lipoproteins
- Structure and classification. Lipid Bilayers.
Module 7 (12): BIOCHEMISTRY II
Amino acids : Structure, Classification and Nomenclature and Optical properties.
Protonic equilibria of amino acids – Zwitterions, Isoelectric point, titration curve of
amino acids. Reactions with ninhydrin and formaldehyde. Nonstandard amino acids.
Proteins : Different levels of protein structure – Primary structure, Structure and
properties of peptide bonds, Protein Purification. Protein sequencing. Secondary
structure, Phi and Psi angles, α-helix and β-pleated sheet, Tertiary and Quaternary
structure. Forces stabilizing the structures. Denaturation and Renaturation.
Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids : Nucleotide structure.Nucleic acid structure.
Polynucleotides. DNA double helix -Primary, Secondary and Tertiary structure. ADNA, B-DNA and Z-DNA. Supercoiled DNA. RNA -types. Clover-leaf and L-shaped
structure of tRNA Forces stabilizing nucleic acid structure-- Denaturation and
Renaturation, Base Pairing, Base Stacking and hydro phobic interactions.
Hyperchromicity, Melting temperature and half Cot value.
Module 8 (14):VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Vitamins: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin,
Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Inositol. Vitamins A, D, E and K.
Chemistry, dietary sources, daily requirements, biochemical roles and functions,
deficiency symptoms, hypervitaminosis, antivitamins. Antioxidants. Minerals:
Sources, biological functions, metabolism and regulation of sodium, potassium,
calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine and fluoride.
Module 9 (12): MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY
Microscopic and electron microscopic structure of skeletal, smooth and cardiac
muscles.
The sarcotubular system. Red and white striated muscle fibers. Single-unit and multiunit smooth muscle. Muscle groups : antagonists and agonists. Properties of skeletal
muscle: excitability, contractility, all or none law, summation of stimuli, summation
of contractions, effects of repeated stimuli, genesis of tetanus, onset of fatigue,
refractory period, tonicity, conductivity, extensibility and elasticity. Optimal load,
optimal length of fibers. Muscle proteins. Mechanism of skeletal and smooth muscle
contraction and relaxation. Sliding filament theory of A F Huxley and H E Huxley.
Excitation-contraction coupling. Dihydropyridine receptors & Ryanodine receptors.
Mechanical components of muscle. Isometric and isotonic contractions – muscle
length, tension and velocity relationships. Chemical, thermal and electrical changes in
skeletal muscle during contraction and relaxation. Electromyography.
Module 10 (12): NERVE PHYSIOLOGY
Structure, classification and functions of neurons and neuroglias. Cytoskeletal
elements and axoplasmic flow. Myelinogenesis. The resting membrane potential. The
action potential. Electrotonic potentials. Current of injury. Propagation of nerve
impulse in different types of nerve fibers. Compound action potentials. Properties of
nerve fibers : excitability, conductivity, all or none law, accommodation, adaptation,
summation, refractory period, indefatigability. Chronaxie, rheobase and utilization
time. Landmark experiments of Charles Sherrington. Synapses : types, structure,
synaptic transmission of the impulse, synaptic potentials, neurotransmitters,
cotransmitters, neuromodulators. The neuromuscular junction : structure,
transmission, end-plate potential, MEPP, post-tetanic potentiation. Motor unit. Motor
point. Injury to peripheral nerves – degeneration and regeneration in nerve fiber,
changes in the nerve cell body, transneuronal degeneration, changes in receptors and
motor end-plates, denervation hypersensitivity. Thermal changes of nerve during
activity. Nerve growth factors.
FRAMING OF QUESTIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS IN EACH UNITOF
THEORETICAL QOESTION PAPERS
1. From each unit, five questions of 10 marks each with one alternative are to be set from the
same sub-unit . The 10 marks question may be subdivided.
2. Candidates have to attempt all five questions from each unit amongst the alternatives.
Paper II: Theory (Full Marks 50) & Practical (Full Marks 50)
Paper IIA
Unit 03: Theory (50)
Module 11 (14) : BLOOD
Blood: Composition and Function. Bone marrow. Formed elements of blood–origin,
formation, functions and fate. Plasma proteins: normal values, origin, classification,
separation by salting out and electrophoresis, Plasmapheresis. Haemoglobin –
Structure, reactions, biosynthesis and catabolism. Foetal haemoglobin. Abnormal
haemoglobins- Sickle-cell anemia and Thalassemia. Different types of anaemia and
their causes. Polycythemia, ESR. TC, DC, PCV, MCH, MCHC, MCV. Blood volume
– normal values, regulation and determination by dye and radioisotope methods.
Hemostasis – factors, mechanism, anticoagulants, procoagulants. Disorders of
hemostasis-Hemophilia, Thrombosis and Embolism. Landmark experiments of Karl
Landsteiner in haematology. Blood group – ABO and Rh. Erythroblastosis foetalis.
Blood transfusion and its hazards.
Module 12 (14):CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY I
Anatomical Organization of cardiovascular System. Anatomy of the heart. Properties
of cardiac muscle. Specialized tissue of the heart. Origin and propagation of cardiac
impulse. Stannius ligature. The cardiac cycle- pressure and volume changes. Heart
sounds. Murmurs. Cardiac output – measurement by application of Fick’s principle
and dye dilution method, factors affecting. Starling’s law of heart.
Electrocardiography – the normal electrocardiogram, electrocardiographic leads,
vectorial analysis, the vectorcardiogram, the mean electrical axis of heart. Principles
of Echocardiography. Cardiac Arrhythmias – Normal cardiac rate. Myocardial
Infarctions. Angiography and angioplasty. Artificial pacemaker.
Module 13 (10): CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY II
Functional morphology of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins, sinusoids.
Dicovery of blood circulation by William Harvey. General pattern of circulation and
significance of branching of blood vessels. The pulse – arterial and venous.
Hemodynamics of blood flow. Blood pressure – its measurement and factors
affecting. Cardiovascular homeostasis – neural and chemical control of cardiac
functions and blood vessels. Cardiac and vasomotor centers, baroreceptors and
chemoreceptors, innervation of the heart and blood vessels, cardiac and vasomotor
reflexes. Cardiovascular adjustment after haemorrhage.
Module 14 (08): BODY FLUID AND CIRCULATION
Body fluids and their compositions. Body fluid compartments: ECF and ICF,
interstitial fluids. Edema: intracellular and extracellular. Lymph and tissue fluids –
formation, circulation, functions and fate. Lymphatic organs-Histological structures
and functions of lymph gland and spleen.
Regional circulations: Cerebral circulations-anatomical organization, control of
cerebral circulation. Coronary- Phasic flow in cardiac cycle, peculiarities of coronary
circulation, anastomoses, factors controlling coronary circulation. Brief idea on shock
and heart failure. Pulmonary and Hepatic circulation -peculiarities, anatomy and
regulation.
Module 15(14): RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
Anatomy and histology of the lung and airways. Mechanics of breathing -- role of
respiratory muscles, glottis. Lung volumes and capacity. Compliance of lungs and
chest wall, pressure-volume relationships, alveolar surface tension and surfactant,
work of breathing. Ventilation- perfusion ratio. Dead space and uneven ventilation.
Spirometry. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in body - Partial pressure and
composition of normal atmospheric gases in inspired, expired, alveolar airs and blood.
Oxygen dissociation curve of hemoglobin and myoglobin – factors affecting. Carbon
dioxide dissociation curve. Regulation of respiration -- neural and chemical,
respiratory centers, chemoreceptors, baroreceptors, pulmonary receptors. Hypoxia –
types, effects. Asphyxia, Voluntary hyperpnoea, Apnoea, Cyanosis, Periodic
breathing, Asthma, Emphysema. Lung function tests. Artificial respiration. Concept
of non-respiratory functions of lung.
FRAMING OF QUESTIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS IN EACH UNITOF
THEORETICAL QOESTION PAPERS
1. From each unit, five questions of 10 marks each with one alternative are to be set from the
same sub-unit . The 10 marks question may be subdivided.
2. Candidates have to attempt all five questions from each unit amongst the alternatives.
Practical
PAPER – IIB (F.M. 50)
Unit – 04 : 50 Marks
1. Histology : 30 Marks
(a) Haematological experiments : Preparation and staining of blood film with
Leishman’s stain. Identification of blood corpuscles.Differential count of WBC. Total
count of RBC and WBC. Haemoglobin estimation. Preparation of haemin crystals.
Preparation and staining of bone marrow smear. Measurement of diameter of
megakaryocyte. Reticulocyte staining. Blood group determination.
Demonstration: Haematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Bleeding time, Clotting time,
ESR. 10 Marks
(b) Study and identification of stained section of different mammalian tissues and
organs: Bone, Hyaline cartilage, Trachea, Lung, Spleen, Lymph gland, Parotid gland,
Submaxillary gland, Sublingual gland, Tongue, Oesophagus, Stomach, Duodenum,
Jejunum, Ileum, Large intestine, Liver, Kidney, Ureter, Pancreas, Adrenal gland,
Thyroid gland, Testis, Ovary, Spinal cord, Cerebral cortex, Cerebellum, Skin, Cardiac
muscle, Skeletal muscle, Smooth muscle, Artery, Vein, Uterus. 5 Slides-10 Marks
(c) Examination of staining of fresh tissue:
Fresh tissue experiments : Suitable staining and examination of fresh tissues – epithelial,
areolar, adipose(Sudan III or IV) and muscle tissues. Silver nitrate preparation of cornea and
urinary bladder for cell spaces and sciatic nerve for nodes of Ranvier. 10 Marks
2. Biochemistry Qualitative : 10 Marks
Tests for identification of physiologically important substances :
Carbohydrates: glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, maltose, starch, dextrin.
Protein: albumin, gelatin, peptone.
Lipid: glycerol, cholesterol.
Others: hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, uric acid, , urea, acetone, bile salts.
3. Viva – Voce : 5 Marks
4. Laboratory Note -Books : 5 Marks