Course content

This course gives a fundamental introduction to selected fields in human physiology, along with related pathophysiology. Through the course students will also learn about selected diagnostic- and medical imaging modalities such as Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MR, nuclear imaging (SPECT/PET) and ECG.

The second part of the course focuses on medicine as a practice, emphasizing evidence-based practice, and as an applied science emphasizing the scientific methods typical for medicine: epidemiology, clinical studies, and diagnostic evaluation. The course also addresses the statistical basis of these subjects and the application of statistical methods, although it does not primarily aim to teach the practical use of these methods.

Lastly, the course discusses fundamental problems and limitations in applying diagnostics and treatments to populations, especially false positives and negatives, positive and negative predictive value, and overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Learning outcome

After completing and passing the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge in selected fields of physiology and the connection between function and disease.
• Understand selected technological diagnostic- and treatment methods.
• Understand basic training physiology and oxygen uptake.
• Knowledge about medical imaging modalities (X-ray, MR, CT, nuclear imaging and Ultrasound) and ECG.
• Understand the difference between medical evidence and evidence-based practice.
• Understand the concept of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, the implications of false positives and negatives, and positive and negative predictive value.

Skills:

• Perform basic calculations within certain fields of physiology, diagnostics, and exercise physiology.
• Calculate and understand incidence and prevalence, numbers needed to treat, sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative predictive value.
• Draw conclusions about the relevant use of diagnostics and treatment.

General competence:

• Understanding of the challenges within medicine.
• Evaluate research ethical issues in medicine.
• Utilize their knowledge to address challenges that arise at the convergence of medicine and technology.

Learning methods and activities

The subject is 100% online over one semester.

Registration in Studentweb is required to gain access to the online learning resources.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Course materials

Relevant learning materials will be available via the web (blackboard), and consists of lecture videos, lecture notes, selected review papers and web links. There is no textbook, as the topics are too diverse to be covered by a single textbook.

Credit reductions