2. For Postgraduate M.Med.Sc. (Physiology ) Course
Title of the Course
Master of Medical Science Course in Physiology; M.Med.Sc.(Physiology) - full-time two year course
To produce qualified personnel with knowledge and skills in medical physiology at an advanced level who are capable of undertaking research, teaching, solving problems and continuing self-education through critical reading and evaluation of information.
Duration of the course
The duration of the course is two calendar years fulltime with full deputation privilege for the candidates. For those who do not complete the course in 2 years, the student must return to his/her mother unit to continue his/her research programme as an external student. Extension of up to one more years shall be permitted. The maximum duration of the Course shall, thus, not exceed 3 years.
Methods of training
As all the candidates are post-graduate students, the learning would be entirely self-directed and adult learning. There will be no didactic lectures of teaching.
First year course is a structured course during which contemporary concepts and principles of Physiology and allied disciplines (topics shown in the table; vide infra) along with the historical perspectives and recent advances are covered in the form of reading and writing assignments, discussions, seminars, submitted reports, presentation of journal articles, and laboratory work. The First Year Examination will be held at the end of the first academic year.The candidate is to keep a log book to record all his academic activities throughout the course.
During second year, a research proposal is to be put up at the latest by the 16th month from the start of the course. When approved, the candidate is to carry out research under supervision that needs to be completed by the end of the second year, or by the end of the 3rd year at the latest. The results of the research are embodied in a thesis to be submitted to the Board of Studies of MMedSc (Physiology) for oral defence. The candidate will be conferred with the degree only after he/she has satisfied the examiners in both parts.
Contents of the First Year course
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Sr |
Content |
Teaching/Learning method |
weeks |
Teaching/ Learning media |
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Introduction to the Course (including finding learning resources and the use of information technology) |
Briefing by Chairman, Board of Studies, M.Med.Sc. (Physiology) |
3 hr from the first week |
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1 |
Basic laboratory techniquesLaboratory safely measure and methods, Culture of safety and responsibility, Nucleic acid separation by Agrose Gel Electrophoresis, Role of electrophoresis in research, Spectrophotometer and pitfall in Biomedical Research, Role of chromatography in Biomedical Research, Effect of sampling on validity of the test, How do you detect random error and systematic error? |
Assignment, demonstration (Biochemical department) |
2 wks |
LCD projector White board/ black board
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2 |
History of Medicine/Physiology IOverview of History of Medicine in general and physiology in particular Development of scientific thought through the ages Hippocrates, Claudius Galen, William Harvey Review of the development of physiology as a discipline (from the perspective of Men, Ideas and Methods/Technology)from renaissance onwards Development in medicine and Milestone in Physiology during 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries
History of Medicine/Physiology II 20th century : Advances, knowledge explosion and progressive diversification of Physiology; Nobel Prize winners and prominent figures in biomedical sciences Physiology at the turn of the millennium; the frontiers |
Power-point presentation Self-study Reading and writing assignments Discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments
Self study Reading and writing assignments Discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments
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2wks: at begin-ning of the first year course
1wk: towards the end of the first year course |
Computer LCD projector White board
Computer LCD projector White board |
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3 |
Haematology Historical aspects/recent advances Current concepts and principles : Haemopoiesis and cytokines Functions of blood cells,Macrophage system |
Reading and writing assignments and Discussion with course supervisor on assignments |
3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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Haemostasis Body defence : Immunity Blood groups and blood transfusion
Project : Haematological responses to muscular exercise (to submit report) Cell counts: RBC, Total and differential WBC, platelet, reticulocyte osmotic fragility ESR, PCV, Haemoglobin |
Seminar presentation
Practical/laboratory work at the Department
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4 |
Excitable tissuesMilestones in Electrophysiology ; Man, ideas and development of methods and techniques (CRO, microelectrodes, voltage clamp and other techniques) Recent advances: ion channels Current concepts and principles: Genesis and propagating of nerve impulses Nerve injury and repair Synaptic and neuromuscular transmission Muscle contraction : molecular mechanisms/ mechanics Role of calcium ions in neuromuscular function
Practical preparation: Toad sciatic nerve
Measurement of conduction velocity of nerves in human (CRO, EMG);
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Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminar presentation
Practical/laboratory work at the Department Demonstration - live (or video show) |
3wks |
Computer LCD projector White board
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5 |
NeurophysiologyMilestones in Neurophysiology: Contributions of Sherrington and Pavlov Recent advances in synaptic plasticity and sensory transduction Current concepts and principles: Nerve growth factors, neurotrophic substances and glial functions Somatic and Autonomic Nervous SystemsSensory and motor physiology Special senses Neural basis of behaviour (including appetitive behaviour) Consciousness and sleep Biorhythms Learning and memory, synaptic plasticity Limbic functions Language
EEG |
Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments
Seminar presentation
Neuromedical department, YGH/MGH |
3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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Assessment of visual function (acuity, pupillary reflexes, perimetry, colour vision) Two point discrimination in various parts of the body Visual function: near point in young and old age |
Practical /laboratory work Practical/ Miniresearch
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6 |
Endocrine physiologyHistorical aspects/recent advances Investigative/experimental approaches to the study of endocrine function Current concepts and principles: Cellular mechanisms of hormone action Hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas Local Hormones (prostaglandins) Endocrinology of stress, human growth Calcium Homeostasis; Fuel homeostasis Principles/techniques in Hormone assays RIA of hormones
OGTT
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Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminars
Practical/laboratory work |
3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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7 |
Reproductive PhysiologyHistorical aspect/recent advances Current concepts and principles: Testicular, ovarian and placental functions Modern reproductive technology including assisted reproduction
Assessment of testicular function: semenalysis, Biodetection of hCG (male toad test)
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Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments
Practical/laboratory work |
3wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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8 |
Cardiovascular SystemHistorical aspects: contributions of Harvey and Starling/recent advances Current concepts and principles: Cardiac cycle : cardiac electrophysiology and mechanical events Cardiac output, blood pressure and flow and their regulaton Biophysical aspects: cardiodynamics and haemodynamics Ventricular, cardiac output and venous return curves and pressure-volume loops Microcirculation/ Endothelial functions Vasoactive hormones Regional blood flow – physiology and regulation, pathophysiology Stress and cardiovascular system
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Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminars
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3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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Transplanted heart(milestones in heart transplanation and current status) Pathophysiology of shock, cardiac failure, hypertension.
ECG Cardiovascular responses to stress (using ECG monitoring)- orthostatic, mental (mental arithmetic test) and physical stress (cold pressor test and physical exertion), Perfusion of isolated mammalian heart (rat, rabbit) Effect of vagal stimulation on the heart (toad) Effect of various chemicals on the heart (toad) Effect of various agents on cardiac activity and blood pressure (direct intra-arterial recording) in anaesthetized dog Valsalva's maneuver
Assessment and monitoring of circulatory and other functions) |
Practical/laboratory work
Demonstration, Intensive Care Unit YGH/MGH |
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9 |
RespirationHistorical aspect/recent advances/ current concepts and principles with emphasis on Airway resistance Work of breathing Regulation of pulmonary ventilation Ventilation-perfusion balance and imbalance Lung defence mechanisms Acclimatization to changes in barometric pressure Pathophysiology of respiratory failure, sleep apnoea
Respiratory function tests (spirometry) Effects of exercise on rate, rhythm and depth of respiration (spirometry)
Monitoring of respiration and oxygenation of blood; Arterial blood gas analysis
Estimation of oxygen consumption
Monitoring/investigation of sleep apnoea
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Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminar
Practical/laboratory work
Demonstration Intensive care unit, YGH/MGH
Physiology Dept, (DMR) (demonstration)
Sleep laboratory, Department of Chest Medicine, YGH |
3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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10 |
Molecular BiologyGene expression and its regulation, Proteomics DNA damage and repair mechanism Mutation Molecular basis of haemoglobinopathies Apoptosis Molecular motors
PCR, Recombinant DNA techniques |
Biochemistry Department Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminar
Demonstration |
2 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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11 |
Metabolic Physiology Fuel metabolism Metabolic regulation Metabolic fate of glucose |
Biochemistry Department Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminar |
2 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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12 |
Gastrointestinal Physiology Methods of study of gastrointestinal function Historical aspect/recent advances/ current concepts : Enteric Nervous system Gut hormones GI motility and its control GI secretion and its control Gastrointestinal mucosal protection Intestinal absorption/ malabsorption Pathophysiolgy of biliary secretion
Effects of various agents on isolated intestinal strip |
Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminars
Practical/laboratory work |
3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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13 |
NutritionHistorical aspect/recent advances Current concepts and principles in human nutrition with emphasis on Healthy eating style and diseases related to unhealthy diet (e.g. obesity) Major nutritional problems of Myanmar (e.g. nutritional anaemias)
Assessment of nutritional status Nutrient analysis |
Nutrition division, DMR Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminars
Practical/laboratory work
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1 wk |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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14 |
Renal Physiology & Body FluidsHistorical aspect/recent advances Current concepts and principles: Glomerular and tubular functions Countercurrent mechanisms in renal function Homeostatic capacity of the kidneys Artificial kidney Transplanted kidney Renal function tests
Determination of GFR (creatinine clearance 24 h and timed urine collection) Postural effect on GFR |
Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments
Seminars
Practical/laboratory work
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3 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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15 |
Exercise physiology Physiological and biochemical responses to exercise (isometric, isotonic, combined) Physiological and biochemical responses to various types of physical training Effects of exercise on health Introduction to sports physiology
Practical: Assessment of Health Related Physical Fitness : measurement of
Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) |
Physiology Research Division, DMR: Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminar
Practical/ demonstrations
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2 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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16 |
Environmental and adaptative Physiology Physiology of acclimatization in general Adaptation to extreme environmental temperatures (climatic physiology) Adaptation to barometric pressure changes (including zero gravity) Environmental pollutants and health
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Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments Seminar
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2 wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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17. |
Integrated Specialty topics : Physiology of
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Respective system course Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments |
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19 |
Research methodology/statisticsBasic elements of research The basic components of a scientific paper Research ethics Measures of central tendency Normal distribution Confidence interval Sampling methods Sample size estimation t-distribution Chi square Correlation and regression How to read/write a scientific paper |
Reading and writing assignments and discussion with course supervisor on submitted assignments
Workshop on Research Methodology (organized by |
3wks |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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20
* |
Medical Education Science
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discussion with course supervisor Workshop on medical education (organized by
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1 wk |
Computer LCD projector White board |
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Total Course works |
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45 wks |
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Time allotment: 52 weeks
First Year Course Work: 45 weeks
Review/ private study/ electives: 5 weeks
First year Examination: 2 weeks (8 days)
(NB. Supplementary exam is held in 6 weeks)
These 5 papers are 3 hour written papers. Each paper comprises Sections A and B. Each section contains 5 MCQs (minus system carried over) and Essay type questions (and problems for Statistics in Paper V).Separate answer sheet for MCQs (Sections A and B combined) to be collected 30 minutes after the starting time at the latest. Essay type question paper is to be given to the candidate only after collecting the MCQ question and answer sheets.Any TWO essay type questions out of THREE from EACH section are to be answered, and a separate answer book is to be used for each section.
Components of Papers I to V
Paper I: Section A: Gastrointestinal Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism
Section B: Blood Physiology
Paper II: Section A: Cardiovascular Physiology
Section B: Physiology of Respiration
Paper III: Section A: Renal Physiology and Body Fluids
Section B: Endocrinology and Physiology of Reproduction
Paper IV: Section A: Biophysics, Molecular, Environmental and Work Physiology
Section B: Neurophysiology
Paper V: Section A: History of Medicine & Physiology
Section B: Research Methodology and Biostatistics
(The invigilator is to hand out statistical tables to the candidate on request)
Distribution of marks for Papers I to V
Viva voce: all candidates after practical session, at least 15 minutes for each candidate
Pass criteria: Score of 60% or above in each of the five papers
There are two supplementary examinations for the students who fail the regular examination.
These will be held between 6 weeks and 6 months after the regular examination
Thesis submission (During second year)
This is to be done not earlier than end of second year and not later than 4 years after the commencement of the course. The thesis is submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies (Physiology) and oral thesis defense is conducted.
Assessment of submitted Thesis
The thesis, which must be written in a format recommended by the University, should make some contribution towards scientific knowledge of the discipline, and generate at least one-author research paper publishable in scientific journals.
Assessment of oral defence
The candidate is expected to defend most if not all aspects of his/her work, and also demonstrate adequate knowledge of the related theoretical background, and systematic, logical and critical thinking process. The candidate must bring the log book and other relevant materials such as raw and analysed data and original journals/monographs or their photocopies cited in the thesis. Competency-based assessment forms from supervisor must also be presented to the Board members.
3. For PostgraduatePh.D. (Physiology ) Course
Title of the Course
Doctor of Philosophy Course in Physiology; Ph.D.(Physiology) - full-time three year course
To produce academicians and researchers of international capable of undertaking and leading sustained, high level research in the field of physiological sciences
Duration of the course
The duration of the course is three calendar years without full deputation privilege for the candidates. For those who do not complete the course in 3 years, extension of up to one more years shall be permitted. The maximum duration of the course shall, thus, not exceed 4 years.
Methods of training
The programme is based primarily on guided but self-directed adult learning through carrying out a research project, writing up of a thesis on the research work, and the oral examination for defence of the thesis.
Suggested Topics: National Health Plan, Health Economics, Epidemiology, Research Methodology (including Statistics) and Research Ethics, History of Medicine (development of scientific though with emphasis on technical as well as humane aspect); Management Science; Information technology (including its efficient use as a research and education tool) (Common module is not available at the present).
Candidates attend Research Methodology Course and Course on Responsible Conduct of Research in respective University.
During the first year, the candidate must make one oral presentation on the theorectical background, historical development and methodology advances, and current states of affairs pertaining to his/her intended area of research. Members of the Postgraduate Academic Board of Studies (Physiology) and specially invited experts should evaluate/ give suggestions on the presentation.
Assessment of submitted Thesis
The thesis, which must be written in a format recommended by the University, should make some contribution towards scientific knowledge of the discipline, and generate at least one-author research paper publishable in scientific journals.
Assessment of oral defence
The candidate is expected to defend most if not all aspects of his/her work, and also demonstrate adequate knowledge of the related theoretical background, and systematic, logical and critical thinking process. The candidate must bring the log book and other relevant materials such as raw and analysed data and original journals/monographs or their photocopies cited in the thesis. Competency-based assessment forms from supervisor must also be presented to the Board members.
