2013 Faculty Package: MEDF 1011

Health Science I (2 Units)

Course Arrangement

1. Total lecture hours: 24

2. Total tutorial hour: 1 (for Section B only)

3. One examination in the form of multiple choice questions (MCQ) and short answer questions (SAQ)
will be held at the end of the course. Students are also required to complete a group essay as part of the
course assessment.

4. Students will be divided into Section A (BChiMed: 25, BNurs: 200, Public Health: 35) and Section B
(MBChB: 210, BPharm: 55). Each Section will consist of about 260 students.

Commencement of course: 2 hour lecture(s) on every Wednesday

Session 1 (Section A) 08:30 - 10:15 (EXCEPT 4 September 2013)

Session 2 (Section B) 11:30 - 13:15 (EXCEPT 4 September 2013)

5. At Week 7-8, both Section A and Section B students will be given a mobile learning applications
(HSApp) based on the lecture topics. Students are encouraged to download the App via Blackboard
Learn platform or MCU platform and finish the online exercise at their own time as self-learning.

6. The mode of assessment will be the same for both Sections but with different set of questions, and
account for 20% and 80% of the course assessment.

Section A: Group essay 20%

Final examination (MCQ and SAQ) 80%

Section B: Group essay 20%

Final examination (MCQ and SAQ) 80%

1. Course Information, Description and Learning Outcomes

Course code: MEDF 1011 (MEDF1011A and MEDF1011B)

Course name: Foundation Course for Health Sciences I
Year of study: One
Term of study / Unit: Term 1 / 2 Units
Core / Elective course: Core
Course Coordinator: Dr. Isabel Hwang

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 Course Description:

This course introduces students to different aspects of basic science and some organ-specific human
physiology that are essential for understanding the functioning of the human body. The concepts in
chemical and physical sciences are described in different topics and students are allowed to relate
them to cell and organ functions in the human body. The inclusion of selected case studies in human
also enables students to understand their clinical relevance.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLO):

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Describe general functions of plasma membrane and different cell organelles.
2. Describe four physical processes of heat transfer, and relate them to the body and the mechanism
of body temperature control.
3. Recognize the bioelectrical properties of a neuron and describe different types of ion channels
involved in neural conduction.
4. Review the general organization of the nervous system and appreciate the importance of
homeostatic control system.
5. Distinguish electrolytes and non-electrolytes in body fluid and describe briefly how osmolality
and selective permeability of cell membrane are important in determining water balance.
6. Review the general physiology of cardiovascular system in the control of blood pressure.
7. Identify major chemical and physiological buffering systems in the human body.
8. Describe characteristics of sound waves and clinical uses of ultrasound.
9. Understand the concept of radioisotopes and their uses in medicine and healthcare.

2. Assessment Scheme

Task nature Weight Rationale and format Marking Scheme

20% Rationale: An assessment on

Group essay
students’ understanding on
(for Both topics covered in lectures from
Section A and week 1 to week 9 (learning
Section B) outcomes 1 to 6)

Format: Students will be

assigned into smaller groups
and each group will be given
an essay topic. Further details
will be announced when the
course commences.

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 End-of-term 80% Rationale: A final assessment Multiple choice questions (80 marks):
on students’ understanding on
examination
topics being covered in all the Multiple choice questions:
lectures and tutorial (learning - only the correct answer will be given
outcomes 1 to 9). marks.

Format: a 2 hour written Short answer questions:

examination with multiple
choice questions and short
answer questions.
- multiple choice questions
(60 questions);
- short answer questions (4
questions).
- students who are able to express views
coherently and correctly in paragraph,
or in point forms where appropriate,
with information being covered in the
lectures would generally get marks
based on the standard answers;
- students demonstrating their ability to
provide additional explanation from
further reading, or to present the
answers with additional graphical
presentation (if appropriate) would be
awarded with higher marks.

3. Feedback for evaluation

The course adopts a number of formal and informal measures to generate feedback for evaluation about
the course. Students or class representatives are encouraged to collate views during and at the end of
the course. Another means of evaluation encourages students to use the Course and Teacher Evaluation
(CTE). Students are also welcomed to give their feedback via email exchange, individual meeting, etc.

4. A facility for posting course announcements

All course related announcement and lecture materials will be posted on the Medical Curriculum (MCU)
website at https://webapps.med.cuhk.edu.hk/mcu/. To facilitate downloading of lecture materials
especially e-learning resources, students are also able to visit the University’s Blackboard Learn
Platform. The MCU platform is used to upload all course related materials (e.g. course outline,
guidelines for assessment and lecture materials). Learning outcomes for lectures will be posted one week
prior to the lecture. Students are expected to download the lecture materials, and activities for tutorial
(only applicable to Section B students) or group essay assignment (for Both Section A and B students).
Students are also strongly suggested to do some preparatory work and reading before coming to class. It
is the responsibility of the students to check the platform regularly (at least twice a week) for updates
and announcements.

5. Contact details for Course Coordinator:

Professor/Lecturer Lecturer
Name Dr HWANG Shui Shan Isabel
Office Location Room 620, Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building, CUHK
Telephone 39436795

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 Email isabelss@cuhk.edu.hk

6. Contact details for Teachers:

Professor/Lecturer Lecturer
Name Dr LEE Kit Ying Rebecca
Office Location Room 616, Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building, CUHK
Telephone 3943 1380
Email rebec.lee@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Teaching Fellow

Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor AU Chak Leung Simon
Office Location Room 626C, Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building, CUHK
Telephone 3943 6813
Email clau@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Adjunct Professor

Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor TAM Siu Cheung Michael
Office Location 206A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area
39, CUHK
Telephone 3943 6878
Email mtam@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Associate Professor

Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor BAUM Larry
Office Location 801H, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Are
39, CUHK
Telephone 3943 6833
Email lwbaum@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Lecturer
Fellow/Lecturer
Name Dr POON Hong Kit Sam
Office Location Room 626, Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building, CUHK
Telephone 3943 1226
Email sampoon@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Assistant Professor

Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor KAM Chi Shan Anna
Office Location Room 303, Academic Building 2, CUHK
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 Telephone 2632 1276
Email annakam@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Associate Professor

Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor WANG Yi Xiang
Office Location LG14, Cancer Center, Prince of Wales Hospital
Telephone 2632 2289
Email yixiang_wang@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Physicist (Honorary Associate Professor)

Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor YEUNG Ka Wai David
Office Location Room 131, 1/F, Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital
Telephone 2632 1007
Email dkyeung@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Professor
Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor HUANG Yu
Office Location Room 626B, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Building, Area 39, CUHK
Telephone 39436787
Email yu-huang@cuhk.edu.hk

Professor/Teaching Professor
Fellow/Lecturer
Name Professor YUNG Wing Ho
Office Location Room 304A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building,
Area 39, CUHK
Telephone 39436880
Email whyung@cuhk.edu.hk

7. Course Textbooks

a. Basic Concepts in Biomedical Sciences I, CUHK – CUSTOM, Pearson (2012) (ISBN:

9789882245792)
b. Basic Concepts in Biomedical Sciences II, CUHK – CUSTOM, Pearson (2012).
(ISBN 9789880067532)
Note: This E-book is composed of selected chapters from Becker’s World of the Cell (ISBN:
9780321709783) and Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology (ISBN: 9780321798626). Bundled version of
the two books is also available (ISBN XTSM000099).

Reference reading:
a. Human Anatomy and Physiology. Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn. International Edition, (9th
Ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. (ISBN: 978-0-321-79917-3)
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 b. Vander's Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function. Eric P. Widmaier, Hershel
Raff, Kevin T. Strang. (13th Ed.) Mcgraw Hill Education. (ISBN: 978-1-259-08082-1)
c. Hole’s Human Anatomy and Physiology. David N. Shier. International Student Edition. (13th Ed.)
Mcgraw Hill Education. (ISBN: 978-0-07-131796-2)

8. Academic honesty and plagiarism

Honesty in examinations and academic work submitted by students is of very high importance in
this course. According to the University guideline on “Honesty in Academic Work”, it states that the
University “…….adopts a policy of zero tolerance on cheating in examinations and plagiarism. Any
related offence will lead to disciplinary action including termination of studies at the
University……….”
[CUHK “Honesty in Academic Work: A Guide for Students and Teachers” (November 2010).]

Students should read the University Policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, the
disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details
may be found at
http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/ .

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8. Topics to be covered, learning outcomes and teaching hours allocated

Venue for lectures on 4 September only: Lecture theater 1, Yasumoto International Academic Park
Venues for lectures on 11 September and onwards: Lecture theater 5, Lee Shau Kee Building, Main Campus

Lecture Teachers for Lectures

Class/ Lecture Learning
Topics Section Section
Week Contents Outcomes
(2h) A B

Describe the chemical composition of a human body
1/1 -
Introduce different types of chemical bonding
The biomolecules of life and
List major classes of organic molecules Dr Isabel Dr Isabel
4 Sep
water
State general roles of organic molecules in human body Hwang Hwang
2013 The ingredients
of life
1/1
Mastery lecture
4 Sep (for Both Importance of health sciences
Prof Joseph Prof Joseph
2013 Section A and for students of Faculty of
Sung Sung
(10:45- B) Medicine
11:15)

List general functions of plasma membrane

Recall composition of plasma membrane
2/2 Cell organelles
Summarize functions of different cell organelles
The cellular basis of life; cell Dr Rebecca Dr Rebecca
11 Sep and membrane
Recognize importance of selective permeability of cell
organelles Lee Lee
2013 transport membrane

Understand importance of membrane transport

Summarize major types of membrane transport

Recognize that human body conducts and makes use of
electricity as signals
Nature of electricity;

Describe general structure and function of a nerve cell
The importance of electricity in
3/3 (neuron)
electrochemical human body; concept of

Define electrochemical gradient Dr Isabel Prof Simon
18 Sep signals of membrane potential and action

Define Nernst equation and state its importance Hwang Au
2013 excitable cells potential in excitable cell

Outline factors that affect resting membrane potential
(neuron); application of

Distinguish between graded potential and action potential
electrical technology

Relate action potential to conduction system of the heart
with an example of ECG

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 Lecture Teachers for Lectures
Class/ Lecture Learning
Topics Section Section
Week Contents Outcomes
(2h) A B

Explain the structural and functional divisions of the
nervous system.

Describe the general functions of major regions of the adult
brain (e.g. cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem
and cerebellum).
4/4 Integration of Nervous System:

List the major lobes, and functional areas of the cerebral
signals and body Organization of the nervous Dr Isabel Prof Wing Ho
25 Sep cortex.
control: system; homeostatic control Hwang Yung
2013
Identify the three major regions of the brain stem, and note
Nervous system system
the functions of each area.

Describe the organization and key components of the
homeostatic control system

Outline the importance of body balance/movements with
neural integration (e.g. a spinal reflex)
Prof Simon Au

Recall the general structure of a (motor) neuron Prof WH Yung

Define excitability of a cell Dr Isabel
Tutorial on
5/5
Describe how excitable cells are able to conduct electrical Hwang
Membrane Properties of excitable cells
signals, i.e. action potential Prof WH Ko
2 Oct Excitability with illustrated example of a

Calculation of a Nernst potential Dr Ann Lau
2013 (for Section human neuron
Dr Rebecca
B only)
Lee
Prof Sidney Yu
Dr WW Kai

Define the terms thermal motion, internal energy and
kinetic energy
6/6 Heat, energy The nature of heat; heat
Describe what is meant by specific heat, latent heat and
and body capacity and latent heat; heat capacity Prof Simon Prof Simon
9 Oct
temperature modes of heat transfer;
Recognize that heat is generated in a human body Au Au
2013 thermoregulation
List the physical processes by which heat is transferred and
relate these to the human body

Summarize how body temperature is regulated in human

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 Lecture Teachers for Lectures
Class/ Lecture Learning
Topics Section Section
Week Contents Outcomes
(2h) A B

Define turbulent and laminar flow of blood vessel

Define viscosity and relate an understanding of viscosity in
blood plasma

State the Poiseuille’s law and outline its importance
Concept of pressure and flow;
Summarize factors that affect blood flow in human’s
7/7 Energy, force, the Poiseuille’s Law; circulatory system
Dr Isabel Dr Isabel
16 Oct pressure and resistance to flow; the Boyle’s
Define blood pressure and describe the importance of
Hwang Hwang
2013 elasticity law; partial pressure of gases; having a blood pressure
lung compliance
Apply an understanding of Boyle’s law and partial
pressures to breathing

Explain why compliance is important for lung function

Relate surfactants and ease of breathing in human
respiratory system

Give examples of major electrolytes of body fluid

Distinguish between forces of cohesion and adhesion
Water,
8/8 Major electrolytes in body
Define surface tension and give practical example of
electrolytes and
fluid; concept of concentration surface tension effects Dr Isabel Prof Michael
23 Oct body fluid
and body fluid compartment;
Distinguish between different types of aqueous mixture and Hwang Tam
2013 compartments
surface tension give examples of each found in practical practice

Define the terms osmotic pressure, osmolarity, osmolality
and tonicity and apply these to clinical practice
Body
Describe the structure of the heart and blood vessels
9/9 Cardiovascular System:
circulation:
Review the mechanism of cardiac muscle contraction
Heart and blood vessels, Dr Isabel Prof Huang
30 Oct Cardio-
Compare the action potential generated by pacemaker and
systemic and pulmonary Hwang Yu
2013 vascular system ventricular cells
circulation, heart disease

Name examples of common cardiovascular diseases

Define the terms acid and base with examples
Definition of acids and bases;
Identify common physiological acids and bases with
10/10 properties of acids and bases; examples
Acids and Bases measurement of acidity; the
Describe the importance of a stable pH in the human body Prof Larry Prof Larry
6 Nov
Henderson-Hasselbalch
Define and describe characteristics of a chemical buffer Baum Baum
2013 Equation; concept of chemical
Identify major physiological buffer systems
buffer
Write the Henderson Hasselbalch equation and state its
importance
11/11 The nature of light; transverse
Describe transverse waves
Dr Sam Dr Sam
Light and vision waves; the electromagnetic
Describe what the term white light means
13 Nov Poon Poon
spectrum; refraction of light;
Describe the properties of light: reflection, refraction,
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 Lecture Teachers for Lectures
Class/ Lecture Learning
Topics Section Section
Week Contents Outcomes
(2h) A B
2013 lens optics; optical instrument interference and polarization

Describe the effects of concave and convex lenses on
parallel rays of light

List examples of using light for quantitation, diagnosis and
therapeutic

Review structure of a human eye

Demonstrate how light rays are refracted by the human eye
in near sight and far sight vision

Outline common refractive errors of the eye and solutions
to such errors

Identify sound waves as mechanical waves

Describe the characteristics of longitudinal waves

Outline the decibel scale for measuring the perceived
The nature of sound waves;
12/12 loudness of sound
properties of sound;
Sound and
Review general structure and functions of a human ear Prof Anna Prof Anna
20 Nov measurement and units of
hearing
Define frequency and pitch of a sound Kam Kam
2013 sound energy; frequency and

Distinguish intensity and loudness of sound
pitch; doppler’s effect

Briefly describe the medical use of ultrasound

Define the Doppler effect and outline the medical use of
Doppler ultrasound

Define radioisotope
Definition of radioactive
Define radioactive decay (e.g. alpha and beta decay)
substance; nature of ionizing
Describe different forms of ionizing radiation
13/13 Prof Wang Yi Prof Wang Yi
radiation; radioactivity and
List procedures of safe handling of radioisotopes
Radioisotopes Xiang; Xiang;
27 Nov radioactive decay; concept of
Apply radioisotopes in quantitation, diagnosis and
and radiation Dr David Dr David
2013 half-life; effects of ionizing therapeutics in medicine
Yeung Yeung
radiation; detection and
List common uses of radiotherapy
measurement of radioisotopes
Describe different imaging techniques used in clinical
practice

Revised 30 Aug 2013

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