Tips from the experts
Physiology is the highly interesting study of how different systems in the body function. As you will discover, diseases and illnesses are usually the result of the body’s normal physiology gone wrong. Therefore, it will stand you in good stead to know this subject well! Mastering this track requires an understanding of the concepts and principles behind the workings of each bodily system. Pure memorisation and later regurgitation of facts and details is not good. It is essential to comprehend the general principles and see the logic in the way each bodily system is organised, in order to be able to apply that knowledge to the clinical scenarios that examiners create.
Lectures are delivered on a system-by-system basis with different lecturers for different systems. Hence, you might need some adjusting to each lecturer’s style of teaching. Notes are not always provided, you might need to print them from MEDNET or copy down whatever you can catch from the OHP transparencies. (Prof Hwang’s renal physio – Look out for his famous nephron pic!!) Due to time constraints, only the important principles are explained during the lectures. Try to understand each lecture before the next one comes along because once you lag behind, you might find yourself lost and confused about an entire system and that means a lot of catching up on your own!
Tutorials go on a systems basis too, with the same lecturer doubling up as your tutor for the respective systems. Read through (if not attempt) the questions before attending to see if you have an inkling of what they are asking for. Go for tutorials to clear up any doubts about the lectures and to reinforce certain principles that the tutor might stress on and thus might be important in the exams!
Most people use a variety of textbooks for physio, zapping different chapters from different books because some are better than others for specific systems. Check with seniors for recommendations! In general, most lecturers recommend Guyton though it can get very long-winded at times.
Emily Gan (M1 02/03)
Physiology MCQs: These are normal MCQs, no marks deducted for wrong answers.
Physiology essay questions: There are two types of essay questions, short essay questions (SEQ) and modified essay questions (MEQ). SEQs are direct questions, and require about a one-page answer, whereas MEQs are more clinically oriented, are split into more parts, and may need a one and a half to two page answer.