Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
   <<< This course is not offered in 2025-2026. Course details are subject to change. >>>
BIOL3503 Endocrinology: human physiology II (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota 60
Course Co-ordinator Prof C B Chan, Biological Sciences < chancb@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof B K C Chow,School of Biological Sciences)
(Prof C B Chan,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives To provide an advanced course on hormones and how they regulate metabolism/growth, reproduction and water/salt homeostasis in our body.
Course Contents & Topics History: discovery of blood borne factor or hormone. Chemical nature of hormones. Mechanisms of cell-cell signaling. Secondary messengers. Responsivity and hormonal effects.
The hypothalamic pituitary axis
The GHRH-GH-IGF axis. The TRH-TSH-thyroid hormone axis. The CRH-ACTH-cortisol axis. Cortisol and stress. Catecholamine effects and their pathways.
The gastrointestinal system
The enteric nervous system. The cephalic phase, stomach phase and intestinal phase of food digestion. Regulation of acid secretion. Regulation of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine secretion. Gut hormones: gastrin, GIP, CCK, secretin, GLP-1, GLP-2 and motilin.  Regulation of feeding, energy balance and food intake.
Insulin and glucagon.
Reproduction
The GnRH-gonadotropin-sex hormone axis. Regulation of LH and FSH release. Male reproductive system. Interaction of hormones produced by various cells in the testis to regulate spermatogenesis. Biological actions of testosterone. The erection reflex. Female reproductive system. Development of ovarian follicles. The menstrual cycle: hormonal control: Ovulation, fertilization and implantation. The placenta as an endocrine organ. Endocrine regulation of parturition. Hormonal control of milk secretion. Prolactin and broodiness.
Osmoregulation
Posterior pituitary hormone, ADH.  Aldosterone and sodium balance.  Angiotensin's effect on blood pressure.  Atrial natriuretic peptide and its function in water and sodium balance.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 understand the definition and natures of hormones
CLO 2 explain and describe secondary messenger pathways for hormones
CLO 3 describe the connection between pituitary the master gland with higher brain centers and peripheral organs
CLO 4 explain and describe hormones involved in the regulation of 3 most important body functions including metabolism/growth, reproduction and water/salt homeostasis
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOL2103
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biological Sciences ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 3,2,1 >
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 3,1,4 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 2,1,3 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 4,3,1 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,3,2 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 4,3,1 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,3,2 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 4,3,1 >
2021 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 2,1,3 >
2021 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 4,3,1 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 N        Examination
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organizational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory a 5-hour laboratory session per week for 5 weeks 25.0
Lectures 24.0
Tutorials 6.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 10.0 2,4
Examination 50.0 1,2,3,4
Laboratory reports lab performance & report 20.0 1,3,4
Test 20.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Williams textbook of Endocrinology, (Elsevier, 11th  Edition, 2009).
Silverthorn: Human Physiology, An Integrated Approach (Pearson, 2006, 4"' edition).
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk/
Additional Course Information This course will be offered subject to a minimum enrollment number and availability of teachers.


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