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Undergraduate
The department runs various undergraduate programs that are part of basic training of medical, dental, pharmacy and allied health sciences students. These programs are given certain code and below is given their brief description
 
Teaching Methodologies of the Department
The Department has realized the importance of the ever-changing demand for better standards and understanding of medical physiology by the students. The following steps have been taken to improve medical education methodology in different areas, so to provide learning in several multi-dimensional areas
 
Lectures
The Department has introduced audio-visual aids for improving the students learning e.g. Power point is frequently used by the teachers. Teachers are also encouraging an interactive environment during the lecture
 
Tutorials
The methodology of tutorials has been radically changed, e.g. analysis of clinical scenarios based on knowledge of basic physiology, use of Interactive CDs. Most importantly, 2 years ago, the concept of small group teaching was initiated, with the use of Facilitators
Their role is not to repeat lecture content but to involve students in increase their problem solving and communication skills. They are used specifically for Medical student tutorials. They have weekly meetings with the respective course organizers on what clinical problem or CD will be presented to the students
A worksheet plan is provided for students. Teachers are expected to follow a planned program, and the students are encouraged to actively participate in small groups
The facilitator monitors the level of discussion and correctness of knowledge. Group competitions are also held where these groups are sub-divided and compete with each other
 
Practicals
Active participation of students in practicals is encouraged. All practicals are based on their knowledge achieved during lectures. The results are fully discussed among the students and with the teachers
Students are divided into small groups, of about 20 students with one facilitator. Students are given relevant clinical and basic physiology practicals, which they perform and interpret themselves
Students are evaluated at the end of a practical and a practical exam is given at the end of the semester. This reinforces the theoretical knowledge and it cultivates self-confidence in themselves
Resources used include other Laboratories, including regular weekly use of Pathology and Clinical Biochemistry labs
 
Biopac Student Lab
Recently, the Department introduced the Biopac. This allows students and researchers to perform complicated tests simply, giving easy computerized analysis and results. Tests include ECG, heart sounds, EMG, Spirometry, nerve conduction etc
Recently, the Department introduced the Biopac. This allows students and researchers to perform complicated tests simply, giving easy computerized analysis and results. Tests include ECG, heart sounds, EMG, Spirometry, nerve conduction etc
More than just a data recorder, the Biopac Student Lab is an integrated set of hardware, software, and documentation that guides students through a set of lessons which illustrate fundamental physiological principles

Student Seminars
The department organizes seminars on specific topics e.g. body fluids, ECG, etc. All students are obliged to discuss the specified topic and their colleagues are given time to ask questions. Students are assessed by the teachers for confidence, content and presentation skills 
To encourage students, some of them are selected to give these seminars again in front of the faculty and students. Often students use OHP or Power point for their seminars. Again the feedback is that these help the students increase content knowledge and communication skills
 
Integrated Teaching
Teachers from the Clinical Departments are invited to discuss clinically oriented medical physiology with the students e.g. demonstration of Doppler by Vascular Surgeons, Neurophysiology of sleep, evoked responses, EEG, EMG by the staff of Clinical Physiology
 
Library Sessions
As part of their tutorials, all students are rotated in small groups to the Library, with a Facilitator. The Librarians inform them how to access books and periodicals from the library computers. They are also told how to look for research articles via online literature searches like PubMed etc
 
Mini-projects
Mini-projects or tasks are also assigned to students, at the end of practical or tutorial sessions. These might be based on specific problems, e.g. analysis of ECG, in terms of heart rate, pathophysiology, cardiac axes, etc
 
Reading Enhancement Group
Weak students are screened in the beginning of the year and form a Reading Enhancement Group 
This group comprises of about 20 students, who need improvement in English language. An Arabic speaking teacher who facilitates this group for 4-6 weeks
This group is helped by translating many new terms in Arabic and English, simultaneously 
After the students and staff feel that these students are confident with medical physiology being taught in English, these students are merged with normal tutorial groups. Both students and staff have felt this Group greatly benefits these students
 
Resource Center
Students and staff have access to a good library of Interactive CDs and books. Staff also has access to a collection of images of all areas of physiology. We are trying to encourage students to use specific websites and we provide them a list of web addresses
The Department has also produced 2 volumes of a Manual of Experimental Physiology, which contains updated practical experiments and questions for students. This has made practical sessions easier for students and staff alike
Question bank has also been developed by the Department

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