Education Resources

E-books

At the Department of Physiology, we are committed to providing top-notch educational resources to support the academic growth of our students. Developed by experienced faculty members and experts in the field of physiology, our e-resources integrate engaging multimedia elements to enhance comprehension and retention, and are easily accessible on multiple devices for flexible study schedules. Here are the links to our latest e-resources focusing on the Cardiovascular System and Neurobiology.

Cardiovascular System

Our e-book on the Cardiovascular System offers a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical applications. It is meticulously designed to provide in-depth knowledge, combining detailed illustrations with interactive content to enhance learning. This resource is perfect for students aiming to master the complexities of the cardiovascular system, ensuring they are well-prepared for advanced studies and clinical practice.

https://rise.articulate.com/share/oep9LAaROijlDWNt-67fzUXLFiBbWQJc#/

Neurobiology

Dive into the fascinating world of the nervous system with our e-book on Neurobiology. This resource covers the fundamental aspects of neurobiology, from cellular mechanisms to complex neural networks and their functions. It includes interactive modules, detailed diagrams, and case studies to facilitate a deeper understanding of neurophysiological processes and neurological disorders. Ideal for students and professionals alike, this e-book is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to excel in the field of neurobiology

Chapter 1: Sensation and Perception, & Fundamentals of Sensory System
Chapter 2: Special Senses (Taste, Smell and Hearing)
Chapter 3: Somatosensory System - Touch
Chapter 4: Physiological and Patho-Physiological Basis of Pain

Neurophysiology

Note: Will open a new window to another location.

Signalling and Action:

Touch Allodynia:

Blood and blood forming organ system

The blood and blood forming organ system is responsible for oxygen transport, immune defense and blood cell production in the body.

Living with Stress

Emotional Health

Mindfulness IRL (in Real Life) (Mr Stanley Ng) - 14 March 2025

Mr Stanley Ng

Consultant, Social Entrepreneur & Mindfulness Teacher
Founder of Mindful Circle
Founder of Sage Capital
International Advisor & Teacher for Oxford Mindfulness Foundation

Hosted by Associate Professor Celestial Yap

Title: Mindfulness IRL (in Real Life)

Abstract: Can you really practise mindfulness when your inbox is overflowing, deadlines are pressing, and life refuses to slow down? Mindfulness isn't just for silent retreats. It's for real life. It’s about how we meet stress, make decisions, and navigate the constant demands of work and life. In this talk, Stanley shares how he applies mindfulness in the midst of his own fast-paced work as a leader, consultant, and mindfulness teacher, drawing on insights from MBCT participants and his experiences running a business and a social enterprise. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for practical ways to integrate it into your day, this session will explore simple yet effective ways to bring greater ease and awareness into your life.

Emotional Health Seminars: Empowering Teams through Compassionate Leadership (Ms Irene Chan) - 10 Jan 2025, 12pm

Ms Irene Chan

Director
Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Institute
National Cancer Centre
(Special Project) Office of Patient Experience
KK Women and Children Hospital

Chaired by Associate Professor Celestial Yap

Title: Emotional Health - Empowering Teams through Compassionate Leadership

Abstract: According to the Harvard Business Review, 91% of leaders said compassion is very important for leadership, and 80% would like to enhance their compassion but do not know how. Compassionate leadership is a response to lead effectively with heart and humanity during these unprecedented times so that with the leader's innate wisdom and compassion, individuals, teams and organisations may thrive. The seminar seeks to explore how the integration of contemplative wisdom, science and practices of modern leadership may develop kind, successful and flourishing communities.

Emotional Health Seminars: Helping Our Youth Flourish: Observations on Youth Mental Health (Dr Darryl Tan) - 19 April 2024

Dr. Darryl Tan

Senior Resident Physician
Department of Psychiatry
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital

Chaired by Associate Professor Celestial Yap

Title: Helping Our Youth Flourish: Observations on Youth Mental Health

Abstract:

Entitled. Impatient. Strawberries. Snowflakes. Do the youth of today deserve the negative labels we often casually place on them? How have changing lifestyles, values and priorities influenced young people today? Is there really an ongoing youth mental health crisis?
Drawing upon observations made in the course of looking after young adults with mental conditions, and in supporting young doctors in the early stages of their careers, I will share my reflections on how we can play a part in helping our youth flourish in an increasingly volatile world.

Dr Darryl Tan is a Senior Resident Physician from the Department of Psychiatry at the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Apart from his clinical duties, Dr Tan also has roles looking after patient safety, patient experience and staff mental health and well-being in NTFGH. Going beyond just the treatment of mental illness, he has an interest in how mindfulness can enhance stress management and emotional well-being, and has received training in both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. He is driven by a firm belief that patients will only receive excellent and safe care when healthcare workers themselves experience joy, safety and purpose in their workplaces.

Resilience & Grit in the pursuit of Excellence (Dr. Kinjal Doshi) - 12 May 2023

Dr. Kinjal Doshi

Scientist-Practitioner
Founder and Director of Insight Therapeutics & Consulting
Previously Principal Clinical Psychologist with Singapore General Hospital (2013 - 2021)
Previously Lead Psychologist with NUS Health and Wellbeing (2021 - 2022)

Chaired by Dr Ira Agrawal

Title: Resilience & Grit in the pursuit of Excellence

Abstract: Faculty, staff and students of any academic institution seek to contribute to knowledge and science for the overall benefit of society by engaging in high quality research to produce reliable and meaningful results. For success, we often speak of grit, which is defined as a sustained, consistent effort toward a goal even when we struggle, falter or temporarily fail. Facilitator will outline the elements relevant to remaining resilient, or our ability to reflect and bounce back as we struggle, falter and at times, fail. The facilitator will encourage reflection and introduce strategies the audience may consider to build their resilience without sacrificing their pursuit for excellence.

Emotional Agility for a Healthier You (Dr. Sarada Bulchand) - 10 May 2024

Dr. Sarada Bulchand

Assistant Professor, Lead Career Development Programmes at Duke-NUS Medical School
Lead Faculty Development Programmes at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medicine Education
Certified career coach in Workforce Singapore

Chaired by Dr Ira Agrawal

Title: Emotional Agility for a Healthier You

Abstract: Researchers at every level manage multiple challenges related to their project deliverables and collaborations with stakeholders. In the fast-paced, ever-changing work landscape, emotional agility has emerged as a crucial skill for navigating personal and professional demands. This seminar delves into the concept of emotional agility as a powerful tool for enhancing overall well-being. We will explore the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, learning how to cultivate greater self-awareness and flexibility in responses to situations, by aligning actions with core values. Through discussions and practical exercises, we will explore strategies to adapt to challenging situations and build resilience in the face of adversity. The seminar will highlight the significance of emotional agility in the context of promoting productivity, more effective communication, stronger r relationships, and a healthier work environment. Attendees will be encouraged to explore the insights and tools in their daily lives, empowering them to thrive both personally and professionally.

Emotional Health Seminars: Befriending Stress - Understanding Stress Physiology and Psychology (Assoc. Prof Celestial T. Yap & Dr Virginia Lien) - 10 March 2023

Assoc. Prof. Celestial T. Yap

MBBS (Singapore)
PhD (Edinburgh, UK)
Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine
National University of Singapore
Singapore

Dr Virginia Lien

MBBS (Singapore)
Masters in MBCT (Oxford University, UK)
Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (NUS Graduate Medical School & Monash University)

Chaired by Dr Derrick Ong & Dr Ira Agrawal

Title: Befriending Stress - Understanding Stress Physiology and Psychology

Abstract: In the modern world of rapid pace, rising expectations and constant demands, stress permeates many aspects of our lives. Acute and chronic stresses affect not only the physiology of the body, but also impact the responses of the mind, resulting in potentially-damaging physical and psychological outcomes. However, stress responses are also protective mechanisms ie. stress can be a friend or a foe. What strategies can we harness to turn highly stressful encounters into less stressful, even beneficial experiences? How can we better face stress without burning out? We invite you to join us in this experiential seminar, where we will together learn about the physiology and psychology of stress, and be introduced to skills that help us navigate stress.

Emotional Health Seminars: Caring for Ourselves while we care for others (Dr. Maleena Suppiah Cavert) - 13 February 2023

Dr. Maleena Suppiah Cavert

Chief Wellbeing Officer
Certified MBSR (Mindfullness-based Stress Reduction) facilitator

Chaired by Associate Professor Celestial Yap & Dr Derrick Ong

Title: Caring for Ourselves while we care for others

Abstract:

We spend a lot of time taking care of important things. Who is the one person, no less important than the matters we tend to, that should receive care? Ourselves! I matter. Let's unpack what taking care of ourselves look like. While we care for others, we must remember to pay special attention to our own health and wellbeing.

Dr Maleena Suppiah Cavert is the Chief Wellbeing Officer at NUHS. She takes care of NUHS staff in our healthcare institutions and in our NUS healthcare schools with regards to their mental, physical, and emotional health. Where humanity and compassion are lacking in healthcare, Maleena tries to restore these fundamental practices through training. She is a certified MBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction) facilitator and works closely with staff and students to enhance resilience and combat burnout.

Emotional Health Seminars: Rewiring our Hearts and Minds (Dr Hakim Young) - 7 July 2022, 12PM

Dr. Hakim Young

M.B.B.S, MMed Family Medicine
Medical Doctor
Public Health, Humanitarian and Peace-building work in Afghanistan (20 Years)
International Pfeffer Peace Prize
2017 Singapore Medical Association Merit Award

Chaired by Associate Professor Celestial Yap

Title: Emotional Health: Rewiring Our Hearts and Minds

Abstract: If the stressors of work and life seem to be taking us near the brink of exhaustion, our emotions are alerting us to intentionally care not only for our personal health, but also for the inter-connected well-being of others and the natural world. Neuroscience and collective wisdom have given us skills to rest and rewire our emotional health. Just as we nourish our physical bodies and brush our teeth every day, we can "brush our emotions everyday"! Amidst the increasingly complex tensions of modern lifestyles, I'll be sharing how my experiences in Afghanistan taught me skills to rewire my heart-&-mind, and discussing ways to reduce stress and enhance the compassionate well-being of all.