Course Syllabus

BIOL 2420 Human Physiology

Course Description

Human physiology is the study of the functions of the human body. A major emphasis is placed on the mechanisms that regulate the functions of individual organ systems. The complex interactions between systems that maintain a constant, dynamic internal environment, which is important for normal cell function, will also be discussed. This class is for students whose major course of study is an allied health profession and for those interested in careers in biology, medicine or dentistry.

To be successful in Human Physiology, it is strongly recommended that the following courses have been completed:

BIOL 2320 and BIOL 1610 or BIOL 2060 or BIOL 2200

A voluntary supplemental instruction course will be taught each week as a benefit for student learning.

Many allied health programs require or award extra points for some of these recommended courses; it is suggested that students verify the specific prerequisites of any programs they intend to apply to.

Justification

A basic course in human physiology is required for admission into programs for nurses, physical therapists and other allied health professions. The scope of topics covered is very broad, but each will be covered in sufficient detail to provide the scientific foundation for future educational courses in all allied health professions as well as for biological professions. For the natural sciences, science is the systematic inquiry into natural phenomena organizing and condensing those observations into testable models and hypotheses, theories or laws. The success and credibility of science is anchored in the willingness of scientists to: 1) expose their ideas and results to independent testing and replication by other scientists which requires the complete and open exchange of data, procedures and material; 2) abandon or modify accepted conclusions when confronted with more complete or reliable experimental evidence. Adherence to these principles provides a mechanism for self-correction that is the foundation of the credibility of science. (Adapted from a statement by the Panel on Public Affairs of the American Physical Society which was endorsed by the Executive Board of the American Association of Physics Teachers in 1999.)

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will read the text and be presented with information that will demonstrate how the human body, as an example of life, accomplishes all the basic functions that a living organism does. They will learn the functional complexity of the living body on a variety of levels from the atom to the body systems. Where appropriate, comparisons to other life forms will be drawn.
2. Student mastery of life science basic concepts relating to human physiology will be further examined as they apply concepts to faculty-selected questions dealing with the natural world. These topics might include disorders and disease states that can occur in the human body, including how the body protects itself (immune system) from harmful invaders and substances, diet and nutrition, environmental quality and pollution, holistic medicine, etc. Course focus is not on disorders/diseases but rather the application of scientific principles to assist in the resolution of problems exemplified by one or more disorders/diseases.
3. Students will read and discuss key scientific literature found in the textbook or from peer-reviewed journals to gain skills necessary to discern the credibility of sources of scientific information.
4. Students will identify a topic within human physiology that has captured their interest and passion. They will become able to write and converse knowledgeably about that topic.

Course Content

Course content will be covered by reading assignments in the textbooks, pre-class work, handouts, lecture and class discussions, and library project(s). Topics covered include but are not limited to: Introduction to physiology; Homeostasis and its relevancy in all organ systems; Chemical interactions in biological systems; Chemical structures and function in cells; Eukaryotic cell structure and function; Tissues; Enzymes and Energy; Cellular Respiration and Fermentation; Cellular communication; Neurons and Neuroglia; Nervous systems; Senses and Perception; Endocrine system; Musculature and Muscle mechanisms of action; Cardiovascular and Circulatory Systems and their impact on Hemodynamics; Immune system; Respiratory system; Urinary system; Digestive system; Reproduction; and aspects of Nutrition and Development. Course content will include historical context of medical discoveries and experimentations that have aided in the understanding of the human body. These examples will propose ethical questions on the price of obtaining information at the expense of humans. Scientists from any background may be highlighted as to their role in these historical moments. Including the various perspectives of historical and modern scientists as well as from the students in this course is invaluable in aiding accessibility for all students to understand the complexities of human life and interactions.