BIOLOGY 1020: HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
illustration by Joseph Maclise on page 1 of Anatomies of the Human Body by Richard Quain, 1844
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides a broad view of the current knowledge on how the human
body works. Beginning with some historical background, study moves from the chemical level of atoms and
molecules, to the cellular level, to the operation of individual organs and systems, and finally to the
interdependence required to maintain a functioning human body. Two concepts, homeostasis
and the relationship of structure to function are themes of the course. As well as providing a broad base
of knowledge, the course is designed to show the student how to use these concepts as tools to answer and
ask new questions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the semester you are expected to be able to:
* define common physiological terminology
* explain the concept of homeostasis with examples and graphing
* characterize the basic organic molecules of the body
* explain mechanics of enzyme activity and identify it in lab conditions
* identify cell organelles and explain processes of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, transcription, and translation
* compare active and passive mechanisms used to move substances across cell membranes
* describe a nerve impulse from an action potential through conduction to synaptic transmission
* demonstrate and measure modes of sensory reception
* discuss mechanisms of skeletal muscle contraction
* identify characteristics of skeletal muscle contraction based on physiologic recordings
* recognize and quantify blood components and explain their diagnostic significance
* discuss factors affecting cardiac output and their relationship to blood pressure
* correlate electrocardiogram recordings with cardiac events
* describe the mechanics of pulmonary ventilation and decipher pulmonary function graphs
* compare filtration, reabsorption, secretion and their regulation in the nephrons of the kidney
* explain the functions of the different organ systems and the mechanisms they use to maintain homeostasis
* deduce function possibilities from structure
I hope, as we move through this course together, that you will be awed by the complexity
and magnificent workings of your body.
COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance is mandatory at all lectures and laboratories.
You are expected to peruse the material to be covered before coming to class.
Make-up quizzes are never given, but the lowest quiz is dropped.
You are responsible for all material that is presented, regardless of absence from class or lab.
All exams must be taken with your scheduled section.
Make-up tests are given only if proof of a legitimate excuse can be furnished.
Make-up tests must be taken before the next scheduled test.
If you have a disability and need some accommodations, please come to see me sometime during the first
two weeks of class, so that I can be helpful from the very beginning.
COURSE GRADING:
You will receive one final grade for your performance in this course.
75% of your final grade is based on lecture work and 25% is based on your laboratory work.
You must have a passing average in the laboratory to pass the course.
In lecture, there will be quizzes, three tests during the semester, and a cumulative final exam.
In lab, there will be weekly quizzes and lab reports, and a cumulative final practical exam.
Lecture Lab
test (3) 30 % quizzes 10%
quizzes 25 % lab reports 10%
final exam 20 % practical 5%
75 % 25%
Notice that quizzes in lecture constitute 25% of your final grade and quizzes in lab are 10% of your final
grade. Together they are 35% or about 1/3 of your entire grade for the course. By keeping up on a weekly
basis, you put yourself in a very good position for doing well in the course.
Your letter grade will be assigned according to the following percentages:
100 - 90% A
89 - 80% B
79 - 70% C
69 - 60% D
59 - below F
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