BIO232 Human Physiology: Course Schedule and Topic Overview

Course Overview: BIO232 Human Physiology (Winter 2026)

This course provides a comprehensive study of human physiology, covering foundational concepts and major organ systems. The schedule outlines weekly topics, readings, laboratory activities, and assessments, ensuring a structured approach to mastering physiological principles.

Weekly Topics and Structure

Week 1: Introduction and Foundations

• Ch 1: The Human Body: An Orientation – Overview of anatomical terminology, body organization, and homeostasis.

• Ch 2: Chemistry Comes Alive – Basic chemistry concepts relevant to physiology, including atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.

• Ch 3: Cells: The Living Units – Structure and function of cells, cellular organelles, and membrane transport.

• Ch 4: Tissue: The Living Fabric – Classification and function of the four basic tissue types.

• Ch 5: The Integumentary System – Structure and function of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

• Lab 1: Cell Transport Mechanisms and Cell Permeability

Week 2: Nervous System I

• Ch 11: Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Neuron structure, function, and neurophysiology.

• Ch 13: The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity – Organization and function of peripheral nerves and reflexes.

• Lab 2: Sensations and Reflexes

• Exam 1: Chapters 1-5

Week 3: Nervous System II

• Ch 12: The Central Nervous System – Brain and spinal cord anatomy and physiology.

• Ch 14: The Autonomic Nervous System – Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, neurotransmitters.

• Ch 15: The Special Senses – Vision, hearing, taste, smell, and equilibrium.

• Lab 3: Special Senses

Week 4: Muscular System

• Ch 9: Muscles and Muscle Tissue – Muscle cell structure, contraction mechanisms, and types of muscle tissue.

• Lab 4: Muscle Physiology

• Exam 2: Chapters 11-14

Week 5: Endocrine and Cardiovascular Systems I

• Ch 16: The Endocrine System – Hormone types, mechanisms of action, and major endocrine glands.

• Ch 17: Blood – Composition, functions, and disorders of blood.

• Ch 18: The Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Heart anatomy, cardiac cycle, and electrical conduction.

• Lab 5: Endocrinology

Week 6: Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems II

• Ch 19: The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels – Structure and function of arteries, veins, and capillaries.

• Ch 20: The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues – Lymphatic circulation, lymph nodes, and immune function.

• Lab 6: Blood

• Exam 3: Chapters 15, 9, 16

Week 7: Immune and Respiratory Systems

• Ch 21: The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses – Immune responses, cells, and mechanisms.

• Ch 22: The Respiratory System – Anatomy and physiology of breathing, gas exchange, and regulation.

• Lab 7: Electrocardiography, Blood Pressure & Heart Rate

Week 8: Urinary System and Homeostasis

• Ch 25: The Urinary System – Kidney structure, urine formation, and regulation of fluid balance.

• Ch 26: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance – Homeostatic mechanisms for maintaining internal environment.

• Lab 8: Respiratory Physiology

• Exam 4: Chapters 17-20

Week 9: Digestive System and Metabolism

• Ch 23: The Digestive System – Structure and function of the alimentary canal and accessory organs.

• Ch 24: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance – Nutrient processing, metabolic pathways, and energy regulation.

• Lab 9: Urinalysis and Urinary Physiology

Week 10: Reproductive System and Development

• Ch 27: The Reproductive System – Male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology.

• Ch 28: Pregnancy and Human Development – Fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy physiology.

• Final Exams: Covering Chapters 21, 22, 25, 26 (Exam 5) and Chapters 23, 24, 27, 28 (Final Exam 6)

Assessment and Laboratory Activities

• Weekly Assignments: Pre-labs, homework, quizzes, and discussion posts are due on Fridays and Mondays.

• Laboratory Sessions: Mandatory on-campus labs each Saturday, covering practical aspects of physiology (e.g., cell transport, muscle physiology, endocrinology, urinalysis).

• Exams: Five unit exams and a comprehensive final, scheduled throughout the quarter.

Summary Table: Major Topics by Week

Week	Main Topics	Lab Focus	Assessment
1	Orientation, Chemistry, Cells, Tissues, Integumentary	Cell Transport	Quiz 1, Homework
2	Nervous System I	Sensations & Reflexes	Exam 1, Quiz 2
3	Nervous System II, Special Senses	Special Senses	Quiz 3
4	Muscular System	Muscle Physiology	Exam 2, Quiz 4
5	Endocrine, Blood, Heart	Endocrinology	Quiz 5
6	Blood Vessels, Lymphatic	Blood	Exam 3, Quiz 6
7	Immune, Respiratory	ECG, BP, Heart Rate	Quiz 7
8	Urinary, Fluid Balance	Respiratory Physiology	Exam 4, Quiz 8
9	Digestive, Metabolism	Urinalysis	Quiz 9
10	Reproductive, Development	--	Exam 5, Final Exam

Key Course Features

• Integration of Lecture and Lab: Each week pairs theoretical concepts with hands-on laboratory experiences.

• Progressive Assessment: Regular quizzes and exams reinforce learning and track progress.

• Comprehensive Coverage: The course spans from cellular and chemical foundations to complex organ systems and human development.

Additional info: This schedule is designed to align with standard A&P college curricula, ensuring students are well-prepared for advanced studies in health and biological sciences.