Skip to main content
Back

Human Physiology (BIOL-202): Course Overview and Study Guide

NotesPracticeVideo lessons

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Physiology

Human Physiology (BIOL-202) is a college-level course designed for students preparing for health professions and other life sciences. The course emphasizes the normal function, regulation, biochemistry, and integration of various organ systems in the human body, with laboratory topics complementing the lecture material.

  • Credits: 4

  • Format: Lecture and Laboratory

  • Prerequisites: Minimum 2.0 in BIOL 201 or concurrent enrollment, and Math Level 5 or higher

  • Textbook: Silverthorn, Dee U. Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 8th Edition (2019)

Main Topics

1. Major Organ Systems

The course covers the structure, function, and integration of the following organ systems:

  • Nervous System: Controls and coordinates body activities through electrical and chemical signals.

  • Endocrine System: Regulates physiological processes via hormones.

  • Sensory System: Detects and processes external and internal stimuli.

  • Muscular System: Facilitates movement and maintains posture.

  • Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes; maintains homeostasis.

  • Immune System: Defends against pathogens and maintains tissue integrity.

  • Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange (O2 and CO2).

  • Renal System: Regulates fluid, electrolyte balance, and waste excretion.

  • Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

  • Reproductive System: Ensures species continuity through reproduction.

2. Homeostasis and System Integration

Students learn how organ systems interact to maintain homeostasis, the stable internal environment necessary for survival.

  • Homeostasis: The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.

  • Examples: Regulation of blood glucose, body temperature, and pH.

  • System Integration: Endocrine and nervous systems coordinate responses to maintain homeostasis.

3. Scientific Method and Experimental Physiology

The course emphasizes the application of the scientific method to investigate physiological processes.

  • Scientific Method: Systematic approach to inquiry involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

  • Lab Reports: Students conduct experiments, analyze data, and present findings in formal lab reports.

  • Example: Measuring the effect of exercise on heart rate.

4. Case Studies in Human Physiology

Students apply physiological principles to analyze clinical case histories, enhancing understanding of real-world applications.

  • Case Analysis: Students answer questions and submit reports based on clinical scenarios.

  • Application: Linking symptoms to underlying physiological mechanisms.

Course Materials

  • Required Textbook: Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach by Dee U. Silverthorn, 8th Edition (2019)

  • Online Resources: Access to Mastering A&P for quizzes and assignments

Evaluation and Grading

Assessment Components

  • Quizzes: 4 quizzes (20 points each) on Mastering A&P – 20% of total grade

  • Unit Exams: 4 exams (55 points each)

  • Capstone Exam: 1 exam (25 points)

  • Lab Reports: 2 reports (10–20 points each) – 7% of total grade

  • Assignments: 11 labs/case studies (5 points each) – 13% of total grade

Grading Scale

College Standard Numeric Grade

Narrative Equivalent

Performance Achievement (%)

4.0

Excellent

91% to 100%

3.5

Excellent

86% to 90%

3.0

Good

81% to 85%

2.5

Good

70% to 80%

2.0

Satisfactory

71% to 75%

1.5

Satisfactory

66% to 70%

1.0

Poor

60% to 65%

0.0F

Failed - Finished

0% to 59%

0.0U

Failed - Unfinished

0% to 59%

Course Requirements and Policies

  • Attendance: Required for lectures and labs.

  • Assignments: Must be submitted in specified formats (MS Office or PDF).

  • Lab Safety: No loose clothing, jewelry, or open-toed shoes in the laboratory.

  • Academic Integrity: Use of AI tools is permitted only with instructor approval; plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

  • Make-up Exams: Allowed only in emergencies with documentation.

Key Definitions and Concepts

  • Physiology: The study of normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

  • Homeostasis: Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

  • Scientific Method: A process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions.

  • Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions.

Example Equation

Example: Calculation of Cardiac Output

  • Cardiac Output (CO): The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

  • HR: Heart Rate (beats per minute)

  • SV: Stroke Volume (mL per beat)

Additional Info

  • Students are expected to engage in both in-person and online learning activities.

  • Extra credit opportunities are limited to 2% of total points.

  • Emergency closure policies ensure continuity of instruction via remote learning if needed.

Pearson Logo

Study Prep