Human Physiology (BMS 300) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Physiology

This course provides a general introduction to human physiology, focusing on the function of all organ systems. Students will learn about cellular function, integration of organ systems, and the physiological basis of health and disease. The course also covers basic concepts in pathology as they relate to different organ systems.

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

• Pathology: The study of disease processes and how they affect normal physiological functions.

• Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions (e.g., nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory systems).

Learning Outcomes

Expected Competencies

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of cellular function, including the structure, location, and key components of major human organ systems.

2. Explain how organ systems are integrated and regulated at the whole-body level to maintain human health and respond to physiological challenges.

3. Describe the principles of human physiology from the cellular and molecular level to the level of organ systems, using pathological conditions as examples.

Prerequisites

Background Knowledge

• A college-level course in both chemistry and biology is required.

• The course assumes students have this background knowledge, and lectures are prepared with this in mind.

Assessment and Grading

Evaluation Components

Student performance is assessed through quizzes, unit exams, and a final exam. The grading breakdown is as follows:

Assessment	Details	Date	Points	Percentage
Weekly Lecture Quizzes	15 mandatory quizzes	See on Canvas	100	20%
Exam 1	Only the top three unit exam scores will be counted	Sep 24, 2025	100	20%
Exam 2	"	Oct 15, 2025	100	20%
Exam 3	"	Nov 5, 2025	100	20%
Exam 4	"	Dec 3, 2025	100	20%
Final Exam	Cumulative, cannot be dropped	Dec 15, 2025	100	20%
Total			500	100%

• Weekly Quizzes: 15 quizzes, best 12 scores counted, each out of 100 points.

• Unit Exams: Four exams, each with 100 points; lowest score dropped.

• Final Exam: Cumulative, 100 points, cannot be dropped.

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
89.5% to 99.99%	A
79.5% to 89.49%	B
69.5% to 79.49%	C
59.5% to 69.49%	D
Below 59.5%	F

Note: The final exam is mandatory and cannot be dropped. The lowest of the four unit exam scores will be dropped.

Course Structure and Schedule

Weekly Topics

The course is organized by weekly topics, each focusing on a specific aspect of human physiology. Below is a sample of the schedule:

Week	Date	Lecture	Topic
1	Aug 25	Monday	Course introduction, pre-course survey, and syllabus overview
1	Aug 27	Wednesday	Review of water, hydrophilic & hydrophobic interactions, solubility, and equilibrium
1	Aug 29	Friday	Amphipathic molecules (lipid bilayers & phospholipids), central dogma, and cell structure
2	Sep 1	Monday	Labor Day (no class)
2	Sep 3	Wednesday	Energy metabolism and nucleic acid structure and DNA replication
2	Sep 5	Friday	Protein synthesis, protein targeting, and protein structure
2	Sep 7	Sunday	Weekly Quiz 2 due at 10 PM – Energy metabolism through protein synthesis
3	Sep 8	Monday	Protein transport and post-translational modification
3	Sep 10	Wednesday	Membrane transport: diffusion, osmosis, channels, and pumps
3	Sep 12	Friday	Membrane potential and electrical signals
3	Sep 14	Sunday	Weekly Quiz 3 due at 10 PM – protein transport through connective tissue
4	Sep 15	Monday	Intergumentary System 1: functions, damage repair, age-related changes
4	Sep 17	Wednesday	Intergumentary System 2: functions, damage repair, and cancer
4	Sep 19	Friday	Connective tissue: structure, function, and pathology
4	Sep 21	Sunday	Weekly Quiz 4 due at 10 PM – intergumentary system through skeletal system

Additional info: The schedule continues with further topics on skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as integration and pathology.

Course Policies

Academic Integrity

• All students must adhere to the university's academic integrity policy.

• Cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration is strictly prohibited.

• Students must be prepared to show picture identification at exams.

Inclusivity Statement

• The course values diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment for all students.

• Respect for differing perspectives and open communication are encouraged.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Support Resources

• TA Office Hours: Both online and in-person office hours are available for additional support.

• Recitation: Optional 1-credit recitation course (BMS 200) is available for further practice and understanding.

• TILT Tutoring: Free tutoring is available through the TILT Building on campus.

Contact Information

Teaching Team

• Course Director and Lecturer: Dr. John Joshua Michael, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences

• Course Coordinator and Co-instructor: Michelle Staros, Instructor, Biomedical Sciences

• Graduate TAs: Corinne Wilson & Grace Nickerson

• Undergraduate TAs: Maria Desjardins, Aiden Covington, Isabel Inman, Athena Herrera, Lydia Jenkins, Jay Miller, Maya Knowles, Matt Miller, Adam Shular, Ella Risman, Carson Spencer, & Sofie Smith

Contact details and office hours are provided in the syllabus and on the course Canvas page.