PHY 202 Human Physiology – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Physiology for Nursing Students

This course, PHY 202 Human Physiology, is designed for students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing. It provides foundational knowledge of human physiological processes, emphasizing their relevance to nursing practice and patient care. The course integrates theory, laboratory skills, and clinical applications to prepare students for professional healthcare environments.

• Course Title: PHY 202 Human Physiology

• Credits: 3 units (theory), 1 unit (skills lab)

• Pre-requisites: None

• Co-requisites: PHY 202 Human Physiology Lecture

• Delivery Mode: Online theory, on-campus skills lab

Course Structure

Class and Lab Schedule

The course is organized into weekly theory and skills lab sessions over 16 weeks. Students participate in lectures, discussions, case studies, and simulation labs to reinforce learning.

• Theory Class: Weekly sessions (Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Skills Lab: Multiple sessions per week (Thursdays and Fridays)

• Lab Professor: BryAnna Wertz

• Classroom: On campus

• Skills Lab: On campus/Simulation program

Course Goals and Philosophy

Mission Statement

The ADN Nursing Program aims to provide high-quality, student-centered nursing education, preparing entry-level nurses to deliver effective and culturally diverse healthcare.

• Focus: Quality, patient-centered care

• Preparation: Development of professional, ethical, and culturally competent nurses

Conceptual Framework

The course is grounded in the Theory of Human Caring (Watson), Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), and the Nursing Process. These frameworks emphasize holistic care, safety, and evidence-based practice.

• Human Caring Theory: Focuses on empathy, compassion, and interpersonal relationships

• QSEN: Promotes safety, quality improvement, and patient-centered care

• Nursing Process: Systematic approach to patient assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Key Outcomes

Students will develop competencies in applying evidence-based practice, understanding human physiology, and communicating effectively in clinical settings.

• PLO 1: Apply evidence-based practice in patient care

• PLO 2: Demonstrate interpersonal communication and collaboration

• PLO 3: Integrate technology, informatics, and quality improvement

• PLO 4: Exhibit leadership and professional growth

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Describe various theoretical models for cell-cell communication and their importance in physiology and patient care

• Understand gross physiology of musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, autonomic, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, immune, renal, digestive, and reproductive systems

• Integrate principles learned from gross physiology to clinical skills and common disease states

• Be able to understand human aging (from conception to death) and its effect on the human body

Learning Outcomes Alignment Table

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)	Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)
PLO 1: Apply evidence-based practice in the care of patients using the Nursing Process and QSEN competencies (NPA and QSEN)	Describe various theoretical models for cell-cell communication and their importance in physiology and patient care Understand gross physiology of musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, autonomic, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, immune, renal, digestive, and reproductive systems Integrate principles learned from gross physiology to clinical skills and common disease states Be able to understand human aging (from conception to death)
PLO 2: Demonstrate interpersonal communication and collaboration	Implement therapeutic communication and interpersonal collaboration Apply critical thinking and allow for expression of negative and positive feelings
PLO 3: Integrate technology, informatics, and quality improvement	Support technology use in healthcare Demonstrate critical competence in various settings
PLO 4: Exhibit leadership and professional growth	Continue lifelong nursing education Exhibit leadership and initiative

Major Topics Covered

Human Physiology Systems

The course covers the structure and function of major human body systems, emphasizing their integration and relevance to nursing practice.

• Musculoskeletal System: Bones, muscles, joints, and movement

• Nervous System: Central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory and autonomic functions

• Cardiovascular System: Heart, blood vessels, and circulation

• Respiratory System: Gas exchange, ventilation, and oxygen transport

• Endocrine System: Hormone regulation and feedback mechanisms

• Digestive System: Nutrient absorption and metabolism

• Renal System: Fluid and electrolyte balance, waste excretion

• Immune System: Defense mechanisms and disease resistance

• Reproductive System: Human aging, development, and reproduction

Cellular Physiology

Students learn about cell structure, function, and communication, including transport systems and homeostasis.

• Cell-Cell Communication: Signaling pathways, receptors, and physiological responses

• Transport Systems: Diffusion, osmosis, and active transport

• Homeostasis: Maintenance of internal environment

Integration and Application

Emphasis is placed on applying physiological principles to clinical scenarios, disease states, and patient care.

• Clinical Skills: Simulation labs and case studies

• Critical Thinking: Problem-solving and decision-making in patient care

• Quality Improvement: Use of informatics and technology in healthcare

Recommended Textbooks and Resources

Title	Author/Translator	Publisher	ISBN	Year
Human Anatomy & Physiology	Marieb, EN; Smith, LA	Pearson	978-0-13-458-2267	2019
A & P Applications Manual	Fretton, H; Martin, JL	Pearson	978-0-1348-11185	2015
Survival Guide for Anatomy and Physiology, 2e	Patton, KT	Elsevier	978-0-323-31820-2	2014

Course Policies and Attendance

Attendance Requirements

Attendance in all classes, labs, and clinical rotations is mandatory. Absences may result in grade reduction or disciplinary action. Students are allowed a maximum of two absences per theory course and one per clinical course.

• Second absence: 5% reduction in final course grade

• Third absence: Withdrawal from the course

• Clinical absence: May result in withdrawal from both theory and clinical courses

• Tardiness: Arriving more than 15 minutes late counts as an absence

Make-Up Work and Late Policy

• Late assignments: 10% reduction in total grade unless excused and documented

• Make-up work: Allowed for excused absences; students must arrange with instructor

Class Formation and Teaching Methods

Instructional Strategies

The course uses a variety of teaching methods to facilitate learning and skill development.

• Lecture

• Discussion

• Case Studies

• Games

• Role-Play

• Simulations

• Q&A

• Multi-Media

• Small-Group Work

• Instructor Demonstrations

• Student Presentations

Key Terms and Concepts

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body

• Cellular Transport: Movement of substances across cell membranes (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)

• Feedback Control: Mechanisms that regulate physiological processes (negative and positive feedback)

• Interpersonal Communication: Exchange of information between individuals in a healthcare setting

• Evidence-Based Practice: Use of current best evidence in making decisions about patient care

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis is often regulated by feedback mechanisms, which can be mathematically represented as:

$\text{Change in variable} = \text{Input} - \text{Output}$

For example, blood glucose regulation involves insulin and glucagon acting to maintain stable glucose levels.

Summary

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the PHY 202 Human Physiology course for nursing students, outlining the major topics, learning outcomes, instructional methods, and policies. Mastery of these concepts is essential for effective nursing practice and patient care.