PHY202L Human Physiology Laboratory – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

PHY202L Human Physiology Laboratory

Course Overview

This course provides a laboratory experience in human physiology, focusing on the application of physiological principles to health and disease. It is designed for students in the Associate Degree in Nursing program and covers foundational topics in anatomy and physiology relevant to nursing practice.

• Course Format: In-person laboratory sessions, simulation programs, and skills labs.

• Required Texts: Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (Silverthorn), Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb & Hoehn), A & P Applications Manual (Frederic H. Martini).

Course Description and Objectives

Course Description

The course introduces students to laboratory processes in human physiology, including cell physiology and homeostasis, molecular interactions, tissue and organ system function, and the physiological basis of health and disease. Emphasis is placed on the integration of physiological concepts with clinical applications in nursing.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Describe the relationship of structure and function in human physiology.

• Identify the mechanisms of homeostasis and their role in health and disease.

• Describe the function of major organ systems and their physiological processes.

• Explain the physiological basis for selected common clinical conditions and their importance in nursing practice.

• Interpret and analyze physiological data from laboratory experiments, simulations, and case studies.

• Integrate concepts from physiology to understand responses to stress, exercise, and environmental changes.

• Describe the impact of human aging (from conception to death) and its effects on the human body.

Major Topics and Weekly Outline

Week	Content Objectives	Readings/Pre-Lab	Assignments
1	Laboratory Introduction and Outcomes	Human Physiology Ch. 1	Lab activity #1, Project 1
2	Osmosis/Diffusion	Human Physiology Ch. 5	Lab activity #2
3	Review of Basic Chemistry, Acids and Bases	Human Physiology Ch. 2, 3	Lab activity #3
4	Cells and Tissues	Human Physiology Ch. 3, 4	Lab activity #4
5	Endocrine System	Human Physiology Ch. 7	Lab activity #5
6	Neurons	Human Physiology Ch. 8	Lab activity #6
7	Special Senses/Autonomic Nervous System	Human Physiology Ch. 10, 11	Lab activity #7
8	Laboratory Exam 2		Lab Exam 2
9	Skeletal Muscle/Cardiovascular	Human Physiology Ch. 12, 14	Lab activity #8
10	Cardiovascular	Human Physiology Ch. 14	Lab activity #9
11	Blood Flow Mechanics	Human Physiology Ch. 15	Lab activity #10
12	Laboratory Exam 3/Respiratory	Human Physiology Ch. 17, 18	Lab Exam 3
13	Urinalysis	Human Physiology Ch. 19	Project 2
14	Digestion and Metabolism	Human Physiology Ch. 21, 22	Lab activity #11
15	Reproduction	Human Physiology Ch. 26	Lab activity #12
16	Laboratory Exam 4		Final Exam

Key Concepts and Definitions

Homeostasis

• Definition: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

• Example: Regulation of body temperature, blood glucose levels.

• Mechanisms: Negative feedback loops are the primary mechanism for maintaining homeostasis.

Osmosis and Diffusion

• Osmosis: The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

• Diffusion: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

• Equation for Diffusion Rate (Fick's Law):

$J = -D \frac{dC}{dx}$

• Where J is the flux, D is the diffusion coefficient, and \frac{dC}{dx} is the concentration gradient.

Cellular Structure and Function

• Cells: The basic structural and functional units of life.

• Tissues: Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function.

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

Endocrine System

• Function: Regulates body activities through hormones secreted into the bloodstream.

• Major Glands: Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads.

• Example: Insulin regulation of blood glucose.

Nervous System

• Function: Coordinates body activities through electrical and chemical signals.

• Divisions: Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

• Example: Reflex arc, sensory and motor pathways.

Muscle Physiology

• Types of Muscle: Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

• Mechanism of Contraction: Sliding filament theory involving actin and myosin.

• Equation for Force Generation:

$F = m \cdot a$

• Where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration (applied in biomechanics).

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology

• Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes; maintains blood pressure and flow.

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

• Example: Oxygen transport equation:

$\text{O}_2 \text{ content} = (1.34 \times \text{Hb} \times \text{SaO}_2) + (0.003 \times \text{PaO}_2)$

• Where Hb is hemoglobin concentration, SaO2 is oxygen saturation, PaO2 is partial pressure of oxygen.

Renal, Digestive, and Reproductive Systems

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

• Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste.

• Reproductive System: Responsible for producing offspring and regulating reproductive hormones.

Grading and Assessment

Assessment / Assignment	Evaluation
Homework/Participation	10%
Quizzes	15%
Exams (4)	75%

Additional Info

• Students are expected to participate in all laboratory activities and complete assigned readings and projects.

• Academic integrity and professionalism are emphasized throughout the course.

• Accommodations are available for students with disabilities as per ADA guidelines.