Course Overview

This course provides a general introduction to human physiology, focusing on the function of all organ systems by investigating their function at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels of organization. The course emphasizes the integration of these systems to maintain homeostasis and introduces basic concepts of pathology.

Learning Outcomes

• Cellular Function: Demonstrate an understanding of cellular function, including the structure and function of cells, their location, key components, and interactions.

• Organ System Integration: Explain how major human organ systems are integrated and regulated at the whole-body level to maintain human health and prevent pathological conditions.

• Pathology: Describe the principles of human physiology by using pathological conditions as examples.

Prerequisites

• A college-level course in both chemistry and biology is required. The course assumes students have these prerequisites, and those without them may experience difficulty.

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

Assessment and Grading

• Weekly Lecture Quizzes: 15 mandatory quizzes, best 12 scores counted, 100 points total (20%)

• Unit Exams: Four exams, each 100 points, lowest exam score dropped, 300 points total (60%)

• Final Exam: Cumulative, 100 points, cannot be dropped (20%)

Grading Scale

• A: 89.5% to 99.99%

• B: 79.5% to 89.49%

• C: 69.5% to 79.49%

• D: 59.5% to 69.49%

• F: 59.4% and below

Grading Example

Exam Policies

• Make-up Examinations: No "excused absence" policy except for legitimate and verifiable life circumstances. Documentation is required for consideration.

• Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating or plagiarism are violations of university policy and will result in disciplinary action.

• Identification: Students must show picture identification at each exam.

Additional Learning Opportunities

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

• Recitation: Optional 1-credit course (BMS 200) for additional help with physiology concepts.

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

Inclusivity Statement

• Classroom includes students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

• All students are expected to respect others' views and communicate respectfully.

• Discussions should remain professional and inclusive.

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Additional info: The full schedule continues with further topics in physiology, including nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive systems, as well as integrative and pathological concepts.

Optional Textbook

• Marieb's Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, 11th edition, ISBN 9780134074869.