Unit 1 Learning Objectives

Chemistry (Basic, Organic, Enzymes)

This section introduces foundational chemistry concepts essential for understanding physiological processes in the human body. Students will learn about atomic structure, molecular interactions, and the significance of chemical reactions in biological systems.

• Parts of an Atom: Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, while electrons orbit the nucleus in electron shells.

• Forces Holding Molecules and Compounds Together: Chemical bonds, such as ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds, are responsible for the structure and stability of molecules and compounds.

• Inorganic and Organic Compounds: Inorganic compounds (e.g., water, salts, acids, bases) do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, while organic compounds (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) are carbon-based and essential for life.

• Basic Chemical Reactions in the Human Body: Chemical reactions, including synthesis, decomposition, and exchange reactions, are fundamental to metabolism and physiological function.

Example: Enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of ATP to ADP releases energy for cellular processes.

Cell (Structure, Plasma Membrane, Cell Division)

This section covers the structure and function of cells, the plasma membrane, and the process of cell division, all of which are critical for understanding tissue and organ function in anatomy and physiology.

• Cell Organelles: Recognize major organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, etc.) and their functions.

• Mitosis: Identify the phases of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) and explain the necessity of each phase for cell division and tissue growth.

• Plasma Membrane Structure and Function: The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, controlling the passage of materials into and out of the cell.

• Membrane Transport Mechanisms: Distinguish between passive (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion) and active (active transport, endocytosis, exocytosis) transport processes.

• Diffusion and Osmosis: Predict the movement of solutes and water across membranes based on concentration gradients.

Example: During osmosis, water moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop a Vocabulary: Appropriately use terminology to communicate information related to anatomy and physiology.

• Recognize Anatomical Structures and Functions: Identify and explain the physiological functions of body systems.

• Explain Homeostasis: Understand the principle of homeostasis and use feedback loops to control physiological systems.

• Apply Anatomical Knowledge: Predict physiological consequences and use knowledge of function to predict the features of anatomical structures.

• Relate Anatomy and Physiology: Explain the interrelationships within and between anatomical and physiological systems.

• Synthesize Ideas: Make connections between knowledge of anatomy and physiology and real-world situations, including healthy lifestyle decisions and homeostatic imbalances.

• Demonstrate Laboratory Procedures: Use anatomical terminology and laboratory procedures to examine anatomical structures and evaluate physiological functions.

• Interpret Graphs and Data: Analyze anatomical and physiological data.

Additional info: These outcomes align with recommendations from the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) and are designed to prepare students for further study or careers in health and biological sciences.