Course Overview

This course is a lecture and laboratory introduction to the major concepts and homeostatic mechanisms necessary for a fundamental understanding of normal human physiology. Key principles include cellular membrane function, electro-physiology, feedback mechanisms, and the analysis of organ system properties and interrelationships. The course also provides an introduction to selected disease processes.

• Credits: 4

• Prerequisites: "C" in BIOL 201 (or equivalent); recommended "C" or better in BIOL 99, BIOL 110, or CHEM 100

General Education Learning Outcomes

Communication

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in reading, writing, and oral work.

• Appropriately use evidence and sources to support arguments and distinguish fact from opinion.

Critical Thinking/Analytical Reasoning/Creativity

• Analyze and evaluate information from multiple perspectives.

• Draw conclusions, make decisions, and solve problems using evidence.

Personal & Cultural Engagement

• Explore civic, intercultural, and ethical issues, making connections between knowledge, choices, and actions.

• Identify and address social problems impacting defined communities.

Grading Information

Additional Grades: X (Audit), I (Incomplete), W (Withdrawal), P (Pass, C or higher), N (No Credit)

Student Learning Objectives

Homeostasis and Fluid Compartments

Students will evaluate the general mechanisms that maintain homeostasis among fluid compartments of the body.

• Define the major fluid compartments: extracellular fluid (ECF), intracellular fluid (ICF), vascular fluid, and plasma.

• Describe the barrier that separates fluid compartments.

• Construct a chart of plasma, interstitial fluid, and ICF in terms of osmolality and major solute concentrations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-, proteins, glucose).

• Define homeostasis and negative feedback.

• Describe the components of a negative feedback loop: sensor, effector, integrating center, regulated variable, set point.

• Predict the response to changes in regulated variables using negative feedback.

• Describe the feedback function of specific homeostatic variables (e.g., body temperature, blood glucose).

• Explain the relationship between homeostasis and disease.

• Distinguish between homeostasis and equilibrium.

• Analyze a sample control diagram to identify system components.

Key Terms: Homeostasis, negative feedback, fluid compartments, osmolality, sensor, effector, integrating center.

Membrane Transport: Passive and Active Mechanisms

Students will contrast mechanisms of passive and active membrane transport.

• Define concentration gradients and equilibrium.

• Describe passive transport processes: simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis.

• Describe active transport processes: primary and secondary active transport.

• Explain the role of membrane proteins in transport.

• Predict the movement of solutes and water across membranes in different scenarios.

• Define and compare the following solutions: isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic.

• Analyze the effects of these solutions on cell volume.

Key Terms: Diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, active transport, isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic.

Example: Placing a red blood cell in a hypotonic solution causes water to enter the cell, leading to swelling and possible lysis.

Nervous System: Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials

Students will predict changes in cellular electrical phenomena if specific plasma electrolytes are abnormal.

• Describe resting membrane potential and action potential.

• Define depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

• Describe the role of ion channels (leak, voltage-gated, ligand-gated) in generating membrane potentials.

• Identify the phases of an action potential: depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization.

• Relate changes in membrane events to changes in action potential.

• Summarize how action potentials are propagated along axons.

• Distinguish between absolute and relative refractory periods.

Key Terms: Resting membrane potential, action potential, depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization, ion channels, refractory period.

Equation:

Where is the membrane potential, is the potential inside the cell, and is the potential outside the cell.

Textbook Information

• Title: Human Anatomy & Physiology, 3rd edition

• Author: Amerman

• Mastering A&P with Pearson eText (required)

Institutional Guidelines and Policies

• Academic Integrity: All students must adhere to the college's academic honesty policy.

• Attendance: Regular attendance is required for success.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Use of Technology: Students are responsible for appropriate use of college technology and resources.

• Safe and Successful Campus: The college is committed to a safe, inclusive environment for all students.

Summary Table: Types of Membrane Transport

Additional Info

• Service-Learning: Some sections may offer service-learning opportunities.

• Support Services: Academic support and counseling are available for students in need.