Explore the complexities of the cells, tissues, and major organs and systems of the human body. By focusing on basic mechanisms underlying human life processes and important diseases affecting normal human function, you’ll be able to delve into important themes in physiology such as:
- how structure and function are closely related
- why most processes require energy and how those processes are executed
- the flow of information that coordinates body functions
By applying your knowledge and understanding of concepts and processes to real-life case studies, you will be able to describe the major organ systems’ basic anatomical features, their functional principles, their inter-relationships and their common pathologies.
Course Outline
What You'll Learn
- Basic Cell Functions
- Homeostasis
- Macromolecules and protein structure
- The biology of water
- Four tissue types
- Energy and enzymes
- Membrane transport
- Receptors and signaling pathways
- The Endocrine System
- The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
- Neurons and the CNS
- Action potentials
- The synapse
- Anatomy of the CNS
- Sensory Systems and Motor Control
- The somatic senses
- The eye and vision
- Autonomic division
- The Muscular System
- Skeletal and smooth muscle structure
- Muscle action potentials
- Muscle reflexes
- The Cardiovascular System
- The heart
- Blood flow
- The blood
- The Respiratory System
- Gas exchange
- Gas transport
- The Urinary System
- The Nephron
- Filtration, Reabsorption and Secretion
- Hormonal control of salt and water balance
- Digestion and Metabolism
- Digestion and absorption
- Central control of energy balance
- The Fed and Fasted states
How You'll Learn
- Reading assignments
- Multimedia lectures
- Research discussion assignments
- Case study analyses and worksheets
- Quizzes and a final exam
Is This Course Right for Me?
This course will benefit students looking for an introduction to human physiology as an undergraduate or post-graduate preparing for graduate school or post-baccalaureate programs in the health professions. This course will also be useful for anyone looking to refresh their knowledge for personal or employment purposes. Please ensure that you have fulfilled prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment.