Human Physiology

Catalog description

This course will present a survey of the physiology of most of the major organ systems. It will integrate knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms into an understanding of function at the tissue, organ, and organism levels. It will begin with a brief review of membrane physiology, followed by electrophysiology and signaling in nerve. Then, after a brief outline of neural control systems and their role in homeostasis, it will present motility and muscle, the cardiovascular system, respiration, the renal and gastrointestinal systems, and selected topics from the endocrine system, the reproductive systems, environmental and exercise physiology. As well as providing a basis of integrative physiology for students in fields such as physiology, bioengineering and pharmacology, it should be of interest to students of cellular and molecular biology and genetic engineering who will need to appreciate the roles of specific systems and molecules at higher levels of organization. Prerequisite: Although not a formal prerequisite, a good foundation in cell bio level of BIOM/CAMB 6000 (or an equivalent upper level undergraduate strongly recommended. A general understanding of the chemistry a biochemistry of macromolecules, and of basic molecular biology is assumed. This course is primarily designed for 2nd year BGS students in BGS or other programs will require the permission instructor. This course is not open to undergraduates.