# BIOL 281: Human Physiology
## Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive study of the function of the human body. It explores the
underlying mechanisms that govern the operation of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Emphasis is placed on the principle of homeostasis—the maintenance of a stable internal
environment—and the integrative nature of physiological systems. Topics covered include
neurophysiology, endocrinology, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and
reproductive physiology. The laboratory component complements the lecture by providing
hands-on experience with physiological measurement techniques and data analysis, reinforcing
core concepts.
## Prerequisites
- Completion of introductory biology and chemistry courses with a passing grade.
## Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define homeostasis and explain its importance in maintaining health, describing the roles of
negative and positive feedback loops.
- Describe the structure and function of the major cell types, tissues, and organs of the human
body.
- Explain the fundamental principles of membrane transport, cellular communication, and signal
transduction.
- Detail the physiological processes of the major organ systems, including the nervous,
endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive systems.
- Analyze and explain how different organ systems interact to maintain homeostasis and respond
to internal and external changes.
- Apply physiological principles to explain common pathophysiological conditions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic laboratory techniques for measuring physiological variables,
and be able to collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
- Communicate physiological concepts clearly and effectively in written form.
## Required Textbook
- **Title:** Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach
- **Edition:** A recent edition is recommended.
- (Note: Specific edition and author details are intentionally omitted. Any major, university-level
human physiology textbook will cover the topics listed in this course.)
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## Course Schedule & Topics
### Unit 1: Foundations of Physiology
* **Week 1: Introduction to Physiology & Homeostasis**
* Themes in physiology
* Concept of homeostasis and control systems
* Negative feedback, positive feedback, and feedforward control
* **Week 2: Cellular Physiology & Membrane Dynamics**
* Cell structure and function overview
* Fluid compartments of the body
* Membrane transport: Diffusion, osmosis, mediated transport
* Resting membrane potential
* **Week 3: Cellular Communication & Endocrine Principles**
* Signal pathways: Receptors, signal transduction
* Local vs. long-distance communication
* Introduction to hormones and the endocrine system
### Unit 2: Neurophysiology and Muscle Function
* **Week 4: The Nervous System & Neuron Function**
* Organization of the nervous system
* Glial cells and neurons
* Electrical signals: Graded potentials and action potentials
* Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters
* **Week 5: Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems**
* The brain: Cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem
* Spinal cord and reflex arcs
* Peripheral Nervous System: Somatic and autonomic divisions
* **Week 6: Sensory Physiology**
* General properties of sensory systems
* Somatic senses, chemoreception (taste and smell), hearing, and vision
* **Week 7: Muscle Physiology**
* Skeletal muscle structure and the sliding filament theory
* Excitation-contraction coupling
* Mechanics of muscle contraction
* Smooth and cardiac muscle
---
### **Midterm Exam 1 (Covering Weeks 1-7)**
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### Unit 3: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
* **Week 8: Cardiovascular Physiology I: The Heart**
* Anatomy of the heart
* Electrical activity of the heart and the electrocardiogram (ECG)
* The cardiac cycle: Mechanical events
* Cardiac output and its regulation
* **Week 9: Cardiovascular Physiology II: The Vasculature & Blood Pressure**
* Blood vessels: Arteries, veins, capillaries
* Blood flow, pressure, and resistance
* Regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular function
* **Week 10: The Respiratory System**
* Anatomy of the respiratory system
* Pulmonary ventilation (breathing mechanics)
* Gas exchange in the lungs
* Gas transport in the blood (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
### Unit 4: Renal, Digestive, and Metabolic Physiology
* **Week 11: The Renal System**
* Kidney anatomy and the nephron
* Glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion
* Fluid and electrolyte balance; regulation of blood volume and osmolarity
* **Week 12: The Digestive System**
* Overview of digestive processes: Motility, secretion, digestion, absorption
* Physiology of the GI tract from mouth to large intestine
* Accessory organ function (pancreas, liver)
* **Week 13: Metabolism and Energy Balance**
* Hormonal regulation of metabolism in the absorptive and post-absorptive states
* Role of the liver in metabolism
* Energy balance and regulation of body temperature
---
### **Midterm Exam 2 (Covering Weeks 8-13)**
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### Unit 5: Integration and Reproduction
* **Week 14: The Reproductive System**
* Male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology
* Hormonal control of reproduction
* The menstrual cycle, fertilization, and pregnancy
* **Week 15: Course Review and Final Exam Preparation**
* Integration of physiological systems
* Review of major concepts from the semester
* Open Q&A session
---
### **Final Exam (Comprehensive)**
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## Laboratory Schedule
* **Lab 1:** Introduction to Laboratory Equipment, Scientific Method, and Data Analysis.
* **Lab 2:** Homeostasis and Reflexes: Investigating neural pathways and feedback loops.
* **Lab 3:** Sensory Physiology: Mapping sensory fields, testing visual acuity and hearing.
* **Lab 4:** Electromyography (EMG): Recording skeletal muscle activity and fatigue.
* **Lab 5:** Electrocardiography (ECG): Recording and analyzing the electrical activity of the
heart at rest and after exercise.
* **Lab 6:** Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health: Measuring blood pressure and
calculating mean arterial pressure.
* **Lab 7:** Respiratory Physiology: Using spirometry to measure lung volumes and capacities.
* **Lab 8:** Urinalysis: Analyzing physical and chemical properties of urine to assess renal
function and metabolic state.
## Assessment & Grading
The final grade will be determined based on the following components:
| Component | Weighting |
| --------------------- | :-------: |
| Midterm Exam 1 | 20% |
| Midterm Exam 2 | 20% |
| Final Exam (Comprehensive) | 30% |
| Laboratory Reports | 25% |
| Quizzes & Participation | 5% |
| **Total** | **100%** |
- **Exams:** Exams will consist of multiple-choice, short-answer, and problem-solving questions
designed to assess your understanding and application of physiological concepts.
- **Laboratory Reports:** For each lab session, a formal report will be required. This report
should include an introduction, methods, results (including tables and figures), and a discussion
of the findings in the context of physiological principles.
- **Quizzes:** Short quizzes may be given periodically to ensure students are keeping up with
the course material.
## Course Policies
- **Academic Integrity:** All work submitted in this course must be your own. Plagiarism,
cheating, or any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be dealt with
according to university policy. Proper citation is required for all sources used in laboratory
reports.
- **Attendance:** Regular attendance in both lectures and laboratory sessions is strongly
recommended for success in this course. Important announcements and clarifications are often
made during class time.
- **Accommodations:** Students with disabilities requiring academic accommodations should
provide documentation from the university's disability services office. Please discuss your needs
with the instructor early in the semester to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made.
