Physiology: Mechanistic and Teleological Approaches

Course Information

• Course Title: Human Physiology
• Course Code: BIOL 2052
• Instructor: Dr. Cristina V Dieni
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 942-4291, ext. 2248
• Office: BGSC213
• Office Hours: Tuesday 10-12, Thursday 13-15, by appointment

Course Materials

• Textbook: Human Physiology Derrickson B. - 2nd edition
• Textbook: Physiology Costanzo L. - 6th edition
• Textbook: Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology, Shier, Butler, and Lewis. 13th edition
• Note: These textbooks are not required but recommended, especially for those whose anatomy knowledge is weak.
• Lecture handouts are required and available on Canvas.

Course Objectives

• Learning the basic mechanisms responsible for normal human body function, using a systemic approach.
• Covering these organ systems: cell function, membrane physiology, muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, renal physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, neurophysiology, endocrinology, metabolism, immunology, and reproduction.

Course Requirements

• Regular attendance and active participation in all course lectures and laboratory sessions.
• Demonstrated comprehension of course materials through written examinations.

Course Grading

• Exam 1: 22.5%
• Exam 2: 22.5%
• Exam 3: 22.5%
• Exam 4: 22.5%
• Homework/Assignments: 10%
• Grading Scale: 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, below 60% = F
• Extra Credit: Offered throughout the semester to promote active participant and positive learning environment. Activities may be projects, class-related activities, or other contributions.
• Extra Credit Notes: Extra credit is limited and awarded at the instructor's discretion. It cannot replace missed or incomplete assignments unless specified.

Tentative Topic Schedule

• Introduction to Physiology
• Chemical Composition of the Body
• Cells
• Metabolism
• Transport Across Plasma Membrane
• Cell Signaling
• Nervous System (including Central Nervous System, Sensory Systems, Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems)
• Muscle
• Control of Body Movement
• Endocrine System
• Cardiovascular System (including the Heart, Blood Vessels, and Blood)
• Immune System
• Respiratory System
• Urinary System
• Digestive System
• Reproductive Systems

Course Goals

• Develop a strong understanding of how the human body functions through principles of homeostasis, mechanisms of action, communication, and integration.
• Build knowledge and skills to prepare for future coursework and careers in medicine and allied health.
• Develop critical thinking skills and apply physiology and science concepts through real-world examples.

Classroom Protocol

• Electronics: Use electronics only for class-related purposes during the class.
• Respect: Respect all interactions.
• Permitted AI Tools: Allowed for checking grammar, brainstorming ideas, refining ideas, and for finding information through Internet search tools, and for drafting outlines, translation tools, audio-to-text transcription tools, and for generating study questions.
• Prohibited AI Tools: Not permitted for impersonating in classroom contexts, for conceptual or numerical homework problems, answering discussion prompts, drafting or writing entire assignments, completing group work (unless mutually agreed)

Opportunities for Academic Assistance

• Tutoring with subject tutors
• Online tutoring through TutorMe
• Confidential Project Care referrals
• Disability Support Services
• International Student Services
• Career Services and support
• Make-up Exams (https://newmanu.accudemia.net/login)
• Counseling Services (12 free in-person or unlimited telehealth sessions)
• For counseling services, register using your NU email at https://app.uwill.com/

Additional information

• Outcomes: Physiology defined, Levels of organization in the body, Life Processes, Homeostasis, Physiology as a science, Key themes of Physiology
• What is Physiology?: Study of how the body functions. Observation and measurement are involved.
• History of Physiology: Aristotle emphasized the relationship between structure and function, Galen performed experiments to understand body function, William Harvey described the circulatory system, and Claude Bernard established physiology as the scientific base of medicine.
• Physiology Defined (detailed): The process of learning the functions of an organism and its constituent parts (including human physiology, focusing on the human body and having multiple subdivisions)