HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 242

Fall 2008

Instructor: Professor Barbara Van Sciver

Office: C-104 Biological Sciences Center

Office Hours: Wednesdays 11:00-1:00

E-mail- bvansciver@verizon.net

Web site- bvansciver.com

Required Text: Sherwood L. 2006. Fundamentals of Physiology: A Human Perspective. Third Edition: Thompson Brooks/Cole, USA.

Course Description

Welcome to Biology 242-Human Physiology. This course provides the fundamental concepts of physiology, focusing on the mechanisms of human body functions. A major theme of this course is the concept of homeostasis, the fact that the different components of the body are dependent on the others and that each contributes to the overall survival of the body.

Course Objectives

The intention of this course is to provide the student with the knowledge and the understanding of the organization, function, and coordination of the human body from cells, to tissues, to organs, to body systems, to the overall organism. The course discusses the cell as the basic unit of life. As stated above the concept of homeostasis, how the body maintains a relatively stable internal environment, is emphasized. Each body system, and its contribution to homeostasis, is discussed.

Outlines of each lecture will be provided.

GRADING:

The grading system used is entirely performance based. As in so many endeavors, the amount of time and effort that one puts in to any given pursuit directly effects the outcome. This definitely holds true for this course. It does require a commitment of both time and effort. Students are expected to attend the lectures, students that miss any lectures will end up being at a disadvantage.

Students are encouraged to recopy their notes using the outlines and the text as guidelines. This is a good first step in understanding and studying the material.

There will be three lecture exams and a final exam. These will be based on the lectures and on reading assignments. The final exam will be approximately 25% cumulative and 75% based on the lectures subsequent to the third exam.

Lecture:

Exam I - 100 points

Exam II- 100 points

Exam III- 100 points

Final exam-100 points

Total possible points- 400

Assignment of grades is as follows:

% Letter grade

94-100 A

90-93 A-

87-89 B+

83-86 B

80-82 B-

77-79 C+

73-76 C

70-72 C-

67-69 D+

60-66 D

Below 60 F

The exams will be in multiple choice and true/false format.

There is no extra credit available in this course.

Make-up policy:

A student may take a make-up exam provided there is a valid, university approved excuse. (e.g. death in the family, illness with doctor’s note, etc..) See the University manual for a complete list.

The student needs to contact my promptly so a time and a place can be arranged.

Make-up exams will be in an essay format.

Cheating:

Cheating will not be tolerated. URI’s regulations regarding cheating will upheld. The consequences for cheating range up to the students expulsion from URI. That expulsion will be noted on the student’s record, permanently. That is forever, so do not cheat!!!

In Class:

Rudeness will not be tolerated. This includes talking during lecture, this would be a distraction to me as well as other students, it is not acceptable.

Students who exhibit this behavior will be asked to leave.

Students with Disabilities:

Please contact me early in the semester if you have a documented disability. We can work out reasonable accommodations to support your success in this course. Students should also contact Disability Services for Students, Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, 874-2098.

Academic Enhancement Center:

The AEC houses the University’s existing Writing Center and Learning Assistance Program, as well as many other academic support service areas such as tutoring, study groups and multiple forms of academic assistance workshops. The Center serves students who are seeking academic support as well as those with more advanced academic ability who are interested in helping others. In this interactive learning environment, students can enjoy a cup of coffee, get help or help others with schoolwork, and find individual or group assistances as needed. The Center is located on the 4^th flood of Roosevelt Hall in University College.

Some Suggestions:

My advice to students is to not get behind in the class. There is a great deal of material, it is very important to set good study habits from the outset. I think it is helpful to copy the notes over using the outlines provided as well as the text. Do not try to memorize the material without first understanding it.

Please feel free to ask questions in class, or see me in my office.

I hope this will be an enlightening as well as an education experience for you all!!

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY-

Tentative Reading Schedule Fall 2008

Topic Text

Introduction to physiology and Homeostasis 1-17

Chemistry review A-3 – A-18

Cell physiology 19-41

Plasma membrane and membrane potential 43-69

Introduction to neural and hormonal 71-99 communication

The CNS 109-143

The PNS Afferent division 145-150

The PNS Efferent division 185-201

Muscle Physiology 203-239

Cardiac Physiology 241-273

Blood vessels and blood pressure 274-308

Blood and Body defenses 314-363

The respiratory system 365-403

The digestive system 465-508

The storage, replication, and expression A-19 – A-30

of genetic material

The urinary system 404-441

Fluid/ acid-base balance 442-463

The endocrine System 95-107

528-581

Energy balance and Temperature regulation 510-527

Tentative exam dates: Exam 1- 9/26/08

Exam 2- 10/20/08

Exam 3- 11/17/08

Final-See URI final exam schedule