Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BPK 205 D100

Introduction to Human Physiology (3)

Class Number: 7458

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 28, 2021
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101, CHEM 281, PHYS 101 and 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory survey of human physiology with an emphasis on mechanisms of regulation and integration. Anatomy of structures will be detailed only when it is critical to a functional understanding. Although this is intended as a survey course, some topics will be covered in reasonable detail in order to give insight into mechanisms of function. BPK 208 may not be used as a substitute for BPK 205 by students in the BPK Major and Honours programs. BPK Major and Honours students who have taken BPK 105 must also take BPK 205. For students taking both of these courses, credit will only be given for BPK 205.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introductory survey of human physiology with constant themes of cellular physiology and homeostasis. Building on these themes, we will progress through the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal systems. Topics covered earlier in the course will serve as the foundation for looking at more complex systems later on.            

Canvas (https://canvas.sfu.ca/) will be used for this course. Lecture notes will be posted on the course Canvas page (usually in advance of lecture), as will be assignments and quizzes. It is expected that students supplement the lecture slide PDFs with their own notes during lecture.

13 weeks; 3 lecture hours and 1 tutorial hour per week
TOPICS

  • Homeostasis and control systems
  • Principles of cellular physiology: membrane transport, membrane potentials
  • Cellular communication and signaling
  • Principles of endocrinology
  • Neuronal transmission
  • Central nervous system
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Principles of sensory physiology and overview of the special senses
  • Muscle physiology
  • Principles of cardiovascular function
  • Mechanics of respiration
  • Gas exchange and transport
  • Overview of renal physiology
  • Overview of gastrointestinal physiology and digestion                                 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Describe the hierarchical organization of the human organism from molecules to organ systems.
  2. Explain the principle of homeostasis and how specific physiological parameters are regulated through negative feedback reflex loops.
  3. Explain the establishment and maintenance of the resting membrane potential using the Nernst and Goldman equations.
  4. Explain the anatomy of a neuron and the mechanisms underlying cellular excitability and the initiation and propagation of action potentials.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic anatomy and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and function of the somatic and special senses, including tactile sensation, vision, olfaction gustation and audition.
  7. Explain the anatomy and function of the cardiovascular system, including electrical conduction in the heart, the cardiac cycle and regulation of cardiac output.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and function of the respiratory system, including mechanics of quiet breathing, regulation of airway resistance, and gas composition and exchange.
  9. Demonstrate knowledge of the functional anatomy and function of the renal system, the principles of reabsorption and regulation of the glomerular filtration rate.
  10. Explain the anatomy and function of the gastrointestinal system, including oral, gastric and intestinal phases of digestion and absorption of macronutrients.
  11. Demonstrate knowledge of the integrative nature of human physiology using specific examples.    

Grading

  • Weekly Tutorials 10%
  • Weekly Canvas Assignments 10%
  • Midterm 1 20%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Final Exam 40%

REQUIREMENTS:

TUTORIALS
Tutorials will begin in the second week of classes and are a mandatory component of the course. Tutorial participation is compulsory and will facilitate an active learning environment to complement material presented in lectures. Tutorial material is examinable and will be featured on the midterm and final exams. The policy for missed tutorials is the same as the policy for missed exams (see syllabus). Tutorials will not be held during midterm exam weeks.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Human Physiology – An Integrated Approach, Silverthorn, 8th ed. (The 6th or 7th edition is also acceptable) 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).