Overview

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Note: This course has been selected to participate in the Day 1 Access Pilot (Fall, 2024). This means that your Digital Course Material content will be automatically made available within your Canvas account upon course registration on or before the first day of classes.

Simply login to your Canvas account, and when you click on your Course then “Modules” in the left menu bar, you will be presented with the option to access your digital course materials. You will be able to preview your Digital Course Materials for up to 14 days (beginning Sept. 4, 2024) and may choose to purchase at any time via the presented SFU Bookstore link to secure ongoing access beyond the preview period. No access codes will be required, and materials will be available right away within your Canvas account.

The SFU Bookstore has worked to ensure this is the lowest cost option for students to secure their Digital Course Materials, however, should you choose to secure your Course Materials in a different format (ex. printed version via the SFU Bookstore), or not at all, then simply let the free preview period expire.

Should you have any questions, you may access the support links within Canvas, or feel free to visit the SFU Bookstore website for more information at https://shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/willo-labs-day-1-access-pilot.

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: