Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - BPK 305 D100

Human Physiology I (3)

Class Number: 6708

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 25, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BPK 205, MBB 231 (or 201), MATH 155 (or 152). Majors from outside BPK require BPK 205 (or BISC 305), MBB 231 (or 201), MATH 155 (or 152) plus permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed examination of the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiac, vascular and respiratory systems. The course focuses on integration of physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and systems levels.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an advanced course in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology. The information learned in BPK205 is the starting point for discussions about these systems. Students are encouraged to review their BPK205 notes and text (Human Physiology by Silverthorn) prior to the start of the BPK305 lectures.

 

DETAILED LECTURE SCHEDULE

Lecture 1 - Constituents of blood

Lecture 2 - Cardiac contractile elements

Lecture 3 - Regulation of cardiac contraction

Lecture 4 - Ionic basis of the cardiac action potential

Lecture 5 - Initiation of the cardiac action potential

Lecture 6 - The electrocardiogram

Lecture 7 - Excitation-contraction coupling

Lecture 8 - Cardiac cycle and metabolism

Lecture 9 - Arterial vasculature

Lecture 10 - Vascular smooth muscle

Lecture 11 - Regulation of vascular smooth muscle

Midterm 1 – Wednesday, October 2nd

Lecture 12 - Capillaries, lymphatics and veins

Lecture 13 - Venous return

Lecture 14 - Special circulations

Lecture 15 - Foetal circulation

Lecture 16 - Regulation of blood pressure I

Lecture 17 - Regulation of blood pressure II

Lecture 18 - Cardiovascular adjustments to exercise

Lecture 19 - Atherosclerosis I

Lecture 20 - Atherosclerosis II

Lecture 21 - Myocardial ischaemia – pathology

Lecture 22 - Myocardial ischaemia – etiology

Midterm 2 – Monday, November 4th

Lecture 23 - Organisation of the respiratory system

Lecture 24 - Mechanics of breathing I

Lecture 25 - Mechanics of breathing II

Lecture 26 - Pulmonary function testing

Lecture 27 - Ventilation perfusion I

Lecture 28 - Ventilation perfusion II

Lecture 29 - Gas exchange

Lecture 30 - Gas transport

Lecture 31 - Acid-base regulation

Lecture 32 - Control of ventilation I

Lecture 33 - Control of ventilation II

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• define the basic constituents of blood and explain the functional role of the main classes of blood components

• define the molecular and structural determinants responsible for the contractile properties of cardiac muscle

• explain how cardiac muscle function is physiologically regulated

• explain the role of ion channels in the initiation and propagation of cardiac action potentials and their modulation by the autonomic nervous system

• relate features of the electrocardiogram to physiological propagation of action potentials across the heart

• demonstrate an understanding of the integrated regulation of cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate at the molecular, cellular and system level through neuronal, humoral and mechanical mechanisms

• explain the principle of / recognize the core parameters of common cardiovascular tests

• describe how cardiac muscle is suited to the metabolism of fat as an energy source and how this dictates the need for tight regulation of coronary blood flow

• define the cellular and molecular properties and function of the various vessel within the vascular tree

• explain the neural, metabolic, myogenic and humoral regulation of vascular tone by smooth muscle and endothelial cells at the molecular, cellular and system levels

• distinguish the concepts of auto-regulation, capacitance, resistance and compliance as control mechanisms that regulate blood flow at the systemic and regional level

• use vascular- and cardiac-function curves to illustrate the intrinsic matching of venous return and cardiac output

• explain how venous return and cardiac output are maintained at steady state levels

• apply Ohm's and Poiseuille's Laws to the regulation of mean arterial pressure

• explain the acute and chronic regulation of blood pressure through neural, paracrine, humoral and renal mechanisms

• apply Fick’s Law to explain the exchange of fluids, metabolites and gases across capillary and alveolar membranes

• consider special circulatory adaptations including those of skin, muscle, brain, fetus and neonate, and kidney

• explain how the circulatory system adapts to acute and repeated exercise

• explain the etiology and cellular and molecular pathology of atherosclerosis and its consequences in terms of myocardial ischemia and infarct

• describe mechanisms of pathophysiological perturbations of blood pressure control, their consequences and treatment

• describe the structure and function of respiratory system components at moelcular, cellular and systems levels

• explain how the mechanical properties of the lungs influence respiration

• explain the principle of / recognize the core parameters of common respiratory tests

• discuss the regulation of ventilation and perfusion, how they are matched, and the consequences of a mismatch

Grading

  • Quizzes, Tutorials & Participation 10%
  • Midterms (3 @ 20%) 60%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

Students who miss examinations due to exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness or compassionate reasons) are required to obtain a physician's certificate, whereby the physician states that you were unable to write your midterm or final on the set date due to a medical condition beyond your control, or other supporting documents in order to obtain consideration in the course. Such documents must be submitted to the instructor within four calendar days of the date on which the examination was to have been written. Students are reminded that final examinations may be scheduled at any time during the examination period and that students should avoid making travel or employment arrangements for this period. In the event of a missed midterm or final examination the instructors reserve the right to give an oral examination of the material or re-assign the weight of tha examination to other examinations. Approximate midterm dates are provided, but may be subject to change.

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND STUDENT CONDUCT

Academic honesty is a condition of continued membership in the University community. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism or any other form of cheating is subject to serious academic penalty. The University codes of student conduct and academic honesty are contained in policies T10.01 and T10.02 which are available in the Course Timetable and on the Web via http://www.reg.sfu.ca.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Physiology, Berne, RM, Levy, Koeppen & Stanton, Mosby, (Updated) 6th edition OR

Medical Physiology, Boron and Boulpaep, Saunders (Updated) 2nd edition

Having access to one of these textbooks is HIGHLY recommended for this course.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.