Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BPK 105 OL01

The Anatomy and Physiology of Human Survival (3)

Class Number: 6023

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 23, 2026
    Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: Grade 11 Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Discover how detailed cellular and system level physiological functions contribute to the survival of the human organism. Includes a survey of the muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and immune systems. BPK major and honours students may not receive credit for BPK 105. BPK 205 or 208 may be used as a substitute for BPK 105 by students in the kinesiology minor program. No student may take both BPK 105 and BPK 208 for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Week

Module

Reading Assignment

1

1. Survival and The Human Organism

 Ch 1 Section 1.1 -1.4

2

2. Chemistry of Life

Ch 2 - Chemical Basis of Life

3

3. Cell Structures and Their Functions

Ch 3 – Cell structures and Their Functions

4

4. Communication – Input, Integration and Control

Ch 8 – Nervous System

Sections 8.1-8.6, 8.8-8.10, 8.14-8.15

5

5.Chemical Communication – Regulation and maintenance of Homeostasis

Ch 10 Endocrine System

6

6. Homeostasis and Fluid Balance

18 – Urinary System and Fluid Balance

7

7. Nutrient Acquisition: Locomotion

Ch 7 – Muscular System Sections 7.1-7.3

8

In Person - Mid Term Exam

Modules 1-6

9

8. Nutrient Acquisition: Digestion and Absorption

16 Digestive System

10

9. Nutrient Acquisition: Perception

Ch 9 - Senses

11

10. Cardiovascular System


Ch 11 - Blood

Ch 12 - Heart

Ch 13 - Blood Vessels and Circulation

Sections 13.1-13.2, 13.6-13.8

12

11. Respiratory System

Ch 15 - Respiratory System

13

12. Defending Against Infection and Blood Loss


Ch 11 – Blood

Section 11.4-11.6

Ch 14 – Lymphatic System and Immunity

Final Exam Period

In Person - Final Exam

Modules 7-12

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

(I) Introduces (E) Emphasizes (R) Reinforces (A) Applies
At the end of the course students will be able to; Human Organism Survival
1. Connect the basic needs for human survival to the concept of organism and the general physiological functions. (I)
General Physiology Foundations
2. Describe the concept of homeostasis and provide examples of why it is essential for human survival. (I)
3. Associate the organization of the human body into molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems with general physiological functions. (I)
4. Recognize how an understanding of the chemical basis of life can be used to understand general physiological functions. (I)
5. Explain how each organelle contributes to maintaining cell and organism function. (I)
6. Provide examples of how molecules and ions are selectively transported across cell membranes. (I)
7. Outline the roles of different ions and ionic charge in creating cell membrane potential and electrical signaling. (I)

Human Organ System Function
8. For each of the following systems: muscular, nervous, special and general senses, endocrine, cardiovascular, blood, immune, respiratory, digestive and urinary;
    a. Sketch and label the relevant structures at the level of detail required to illustrate their primary functions.(I)
    b. Describe how the unique structure elements contribute to the primary functions related to survival using appropriate terminology.(I)
9. Associate the main functions of each organ system with their role in the maintenance of homeostasis.(E) Human Organism
10. Predict how the organ systems will respond to meet specific challenges to survival. (E)
11. Illustrate an in-depth understanding of the physiological responses to one specific challenge to survival.(E)

There are four individual assignments with short answer questions, each covering 2 or 3 modules.
(E) The are two exams, with multiple choice, fill in the blank and short answer questions, each covering 5 or 7 modules.

 

Grading

  • SFU Academic Integrity Tutorial 2%
  • Online Quizzes 6%
  • Assignments (4) 20%
  • Avatar Activities (2 at 2%) 4%
  • Final Avatar Project 4%
  • In Person - MT Exam (Modules 1-6) 32%
  • In Person - Final Exam (Modules 7-12) 32%

NOTES:

Course content will be delivered remotely through CANVAS.
Midterm and Final exams will be written on-campus in-person.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

VanPutte, C., Regan, J., & Russo, A. (2025 release). Seeley’s Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. New York: McGraw-Hill Ryerson

RECOMMENDED READING:

Connect Online Learning Center – McGraw-Hill

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.