Course Description: This course is a general lecture and laboratory course in human physiology, including a study of blood and circulation, respiration, muscle activity, endocrine glands, digestion, excretion, and the functions and activities of the brain, nerves and sense organs.

Prerequisites: BIOL-16 or BIOL-01; CHEM-02A.

Advisories: Engl-A, Engl-41.

Expected Student Outcomes: 

Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to be able to:

1.      Organize, analyze and interpret observations and predictions about human physiology using the scientific method.

2.      Demonstrate proficiency in the use of both the compound and dissecting microscopes.

3.      Describe and explain catabolic and anabolic pathways.

4.      Describe the principles of intracellular signaling, including major signal transduction mechanisms.

5.      Explain the important properties of enzymes and their reactions.

6.      Identify and describe cellular and multicellular structures and relate them to their functions and relation to the function of physiological systems.

7.      Analyze and explain the processes associated with and the role of the cell membrane in the processes of osmosis and diffusion.

8.      Explain how metabolic pathways are performed in animals in the form of cellular respiration.

9.      Compare and contrast the processes of cellular reproduction in eukaryotes.

10.  Explain the organization, regulation and transmission of genetic information at the molecular level.

11.  Compare and contrast the general, structural, and functional characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

12.  Understand the structure and function of major body systems.

Article Reviews

No more than once a week, an article review may be turned in for 10 points.  A total of 4 are required.  The details for this assignment will be found on my webpage, and the instructions/guidelines must be followed exactly or 0 credit will be received.  The last day for any Article Review is the final day of the week before the last week (Friday of week 16 no later than 12pm).  All Article Reviews must be handed in to me in person.  Any attempt to turn in electronic versions as emails or otherwise will be rejected.

Grading Policy: Your grade will be based on the percentage of possible points that you have earned in class.

A         90 – 100% ~927+ points                     B         80 – 89.9% ~824-926 points              

C         70 – 79.9% ~721-823 points               D         60 – 69.9% ~618-720 points

F          < 59.9% <618 points

Attendance Policy: I will consider dropping any student who has 4 unexcused absences (two weeks worth of class).  Arriving at class late or leaving early will be marked as being absent for half the class.

It is ultimately your responsibility to complete the appropriate paper work in a timely manner if you wish to drop this course.  If your name is on my final grade sheet, I will enter a grade based on the points you have earned.

Rules of Conduct

I strive to maintain a positive academic environment.  This is your educational experience, so please help me to make it an excellent one.  If you have a problem with any facet of this class, then take the time to notify me and I will try to accommodate you.  I will not compromise the integrity of the curriculum by consciously omitting portions of the subject.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty is a violation of the standards of student conduct.  The college, and therefore I as its representative, has the responsibility to ensure that grades assigned are indicative of the knowledge and skill level of each student and academic dishonesty makes it impossible to fulfill this responsibility.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and misuse of college computers and software.  I cannot and will not tolerate Academic Dishonesty.  The first act of dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment(s) for that day, the second will result in an F for the course. All acts of Academic Dishonesty will be reported to the office of the Vice-President of Student Personnel.  Misusing lab equipment may also warrant these penalties.

Electronic Devices

With the following exceptions, no electronic devices (cell phones, blackberrys, ipods etc.) are allowed to be on during lectures or labs.  If you have a cell phone with a vibrate function, this may be on during non-exam times only in the vibrate mode.  Any incoming calls must be taken outside of the classroom.  Absolutely minimize the disturbance as you leave the classroom.  Calculator use is strictly regulated; you must ask me before you use one during an in-class assignment or test.  Failure to adhere to the Electronic Device police will be considered a Classroom Disruption or a violation of Academic Honesty and will be handled as detailed in the appropriate section.

Classroom Disruptions

Classroom disruptions that compromise the learning environment in the class will not be tolerated.  Classroom disruptions include, but are not limited to, conversations while I’m lecturing or a student is trying to ask a question, entering the classroom late or leaving early, and inappropriate contact between students.  You are in the classroom to learn, leave the socializing to outside the classroom.  Note – classroom discussions during an exam fall under a violation of Academic Honesty and will be dealt with as detailed above.  Any act of classroom disruption will warrant a verbal reprimand.  Continue disruption will result in your expulsion from the classroom for the rest of that session and you will not be allowed to re-enter the class for future sessions without first having a conference with me.  Further disruptions after this conference will result in expulsion from the class and will be reported to the office of the Vice-President of Student Personnel. 

Exam Policies

In addition to policies outlined above, which will be strictly observed during exam times, use the facilities before going into an exam.  Once you leave the classroom, your exam is over and I will grade based on the answer sheet you turn in (if any) before leaving the room.

Study Suggestions – A few thoughts 

In order to have an opportunity to pass this class you must endeavor to do the following:

1.)    Attend all classes.

2.)    Read the pages before I lecture on it, read again thoroughly the parts I cover in lecture.

3.)    Take accurate notes and review those notes as soon as possible.

4.)    Study all relevant material 2-3 hours for every hour spent in lecture and one hour for every hour spent in lab – that is ~10-12 hours each week.

5.)    Quiz yourself – are you retaining the material you attempted to acquire in 1-4?  If not, you may need to do number 2 and 4 until you do retain said material.

6.)    I also highly recommend that you form study groups.  It has been determined that studying in groups is more effective then working alone.

Tentative Schedule – I will make every effort to stick to this schedule, but I reserve the right to change it as circumstances require.

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