Biology 322: Introduction to Human Physiology

Fall 2016 Course Syllabus

Instructor

Lauren M Stein, PhD

St Louis University School of Medicine
Doisy Hall Room R423
Office (314)977-6347 Email: lstein1@slu.edu

Office Hours

M-Th 1:00 - 3:00 pm or by appointment

In person or via video chat

Communication Policy

Feel free to contact me M-F between 10:00am 4:00 pm via email or Google chat at
lstein1@slu.edu
All emails sent during this time will be responded to the same day and as promptly
as possible
Emails sent outside of this timeframe will be responded to the following workday.
It is very important that if you are having difficulties with the course material you
contact me as soon as possible. Remember I am here to help and more than happy
to do so!
**Six-minute meeting: Over the first two-weeks of the semester I would like students to sign up
for times to come meet with me in person for a simple introductory sit-down to get to know you
all better. Participation is not mandatory but you will receive 6 points extra credit if you do.

Course Description

Welcome to your introduction to human anatomy and physiology! This course is designed for
any student with a general interest in human biology or professions in the health field. Over the
course of the semester we will be covering every major organ system of the body (nervous,
cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and the lymphatic/
immune systems) with the overall goal for studies to gain an understanding and deep
appreciation for the the principles governing the function, integration, and homeostasis of the
human body. It is important to remember that physiology is the study of function and therefore
strict memorization will not enable you to master the material in this course. You will need to be
able to think critically about the material and apply learned concepts to physiological situations.
Therefore the emphasis of this course will be on placed on interrelationships among systems
and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Biology I and II, Introduction to Chemistry I and II, Human
Anatomy

Course Schedule:
Course Goals

Schwitalla Hall Room 362

M and Th 9:00am - 10:15 am

1. Students will be able to actively set and pursue clear learning goals and exploit new
opportunities for intellectual growth and development.
2. Students will gain an understanding of the significance of integrative physiology in research,
clinical, and applied settings.

3. Provide students with the opportunity to improve their critical thinking skills to solve complex
problems.
4. An opportunity to research, discuss, and give a formal group presentation on current topics
related to topics discussed in class.

Course Objectives

1. Students will be able to use basic chemical/biochemical and physical concepts to describe
the function of the life processes for the human physiological systems.
2. Locate, identify, and functionally describe the structures of the human body systems at all
levels of organization.
3. Explain the role of different organ systems in maintaining homeostasis.
4. Predict the physiological outcomes of homeostatic imbalances.

Course Materials
Required:

Widemaier, Raff, & Strang: Vanders Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of

Body Function, 12th edition, McGraw Hill, 2008. ISBN 978-0-07-337810-7

Optional:

McArdle, Katch & Katch, edition, Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and
Human Performance, 7th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. ISBN
978-0-7817-9781-8

Exams and Assignments

1. Exams: Exam will be all multiple choice to be completed on a scantron in No. 2 pencil.
Questions will only included material presented in lecture, assigned chapter readings,
thought questions at the end of each chapter, and case studies distributed during class.
Each exam is worth 100 points and contributes to 20% of the final grade in the course.
A. Students are expected to take all exams on the scheduled dates indicated below. No
make-up exams will be given except in situations of pre-arranged excusable absence,
significant illness, or family emergencies. In the even of an emergency, you must contact
me immediately and give your reason for absence and a phone number to contact you.
B. Make-up exams: Make-up exams will only be considered if an acceptable excuse for an
absence is given. Acceptable excuses/reasons considered include but are not limited to:
illness that is documented by a doctors note or a scheduled doctors appointment, a
funeral, a wedding, or participation in a school sponsored event. Most of these allow for
advanced notice, therefore you are expected to make arrangements beforehand.
Contact the Course Director with any problems/issues with an exam. Any make-up work
should be accomplished in a timely manner.
C. Missed exams: If the circumstance/reason for missing the exam is deemed nonexcusable for the instructor the student will receive a zero for that exam
2. Homework: Homework will be made available on Blackboard and can be completed and
submitted online. It will be due on the date indicated on your class schedule by 5:00 pm.
Homework may be submitted after that time until midnight, but will be marked as late and
will only receive partial credit (50% deduction).
3. Debates: In lieu of a final exam,, at the end of the semester there will be 5 days of group
discussion/debates. Individuals will be placed into groups and will be assigned a topic to
discuss. The discussion will be set up as a debate format. More information will be provided
in class and online.

Point Distribution
10 Homework Assignments 25%
Exams
60%
Debate
20%
Grading Scale
94-100
90 - 93.99
87 - 89.99
84 - 86.99
80 - 83.99

A
AB+
B
B-

77 - 79.99
74 - 76.99
70 - 73.99
60 - 69.99
< 60 %

C+
C
CD
F

Class Policies

Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all lectures, exams, and discussion sessions. A sign-in sheet
will be passed around the room at the beginning of class in order to record attendance. A
student is allowed 4 unexcused absences. For every additional unexcused absence, your grade
will decrease by 3%. If a student misses more than 14 classes he or she will automatically fail
the class (F grade). Contact the Course Director (Carrie Wahlman cmaloy1@slu.edu) if you
have a planned absence.
Academic Honesty Policy:
The University is a community of learning, whose effectiveness requires an environment of
mutual trust and integrity. Academic integrity is violated by any dishonesty such as soliciting,
receiving, or providing any unauthorized assistance in the completion of work submitted toward
academic credit. While not all forms of academic dishonesty can be listed here, examples
include copying from another student, copying from a book or class notes during an exam,
submitting materials authored by another person, taking a test or completing an assignment for
another student, and securing or supplying an advanced copy of an exam.
Any clear violation of academic integrity will be met with appropriate sanctions. Possible
sanctions for violation may include assignment of a failing grade in a course, disciplinary
probation, suspension, and dismissal from the University. Students should review the College of
Arts and Sciences statement on academic honesty which can be accessed online at http://
www.slu.edu/colleges/AS/ under Quicklinks for Students or in hard copy form from the Arts and
Sciences Policy binder in each department or college office.
NOTE #1: Do not sign in for another student on the attendance sheet. This is considered a
violation of our academic honesty policy and the above-mentioned consequences may result.
NOTE #2: It is not considered cheating to work with someone on homework. It is considered
cheating if one student finds the answer(s) and the other student simply copies them.
Students with Special Needs/Disability Services:
Any student who feels that he/she may need academic accommodations in order to meet the
requirements of this course, as outlined in this syllabus due to the presence of a disability
should contact the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action. Please telephone the office at
314-977-8885 or visit DuBourg Hall, Rm36. Confidentiality will be observed in all inquiries.
Weather/Cancellation Policy:
Class will take place at the scheduled times unless the University cancels all classes. Call 977SNOW to check SLU weather information for possible cancellations. On the rare occasion that it
is necessary, cancellation will be posted on the Blackboard Announcements.

Electronic Devices Policy:

Computers: If you have a computer that you would like to bring to class for the purpose of taking
notes, you are welcome to do so. However computes must be turned off and put away during
any exams. Sound on the computers must be muted at all times during the lectures. If your
computer is found to be disruptive to the class you will be asked to shut it off and put it away.
Phones/Electronic devices: The use of cell phones or any related electronic devices (e.g. iPads)
during class is prohibited. Be sure all electronic devices are set to silent/vibrate before class
begins. Use of cell phones/electronic devices during an exam is grounds for receiving a failing
grade.

Course Schedule
Date

Topic

Reading

Aug 22

Class Introduction
Structural Organization (cells > organ systems)

Ch 1

Aug 25

Systems Overview

Ch 3

Aug 29

Introduction to Homeostasis
Cellular Structure, Protein, and Metabolism

Ch 4

Sept 1

Nervous system: Structure and Function

Ch 6A-C

Sept 5

Labor Day (No Class)

Sept 8

Nervous System: CNS

Ch 6D

Sept 12

Nervous System: PNS

Ch 6D

Sept 15

Nervous System: Sensory Physiology

Ch 7

Sept 19

Muscle: Skeletal Muscle

Ch 9A

Sept 22

Muscle: Cardiac and Smooth Muscle

Ch 9 B-C

Sept 26

Exam 1: 100 points

Sept 29

Cardiovascular System: Structure and Function

Ch 12 A-C

Oct 3

Cardiovascular System: Integration of Function

Ch 12 D-E

Oct 6

Respiratory System: Structure and Function

Ch 13

Oct 10

Respiratory System: Altitude and Space

Ch 13

Oct 13

Exam 2: 100 points

Oct 17

Fall Break (No Class)

Oct 20

Gastrointestinal System: Structure and Function

Ch 15

Oct 24

Gastrointestinal System: Digestion and Absorption

Ch 15

Oct 27

Urinary System: Structure and Function

Ch 14 A

Assignment

HW 1 Due

HW 2 Due

Debate refs
due
HW 3 Due

HW 4 Due

HW 5 Due

HW 6 Due

Date

Topic

Reading

Assignment

Oct 31

Urinary System: Fluid and Electrolyte Homeostasis

Ch 14 B

Nov 3

Exam 3: 100 Points

Nov 7

Endocrine System: Structure and Function

Ch 11 A-C

Nov 10

Endocrine System: Stress Response and Growth

Ch 11 D-E

Nov 14

Endocrine System: Calcium homesotasis

Ch 11 F

HW 8 Due

Nov 17

Reproduction: Sex Determination and Male Physiology

Ch 17 A-B

HW 9 Due

Nov 21

Reproduction: Female

Ch 17 C

Nov 24

Thanksgiving Break (No Class)

Nov 28

Lymphatics and Immunity

Dec 1

Debates

Dec 5

Debates

Dec 6

Study Day (No Class)

Dec 8

Debates

HW 7 Due

Ch 18

Debate
Worksheet
Due

HW 10 Due