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Course Syllabus

BIOL 2420 Human Physiology

  • Division: Natural Science and Math
  • Department: Biology
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: One of the following: CHEM 1110, CHEM 1210, BIOL 1610, BIOL 2060, or BIOL 2200
  • Corequisites: BIOL 2425
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2031
  • End Semester: Summer 2032
  • Optimum Class Size: 24
  • Maximum Class Size: 48

Course Description

Human physiology is the study of the functions of the human body. A major emphasis is placed on the cellular and system mechanisms that regulate the functions of individual organ systems and maintain homeostasis. This class is for students whose major course of study is an allied health profession and for those interested in careers in biology, medicine, or dentistry.

Justification

A basic course in human physiology is required for admission into programs for nursing, physical therapy, and other allied health professions. The scope of topics covered is very broad, but each will be covered in sufficient detail to provide the scientific foundation for future educational courses in all allied health professions as well as for biological professions.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to explain how the human body performs the fundamental functions of living organisms, describing its structural and functional organization from the atomic and molecular levels through cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, and comparing these processes to those of other life forms where appropriate.
  2. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply concepts of human physiology to analyze and interpret real-world biological questions, including the physiological basis of selected disorders and disease states, immune system function, nutrition, environmental factors, and related topics, using scientific principles to propose evidence-based explanations or solutions.
  3. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature in the textbook or from peer-reviewed journals, gaining the skills necessary to discern the credibility of sources of scientific information.
  4. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to investigate a self-selected topic in human physiology and communicate their understanding clearly and accurately in both written and oral formats.

Course Content

Topics covered include but are not limited to: homeostasis, macromolecules, cells, tissues, enzymes, metabolism, cellular communication, and all human body systems.