Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
BIOL 1105
Descriptive
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Department
Biology
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201620
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
4 hours per week in group sessions and laboratory
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lab
Learning Activities
This course involves four hours weekly of lectures, laboratory activities, and self-directed, interdependent, small group and problem-based learning sessions. The information content is integrated with problem sets, videos, laboratory experiences, journal articles and textbook readings.
Course Description
This course uses a problem-based learning format to study the anatomy and physiology of humans. Students use a problem-based process to examine cellular structure and function, tissue structure, homeostasis, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, and immune systems. Enrolment is usually limited to students in the Therapeutic Recreation program.
Course Content
- Atoms and Molecules
- The properties of matter and the four major elements that make up most of living matter
- An atom’s composition and its relationship to the chemical properties of elements
- Valence electrons and shells, and the relative activity of atoms with complete and incomplete valence shells
- How atoms form molecules, and the different types of bonds that exist within molecules
- Cells – Structure and Function
- The cell theory
- Basic structural differences between plant and animal cells
- Cellular organelles and their specific functions
- The differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the evolutionary relationship between the two
- How cells communicate with their environment and why this is important
- The difference between normal cell division (mitosis) and cancerous growth
- Tissue Structure
- The various types of tissues that comprise the human body, and their functions
- Organs and organ systems
- Hierarchical organization of the human body
- Examples of tissues, organs, and organ systems in the human body
- Homeostasis
- The importance of homeostasis to normal body functioning
- Examples of homeostatic mechanisms in the body
- Comparisons between negative and positive feedback mechanisms
- Components of a homeostatic feedback loop
- Integumentary System
- Structure of the skin.
- Review the function of skin in maintaining health
- Review the involvement of the integumentary systems in the homeostasis of water balance and temperature
- Review of skin layers, and consequences for damage to each layer and implications with respect the extent of surface area involved
- Skeletal System
- Bone cell, tissues
- Types of bone and bone growth
- Anatomy of skeletal system
- Structure and types of joints
- Relationship of muscles to joints
- Types and causes of arthritis
- Muscular System
- Physiology of muscle action
- Anatomy of muscular system with respect to movement
- Biomechanics of movement
- Respiratory System
- Anatomy of respiratory system
- Relationship between respiratory system and blood gases
- Importance of breathing, with specific reference to brain cells
- Review of normal respirations/minute and reasons for deviance
- Causes and consequences of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Circulatory System
- Anatomy of circulatory system
- Relationship of circulatory system to the skin, the brain and digestive system
- Causes and consequences of lack of blood to cells
- Relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular health
- Review of normal pulse and blood pressure
- Review of diagnostic tests, including normal counts of white blood cells, red blood cells, blood pH, hematocrit and blood proteins
- Significance of blood tests and homeostasis of body
- Connection between body weight and reproductive hormones
- Relationship of endocrine system to appropriate food intake
- Significance of serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride)
- Causes and consequences of shock
- Immune System
- Nonspecific defences (membrane barriers, cellular and chemical defences)
- Specific immune defences – immunity
- Interactions with other systems – complement proteins
- Antigens/antibodies
- Humoral immune response/cell-mediated response
- Immunodeficiciencies/automimmune diseases
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will have
- Gained an understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology in a context that will be useful to them in their work.
- Learned how to integrate knowledge, including how to use inquiry, critical thinking and scientific reasoning to solve problems.
- Experienced the value of teamwork, of developing good interpersonal skills, and the importance of psycho-social issues in maintaining health and wellness.
More specifically, students will learn to
- Develop an appreciation for the interrelated nature of the physical, biological and behavioural mechanism that must be considered with each health problem during the process of generating a management plan.
- Reinforce and/or develop effective reasoning processes including the skills of problem solving, hypothesis generation, critical appraisal of available information, data analysis, and decision making.
- Effectively use a problem-solving process to formulate a plan to address any health-related problem independently or in a group, in a timely manner.
- Critically evaluate literature, research findings, laboratory data and other resources in relation to accuracy, relevance and utility.
- Develop creative strategies for addressing problems by considering alternative ways of viewing a problem or situation.
- Function effectively as an active participant within a small group.
- Share and explain information.
Means of Assessment
| Weekly Class Participation (see note) | 25% |
| Project | 25% |
| Minor Exam | 20% |
| Major Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Participation: As problem-based learning requires that each student be present to gain information and problem solving skills, participation is essential. At the end of each case, students will be assessed for their contribution to the problem solving process. Thus, when a class is missed, the participation opportunity is lost. Each class missed can result in the loss of a maximum of 2.5%, to a total of 25%. A minimum of 1.5% will be lost for each class missed, even if the absence is unavoidable.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
- Donald Woods, 1994. Problem-based Learning: How to Gain the Most from PBL. McMaster University.
- Marieb, Elaine, 2004. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 6th edition. Benjamin/Cummings Science Publishing. (Includes the Study Partner CD Rom)