BI 121 Introduction to Human Biology 1

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Survey of the human body in the first term of a two-term sequence. Focuses on anatomical terminology, basic chemistry, cells, tissues, and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Includes lectures, labs, and dissections.

Prerequisite: Placement into, or completion of WR 115 (or higher); or consent of instructor. (Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Maximum number of credits course can be taken for: 4

Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply correct anatomical and physiological concepts the functioning of the body.
Use scientific equipment to gather and analyze data on human physiology.
Understand how the body systems integrate for human health.
Communicate concepts related to the human body through written, verbal, or other modes, including graphing and data presentation.
Evaluate behaviors’ effects on health related to human physiology and anatomy.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline

Major Themes of the Body
- Homeostasis
- Organization (hierarchy) of the body
Cell Structure and Function
- Cell structure and function
- Cell membranes structure
- Cell transport mechanisms, especially osmosis
Cell Chemistry
- pH scale and properties of water; hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties
- Major categories of organic molecules and their function(s) in the human body
- Basics of enzyme function
Tissues
- Epithelial
- Connective
- Muscle
- Nervous
- How tissues integrate to make organs
Integumentary System
- Principle structures and layers of human skin
- Functions of skin and skin’s role in homeostasis
- Skin repair mechanisms
- Explain common diseases & disorders of the skin such as burns.
Skeletal System
- Describe the processes of bone formation, replacement, and repair
- Explain the homeostasis of body calcium
- Risks and prevention for osteoporosis
Articulations
- Differentiate between the types of joints found in the body
- Identify the types of joint movements found in common joints
- Explain common joint injuries and the factors affecting them
Muscular System
- Muscle fiber structure
- Physiology of muscle contraction
- Basic muscle metabolism regarding ATP paths
- Motor units and whole muscle regulation
- Describe diseases/disorders associated with the muscular system
Nervous System
- Structure and function of cell types found in the nervous system
- Nerve conduction physiology
- Neurotransmitters and the synapse
- Components of the CNS and PNS
- Brain & spinal cord regional physiology
- Explain disorders of the nervous system including at the synapse level.
Endocrine System
- Main hormones and glands of the endocrine system.
- Hormone physiology–targets and actions.
- effect of hyper- and hypo-stimulation of major hormones
- Disorders of the endocrine system, especially diabetes.
Special Senses
- Sensors, pathways, and physiology of the special senses
- Differences between rods and cones, dynamic and static equilibrium
- Describe how blindness, deafness, or balance problems can arise
Lab
- Basic body regional terminology
- Histology
- Skin & related biology
- Bone & the skeletal system
- Joints
- Muscular System
- Neurons & the nervous system
- Brains
- The special senses