Biology 336:
Principles of Human Physiology

Summer 2007
  M,T,W,Th 10-11:45 AM
 

Instructor:Michael J. Buono, Ph.D.
Office: ENS-314
Office Hours: 9-10 am on Monday or by appt.
Office Phone: 594-6823
Message in BIO Dept.: 594-6767
email: mbuono@mail.sdsu.edu

Announcements
 Course
Objectives
Course Grades
Class Materials

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Physiology is the branch of biological science that attempts to explain the phenomena displayed by living things (e.g. animals, plants). This course deals specifically with human physiology, with its main purpose to increase your knowledge and understanding of how the human body works. The course is organized to progress from the cellular level, to integrated system functioning (e.g., cardiovascular, pulmonary, etc.) to the total body. Numerous examples of related pathophysiology are presented to allow you to compare and contrast "diseased" vs. normal physiological functioning, thus reinforcing conceptual understanding of the material. Hopefully, upon successful completion of this course you will come to appreciate yourself as a "wonderfully made being."
 
 

Tentative Class Schedule

Date
Topic
Book Chapters
May 24
 Introduction - Membrane Potential
 6
       29
 Action Potential - Conduction
 7
       30
Synaptic Transmission
 7, 8
      31
 Neuromuscular Junction
 7, 12

Jun 4
 Muscle I
 12
     5
 Muscle II
 12

6
 Muscle III
 12

and 6

 Review
 

7
Test #1 (30% of Semester Grade)
  

11
 Cardiovascular I: Structure & Function
13,14
12
 Cardiovascular II: Electrophysiology 
 13, 14

13
 Cardiovascular III: Hemodynamics
 13, 14
and 13
 Cardiovascular IV: Control
 13, 14
14
 Physiology of Body Fluids
 13, 14
18
 Respiratory I: Structure & Mechanics
16
19
  Respiratory II: Gas Exchange
16
20
Respiratory III: Gas Transport
16
and 20
Respiratory IV: Control
16
and 20
 Review
  
21
 Test #2 (30% of Semester Grade)
 
25
 Renal I: Structure & Function
 17
26
 Renal II: Countercurrent Mechanism
 17
and 26
 Renal III: Hormonal Control
 17
27
 Endocrinology I-Pancreas
 11
28
 Endocrinology II-Male Reproduction
 11
July 2
 Endocrinology III-Female Reproduction
 11
3
 Cont.
 11

 
 

 
  
 

Final Exam: July 5  10:00 am (30% of Grade)

GRADING POLICY: Your grade is based on the 3 exams, each of which counts as 30% and on a written, thematic paper which counts for 10% of your grade. Extra credit assignments are not accepted in this class.  Each test consists of 40 multiple choice questions and one long (one to two page), conceptual essay question. If you miss a test without prior consent of your instructor you will receive a 0% for that test. The topic for the written, thematic paper (500 - 1,000 words) is self-chosen, and should involve the application of the physiological knowledge gained in BIO 336 to a pertinent current event. Specific examples of potential topics will be discussed in class. The thematic paper is due on July 5. Class grades are assigned as follows: 90 - 100% = A, 80 - 89% = B, 70 - 79% = C, 60 - 69% = D, <60% = F.  + and - grades will be assigned to the upper and lower 2% of each 10% range, respectively.  Exams can be reviewed during my office hours, however they will not be returned to you to keep. 

BOOK: Human Physiology, Dee Silverthorn, BC Publishing. There is a copy in the reserve room of the library for 2-hour check out.  Also, past lectures have been recorded and can be checked out of the Media Center in Love Library.

CRASH POLICY: Add codes will be given out on May 24th and 29th.  The order is determined by the number of college units completed.  Open University students are only added, if space still exists, after all SDSU students have be added. The room holds a maximum of 78 students.