Human Physiology

Course Coordinator: Emily Wong, BCM (HKU), PhD (HKU)

Course Developer: Dr Tsang Siu Wai, consultant

When exploring the science of human life, BIOL S312 provides you with an understanding of the essential concepts of physiology and the regulatory mechanisms of the human body, from the basic vital units to the physical, mechanical and biochemical functions of various systems. Indeed, the dominant theme of human physiology is the integration of different organ systems by which our bodies maintain an internal equilibrium and a balanced state of health, known as homeostasis. Course content includes neural and hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, and the study of the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, nervous, endocrine, respiratory and integumentary systems. In addition to tutorials and surgeries, the course also includes practical laboratory sessions that allow you and your classmates to perform hands-on experiments in teams.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
You are advised to have completed fundamental Biology courses such as BIOL S205 and SCI S122 before studying this course.

Aims
The overall aims of this course are to introduce you to the nature of biological control systems of the human body, elucidate how specific organ systems work independently and interdependently in the human body, and develop your understanding of human physiology, health-related issues and appropriate interventions for diseases.

Contents
Topics to be covered in the course:

• Cells, homeostasis and the musculoskeletal system
• The digestive and urinary systems
• The cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune systems
• The nervous and endocrine systems
• The respiratory and integumentary systems

Learning support
There are regular tutorials, surgeries and practical laboratory sessions with your tutors throughout the course.

Assessment
Two assignments are designed to assess your progress in the course. All assignments count towards the overall continuous assignment score. There will be a three-hour final course examination at the end of the course. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Online support
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor and the Course Coordinator as well as other students. To Access the OLE, you will need to have access to the Internet. However, the use of the OLE is NOT compulsory for the study of this course.

Equipment
Students will need access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an Internet connection.

Set book(s)
Widmaier, E, Raff, H and Strang, K (2013) Vander's Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function, 13th edn, McGraw-Hill.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
Students with impaired vision may have particular difficulties but other students with disabilities or special educational needs should be able to cope with the essential parts of the course. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling in the course.