Human Biology

Course Description

Human biology is the “science of you,” and as such covers a broad spectrum of topics, including different body systems (e.g., nervous, circulatory, skeletomuscular, etc.) and processes (e.g., the immune response, digestion, genetic variation, etc.). Our goal in this course is to enhance your knowledge of these basic systems and processes in a way that is relevant to your health and well-being.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Discuss biodiversity in terms of interaction between humans, cultures, and other organisms (including humans of differing age, medical conditions, etc.)
• Course content goals for Human Biology:
  
  • Structures and functions of living organisms
  • Levels of organization of living systems, from atom to organism
  • Strategies for survival and reproduction
  • Access, critically evaluate, and represent scientific information in various forms and draw appropriate conclusions
• Students will be able to evaluate and describe:
  
  • Patterns of evolution
  • Principles of genetics, including basis for variation
  • Interaction of organisms and their natural environment

Topics

• Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data used in the physical and life sciences.
• Apply scientific principles and communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline about the process and results of scientific discovery.
• Access, critically evaluate, and represent scientific information in various forms and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Use methods derived from current scientific inquiry to form evidence-based opinions about science-related matters of personal, public, and ethical concern.

Skills Needed

This course is designed for high school students interested in exploring human biology at the university level and earning university credit. Other motivated students are also welcome to enroll. UCSC undergraduate students may enroll with prior departmental approval. This course does not count toward UCSC major requirements.