This course introduces the fundamental principles of human physiology in health and disease, and provides insight into emerging and established therapies used to treat a range of disease processes. Designed for individuals who lack formal medical training, the course introduces the hierarchical organization of the body, from cells to coordinated organ systems, and continues with a discussion of the key integrative/homeostatic control mechanisms. With these topics as a foundation, the instructor progresses through the functions of major systems, including renal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, digestive, endocrine and reproductive.

This course benefits clinical research, biopharmaceutical, and engineering professionals who need a basic understanding of the physiological processes and therapeutic approaches that underlie the biomedical projects or clinical trials on which they work.

Skills Needed

• To be successful in this class all students should have working knowledge of Google’s G Suite or Microsoft Office, proper email etiquette, and essential understanding of Canvas.
• High school or preferably college-level chemistry and biology.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Understand the organization of the human body
• Discuss the physiological processes
• Describe integrative/control mechanisms of the body (functional homeostasis)
• Discuss what goes wrong in selected disease states (loss of homeostatic control)
• Understand current therapeutic approaches/modalities for selected diseases

Topics Include

• Basic Chemistry
• Cells and Tissues
• The Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory System
• Urinary System
• Digestive System
• Endocrine System
• Nervous System
• Lymphatic System and Immune System

Notes