Santa Monica College
Course Outline For
PHYSIOLOGY 3, Human Physiology
Course Title: Human Physiology
Total Instructional Hours (usually 18 per unit): 126
Hours per week (full semester equivalent) in
3.00
Lecture:
Date Submitted:
Date Updated:
Transferability:
IGETC Area:
Units: 4.00
In-Class Lab: 3.00
Arranged: 1.00
May 2011
March 2013
Transfers to UC
Transfers to CSU
 IGETC Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences (mark all
that apply)
o 5B: Biological Science
o 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
CSU GE Area:

CSU GE Area B: Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative
Reasoning (mark all that apply)
o B2 - Life Science
o B3 - Laboratory Sciences
SMC GE Area:

GENERAL EDUCATION PATTERN (SMC GE)
o Area I: Natural Science
Degree Applicability:
Prerequisite(s):
Pre/Corequisite(s):
Corequisite(s):
Skills Advisory(s):
I.
Credit - Degree Applicable
ANATMY 1
and CHEM 10
or Eligibility for Chemistry 11
None
None
ENGL 21B
Catalog Description
This rigorous course provides a basic understanding of physiological mechanisms with
a focus on the human body. Basic concepts of cellular physiology, including:
molecular control; mechanisms of gene expression; ligand-binding site interactions;
energy and cellular metabolism; membrane transport; membrane and action potentials;
and cellular communication, including signal transduction, will be integrated within the
concept of homeostasis involving the following body systems: nervous and sensory,
endocrine, muscle, circulatory, immune, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive.
II.
III.
The course content includes both general and clinical applications and is intended to
prepare students for advanced courses in Allied Health and Medical professions
including Nursing, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Physician?s Assistant,
Pharmacy, and Exercise Science/Kinesiology Training.
Examples of Appropriate Text or Other Required Reading: (include all publication
dates; for transferable courses at least one text should have been published within the
last five years)
1. Human Physiology, 11th, Fox , S.I., McGraw-Hill Publishing © 2008
2. Human Physiology, An Integrated Approach, 5th, Silverthorn, D.U. , Prentice
Hall Publishers © 2009
3. Principles of Human Physiology, 5th, Stanfield, C.L., Pearson Publishing ©
2013, ISBN: 9780321819345
4. SMC Faculty. Human Physiology Lab Manual 5th edition, Santa Monica
College, 01-01-1996
5. Fox, S.I.. Laboratory Guide to Human Physiology, 12th Edition, McGraw-Hill
Publishing, 01-01-2008
6. von der Ohe, C.G.. Physiology Lab Manual, Self, 02-10-2013
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the major concepts of the cell including structure, function, and
processes, including molecular interactions such as ligand-binding site
relationships.
2. Explain the major concepts of cell and membrane physiology including
membrane transport and cell communication.
3. Explain the functional interrelationships of tissues, organs and organ systems of
the human body within the framework of homeostasis.
4. Apply physiological concepts to issues of human health and common
pathologies.
5. Effectively use and apply lab techniques, methods and equipment related to the
fields of physiology.
6. Understand and apply principles of the scientific process to physiological
problems.
7. Conduct experiments and record and display data appropriately.
8. Analyze experimental data while demonstrating logical and critical thinking
skills.
9. Compose appropriate scientific reports.
10. Use basic computer technology in the field of physiology
IIIb.
Arranged Hours Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply the principles of physiology.
IV.
Methods of Presentation:
IVb.
V.
Lab , Lecture and Discussion , Observation and Demonstration , Projects , Other
(Specify) , Experiments , Group Work
Other Methods: The primary means of instruction are lecture presentation and
laboratory experiments (primarily clinical assessment and wet labs), that incorporate
audiovisual presentations, PowerPoint presentations, and computer-simulation
exercises in order to emphasize physiological concepts. There are approximately three
hours weekly lecture, based on reading assignments and class exercises, and three
hours weekly laboratory work. Students are required to spend one hour per week in
self-paced instruction in the Science Learning Resource Center or Science Computer
Lab.
Arranged Hours Instructional Activities:
Lab , Observation and Demonstration , Projects , Experiments , Group Work
Course Content
% of
course
Topic
3%
Introduction to Physiology and Homeostasis
6%
The Chemistry of the Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins,
and Nucleic Acids
3%
DNA Replication and Gene Expression
6%
Cell-cell communication, including ligand-binding site relationships and
signal transduction
8%
Enzymes and Cellular Metabolism
3%
Membrane Transport
3%
Membrane Potential
6%
Action and Graded Potentials
6%
Synapse and Neurotransmitters
7%
Sensory Receptors and Special Senses
3%
Autonomic Nervous System
3%
Endocrine System
7%
Muscle Physiology and the Control of Body Movement
3%
Specific and non-specific immunity
9%
Cardiovascular Physiology
6%
Respiratory System
3%
Renal System
3%
Acid-base balance
6%
Digestive System
3%
Regulation of Metabolism
3%
Reproduction
100%
Vb.
Total
Lab Content:
% of
course
Topic
Laboratory Exercises (*indicates labs that must be performed in class:
others may be performed as homework or computer simulations)
incorporated into the above mentioned topics.
5%
Laboratory safety.*
10%
Pipetting skills, including micropipetting, and serial dilutions*
5%
Measurements (including the Metric System) and Mathematical
Conversion Exercise
5%
Expressing the Concentrations of Substances in Solution Exercise
5%
Conceptually Constructing a DNA and RNA Molecule Exercise
10%
Introduction to the Scientific Method: data collection, interpretation
and analysis by writing a laboratory report and construction of graphs
and tables
5%
Enzyme Activity and Modulation*
5%
Use of the spectrophotometer and standard curve*
5%
Membrane Transport and Vesicular Transport
5%
Membrane Potential and Action Potentials
5%
Somatic Reflexes Experiment*
5%
Sensory Receptors Experiments*
5%
Hematology Experiments*
5%
Electrocardiogram Experiments*
5%
Blood Pressure Assessment*
5%
Spirometry and Pulse Oximetry Experiments*
5%
Urinalysis*
Additional exercises that may be included are:

DNA separation by gel electrophoresis

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Estimated basal metabolic rate

RFLP (DNA fingerprinting)

Mitochondrial PCR
5%
100%
VI.
Total
Methods of Evaluation: (Actual point distribution will vary from instructor to
instructor but approximate values are shown.)
Percentage Evaluation Method
50 %
Exams/Tests - 2 - 4 Lecture Exams
30 %
Lab Reports - 4 or more Lab Quizzes, Exercises, Lab Reports
20 %
Final exam - Cumulative Final Exam
100 %
Total
VII.
Sample Assignments:
1. Enzyme Lab Report
1. (before the lab) Read the introduction and procedures for the enzyme
lab. Write hypotheses for each of the experimental procedures.
2. (after the lab is completed) For each of the procedures, how did
expectations (based on the hypotheses) differ from actual results?
Refer specifically to the variables and the graphed data in your
answer.
3. LIST at least two possible sources for error in executing each
procedure, and explain specifically for EACH how that error could
affect the results.
2. Short Research Paper
1. Using Pubmed or other legitimate online resource, locate a research
article that addresses a particular physiological problem (e.g. Diabetes
Mellitus Type I), process (e.g. dopaminergic signal transduction).
1. Identify the hypothesis on which the research was based.
2. Write a summary of the article.
3. Suggest and justify a direction for further research in this area.
4. Provide the correct citation for the article
VIII.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Given a problem or set of conditions, write a hypothesis, and provide an
experimental design, and identify dependent and independent variables, and
control and experimental groups.
2. Identify the physiological mechanisms that each body system employs to
maintain homeostasis.
3. Demonstrate confidence in their understanding of biological concepts and the
scientific method to evaluate and critique current media or a scientific report.