Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
BIOL 100
Course Title:
Human Biology
Number of credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 24, 2004
2. Course Description:
3. Contact Hours/Type:
4. Prerequisites:
Surveys human anatomy and physiology. Introduces
students to the structure and function of cells, tissues,
organs, and systems of the human body. Includes
disease processes and recent scientific advances.
3 hours/lecture
English 22 with at least a C or placement at English
100, or consent.
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
APPROVED BY
5. General Course Objectives:
DATE
2
This course is designed to teach scientific concepts in the areas of basic human anatomy
and physiology, as well as disease processes and how they relate to physical well-being.
At the end of the course the student should be able to describe the detailed structure and
composition of the human body; explain the functions of the body parts and the interrelation of the
structure with function; discuss the levels of biological organization within the body; demonstrate an
intimate familiarity with the major organ systems; and describe the effects of medical advancements
in diagnosis and treatment on health and well-being.
6. Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
a. summarize the basic concepts of chemistry and organic chemistry and their importance in living
systems;
b. describe the structure and function of cellular organelles and the plasma membrane;
c. classify and list characteristics of tissue types, glands and membranes, with particular emphasis
on the skin;
d. explain digestion and absorption within the human body, naming all major tissues and organs
associated with the digestive system;
e. describe the structure and functions of the circulatory system and the blood;
f. explain the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, including the immune response;
g. outline the structure and operation of the respiratory system, as well as the regulatory
mechanisms of breathing;
h. list the structures that make up the urinary system and describe the functions of each;
i. outline the structure and function of cells and organs within the nervous system, including the
neuron, brain, and spinal cord, describe drug addiction and its effects;
j. describe the anatomy and physiology of skin receptors, chemoreceptors, the eye and ear;
k. list the bones and joints of the human skeleton and describe the differences between spongy
and compact bone;
l. explain muscle contraction at the microscopic level, as well as macroscopic muscle anatomy
and physiology;
m. illustrate how the endocrine system regulates body functions and maintains homeostasis;
n. outline the major components of the reproductive system and discuss the role of hormones in its
function;
o. describe the causal agents, symptoms, transmission, and treatment of major sexually
transmitted diseases;
p. evaluate all of the organ systems of the body as an integrative whole and analyze the connection
between diseased conditions and physiological aberrations;
q. apply the information gained to make informed decisions about ones own health;
r. analyze information present in the media, which will allow one to make more informed choices in
regards to ones personal well being;
s. develop ones interpersonal skills by producing a collaborative critical article analysis and/or
poster which involves collecting information from sources, interpreting the data, assimilating the
information, and critically assessing the value of that information.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes.
1 session:
Introduction to the course syllabus including a discussion of course
materials, assignments, projects/poster, service-learning, time management,
and study skills. Brief introduction to human biology and the scientific method
1 week:
The Chemistry of Life, basic inorganic and organic chemistry, biology
3
of macromolecules (a)
1 week:
Cell structure and function, metabolism, enzymes (b)
1-2 weeks:
Structure and functions of the tissues and the skin (c)
1-2 weeks:
Digestion and nutrition, disorders of the digestive system (d, p-r)
1 week:
Blood, the heart, the blood vessels, disorders of the CV system (e, p-r)
1 week:
Immune system, body defense mechanisms, immune disorders (f, p-r)
1 session:
Respiratory system and respiratory disorders (g, p-r)
1-2 sessions:
Urinary system and urinary tract disorders (h, p-r)
1-2 weeks:
Nervous system, neurological disorders, drug addiction (I, p-r)
1 week:
Senses and sensory disorders (j, p-r)
1 week:
Skeletal system (k, p-r)
1 week:
Muscular system and exercise physiology (l, p-r)
1 week:
Endocrine system and hormonal dysfunctions (m, p-r)
1 week:
Reproductive system and sexual health (n, p-r)
1 session:
Sexually transmitted diseases (o, p-r)
1 session:
Capstone project (a-s)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
Human Biology, by Michael D. Johnson, Second Edition, 2003
Human Biology Study Guide, by Judith Stewart, 2001
Materials:
Articles
Handouts
And other relevant materials
Other:
Videos
Internet sites
CD ROMs
Guest lectures
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
4
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being
offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to the following:
65-75%
Examinations and Quizzes
15-20%
Course capstone project
5-10%
Participation & In class group assignments
10. Methods of Instruction:
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
lectures;
group discussions, demonstrations;
Elmo projected visuals, overheads, videotapes, CD ROM;
Internet;
human skeleton and body models.