HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
COURSE OUTLINE – STAGE 1A 2014 YEAR 11
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Content Focus
Suggested learning activities and discussion points
Resources
Assessment
Week 1
Introduction to the Course
Introduce Course /Assessment outlines
Introduce Investigation/Case study concepts.
Explain protocols and discuss expectations.
Explain some important fields of study that contribute to an understanding of Human Biology.
Chapter 1
(Human Perspectives Book
1, 4th Ed)
An Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
 Define anatomy and physiology.
 Explain how anatomy and physiology are related.
Week 2-3
The Human Body: An Orientation
Levels of Structural Organization
 Name the levels of structural organization that make up the human body and explain
how they are related.
 Name the organ systems of the body and briefly state the major functions of each
system.
 Classify by organ system all organs discussed.
 Identify the organs shown on a diagram or a dissectible torso.
Maintaining Life
 List functions that humans must perform to maintain life.
 List the survival needs of the human body.
The Language of Anatomy
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Verbally describe or demonstrate the anatomical position.
Use proper anatomical terminology to describe body directions, surfaces, and body
planes.
Locate the major body cavities and list the chief organs in each cavity.
Essentials of Anatomy and
Physiology (Marieb)
Chapter 1
p. 1- 25
Orientation of the Human
Body
www.wisc-online.com
SW # 1:The language of
anatomy
Students are required to
bring bananas in class for
practical demonstration of
the body planes and to
label the different
anatomical parts.
Weeks 4, 5 and 6
The Nervous System:
The nervous system is the master controlling and communicating system of the body. Every thought, action, and emotion
reflects its activity. Its signaling device, or means of communicating with body cells, is electrical impulses, which are rapid and
specific and cause almost immediate responses.
Organization of the Nervous System
 List the general functions of the nervous system.
 Explain the structural and functional classifications of the nervous system.
 Define central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and list the major parts of
each.
Saigon International College/Human Biological Science/Human Biological Science/Stage 1A 2014
Content Focus
Suggested learning activities and discussion points
Nervous Tissue: Structure and Function
 State the function of neurons and neuroglia.
 Describe the general structure of a neuron, and name its important anatomical regions.
 Describe the composition of gray matter and white matter.
 List the two major functional properties of neurons.
 Classify neurons according to structure and function.
 List the types of general sensory receptors and describe their functions.
 Describe the events that lead to the generation of a nerve impulse and its conduction
from one neuron to another.
 Define reflex arc and list its elements.
The Central Nervous System
 Identify and indicate the functions of the major regions of the cerebral hemispheres,
diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum on a human brain model or diagram.
 Name the three meningeal layers and state their functions.
 Discuss the formation and function of cerebrospinal fluid and the blood-brain barrier.
 List two important functions of the spinal cord.
 Describe spinal cord structure.
Peripheral Nervous System
 Describe the general structure of a nerve.
 Identify the cranial nerves by number and by name, and list the major functions of each.
 Identify the site of origin and explain the function of the sympathetic and
parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
 Contrast the effect of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions on the following
organs: heart, lungs, digestive system, blood vessels.
Resources
Assessment
Essentials of Anatomy and
Physiology (Marieb)
Chapter 7
p. 227 - 274
INVESTIGATION 1:
Dissection of the Pig’s
Brain (10%)
Students to perform the
dissection of the pig’s brain
and to relate them to human
anatomy. At the end of the
investigation they are
expected to identify the parts
and their corresponding
functions.
Developmental Aspects of the Nervous System
 List several factors that may have harmful effects on brain development.
 Briefly describe the cause, signs, and consequences of the following congenital disorders:
spina bifida, anencephaly, cerebral palsy.
 Explain the decline in brain size and weight that occurs with age.
 Define senility and list some possible causes.
TEST 1: The Nervous System (4%)
A 60-minute test that covers topics from the basic parts and functions of the nervous system with greater emphasis on the role of the
central nervous system in the overall control of the body.
Weeks 7, 8 and 9
The Digestive System:
The digestive system takes in food (ingests it), breaks it down physically and chemically into nutrient molecules (digests it), and
absorbs the nutrients into the bloodstream. Then it rids the body of the indigestible remains (defecates).
INVESTIGATION 2:
Anatomy of the Digestive System
 Name the organs of the alimentary canal and accessory digestive organs and identify each
on an appropriate diagram or model.
 Identify the overall function of the digestive system as digestion and absorption of
foodstuffs, and describe the general activities of each digestive system organ.
 Describe the composition and function(s) of saliva.
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Name the deciduous and permanent teeth and describe the basic anatomy of a tooth.
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Explain how villi aid digestive processes in the small intestine
Saigon International College/Human Biological Science/Human Biological Science/Stage 1A 2014
Food, Nutrition and
Digestion (15%)
Students are given various tasks
to perform and demonstrate
sound knowledge, skills and
understanding on the
importance of having a healthy
eating diet and on how
digestion works on different
major nutrients.
Content Focus
Suggested learning activities and discussion points
Functions of the Digestive System
 Describe the mechanisms of swallowing, vomiting, and defecation.
 Describe how foodstuffs in the digestive tract are mixed and moved along the tract.
 Describe the function of local hormones in the digestive process.
 List the major enzymes or enzyme groups produced by the digestive organs or accessory
glands and name the foodstuffs on which they act.
 Name the end products of protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion.
 State the digestive function of bile.
Nutrition
 Define nutrient and kilocalorie.
 List the six major nutrient categories. Note important dietary sources and their main
cellular uses.
Metabolism
 Define enzyme, metabolism, anabolism, and catabolism.
 Describe the metabolic roles of the liver.
 Recognize the uses of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in cell metabolism.
 Explain the importance of energy balance in the body, and indicate consequences of
energy imbalance.
 List several factors that influence metabolic rate, and indicate each one's effect.
 Describe how body temperature is regulated.
Developmental Aspects of the Digestive System and Metabolism
 Name important congenital disorders of the digestive system and significant inborn
errors of metabolism.
 Describe the effect of aging on the digestive system.
Resources
Assessment
(Human Perspectives
Book 1, 45th Ed)
Chapter 5
p. 56 – 73
(Human Perspectives Book
1, 45th Ed)
Chapter 3
p. 37 – 45
RESPONSE 1: In-class
Extended-Response
Metabolism and Digestion
(8%)
Students are required to study
the importance and
effectiveness of enzymes in
metabolism and digestion of
food. At the end of the activity
they are expected to show
better understanding on how
enzyme-substrate complex
works.
(Human Perspectives Book
1, 45th Ed)
Chapter 4
p. 46 - 55
TEST 2: The Digestive System (4%)
A 60-minute test that covers topics from the basic parts and functions of the digestive system and its relation to food, diet and nutrition.
Week 10
Blood:
The blood is the "river of life" that surges within us. It transports everything that must be carried from one place to another
within the body-nutrients, wastes (headed for elimination from the body), and body heat-through blood vessels.
Composition and Functions of Blood
 Describe the composition and volume of whole blood.
 Describe the composition of plasma and discuss its importance in the body.
 List the cell types making up the formed elements, and describe the major functions of
each type.
 Define anemia, polycythemia, leukopenia, and leukocytosis, and list possible causes for
each condition.
 Explain the role of the hemocytoblast.
Hemostasis
 Describe the blood-clotting process.
 Name some factors that may inhibit or enhance the blood-clotting process.
Saigon International College/Human Biological Science/Human Biological Science/Stage 1A 2014
(Human Perspectives Book
1, 45th Ed)
Chapter 6
p. 88-108
Content Focus
Suggested learning activities and discussion points
Resources
Assessment
Weeks 11 , 12 and 13
The Cardiovascular System:
The major function of the cardiovascular system is transportation. Using blood as the transport vehicle, the system carries
oxygen, nutrients, cell wastes, hormones, and many other substances vital for body homeostasis to and from the cells. The force
to move the blood around the body is provided by the beating heart.
The Heart
 Describe the location of the heart in the body and identify its major anatomical areas on
an appropriate model or diagram.
 Trace the pathway of blood through the heart.
 Compare the pulmonary and systemic circuits.
 Explain the operation of the heart valves.
Human Perspectives Book
 Name the functional blood supply of the heart.
1, 45th Ed)
 Name the elements of the intrinsic conduction system of the heart and describe the
pathway of impulses through this system.
Chapter 6
p. 74-87
 Define systole, diastole, stroke volume, and cardiac cycle.
 Define heart sounds and murmur.
Chapter 9
 Describe the effect of each of the following on heart rate: stimulation by the vagus
p. 109-116
nerve, exercise, epinephrine, and various ions.
 Blood Vessels
 Compare and contrast the structure and function of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
 Identify the body's major arteries and veins, and name the body region supplied by each.
 Discuss the unique features of special circulations of the body: arterial circulation of the
brain, hepatic portal circulation, and fetal circulation.
 Define blood pressure and pulse and name several pulse points.
 List factors affecting and/or determining blood pressure.
 Define hypertension and atherosclerosis and describe possible health consequences of
these conditions.
 Describe the exchanges that occur across capillary walls.
 Developmental Aspects of the Cardiovascular System
 Describe briefly the development of the cardiovascular system.
 Name the fetal vascular modifications, or "fetal shunts," and describe their function
before birth.
 Explain how regular exercise and a diet low in fats and cholesterol may help maintain
cardiovascular health.
INVESTIGATION 3:
Dissection of the Pig’s
Heart (10%)
Students to perform the
dissection of the pig’s heart
that relates to human
anatomy. At the end of the
investigation they are
expected to properly identify
the parts and functions of the
heart including the chambers,
valves and blood vessels.
TEST 3: The Cardiovascular System and Blood (4%)
A 60-minute test that covers topics from the basic parts and functions of the cardiovascular system and the importance of the blood
component on maintaining homeostasis.
Weeks 14, 15 and 16
The Respiratory System:
The respiratory system organs oversee the gas exchanges that occur between the blood and the external environment.
The transportation of respiratory gases between the lungs and the tissue cells is accomplished by the cardiovascular system
organs, using blood as the transporting fluid.
Saigon International College/Human Biological Science/Human Biological Science/Stage 1A 2014
Content Focus
Suggested learning activities and discussion points
Functional Anatomy of the Respiratory System
 Name the organs forming the respiratory passageway from the nasal cavity to the alveoli
of the lungs (or identify them on a diagram or model) and describe the function of each.
 Describe several protective mechanisms of the respiratory system.
 Describe the structure and function of the lungs and the pleural coverings.
Respiratory Physiology
 Define cellular respiration, external respiration, internal respiration, pulmonary
ventilation, expiration, and inspiration.
 Explain how the respiratory muscles cause volume changes that lead to air flow into and
out of the lungs (breathing).
 Define the following respiratory volumes: tidal volume, vital capacity, expiratory reserve
volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and residual air.
 Name several nonrespiratory air movements and explain how they modify or differ from
normal respiratory air movements.
 Describe the process of gas exchanges in the lungs and tissues.
 Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood.
 Name the brain areas involved in control of respiration.
 Name several physical factors that influence respiratory rate.
 Explain the relative importance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in modifying the rate and
depth of breathing.
 Explain why it is not possible to stop breathing voluntarily.
Developmental Aspects of the Respiratory System
 Describe normal changes that occur in respiratory system functioning from infancy to old
age.
Resources
Assessment
(Human Perspectives Book
1, 45th Ed)
Chapter 10
p. 117-128
RESPONSE 2: Group
Practical and Analysis
Homeostasis: The body’s
response to vigorous
exercise (12%)
Students to carry out an
observation on how the body
responds to vigorous exercise.
At the end of the task they are
expected to have much
deeper understanding on the
importance of maintaining
constant body equilibrium.
(Human Perspectives Book
1, 45th Ed)
Chapter 11
p. 129-139
INVESTIGATION 4: Dissection of the Frog (10%)
Students to perform the dissection of the frog and to answer the questions individually they are however, expected to submit a group portfolio
of their learning experience. At the end of the investigation they are expected to identify the parts and relate them to human anatomy.
TEST 4: The Respiratory System (3%)
A 60-minute test that covers topics from the basic parts of the respiratory system and its role in distributing oxygen and removing carbon
dioxide during gas exchange.
RESPONSE 3: Seatwork (10%)
Students to apply their understanding and skills based on the different topics above. At the end of semester 1 all the corresponding marks are
added and treated as response 3.
Week 17
REVISIONS, PRACTICE TESTS AND COMPLETION OF REQUIREMENTS
Week 18
F I N A L E X A M I N A T I O N (10%)
F I L I N G and R A T I O N A L E
END OF FIRST SEMESTER
Saigon International College/Human Biological Science/Human Biological Science/Stage 1A 2014
Approaches to investigating and communicating human biology
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plan and conduct a safe investigation on a question of choice, developed from a given contextual problem
trial a range of techniques to collect data
analyse data using rates, percentages and frequencies
present information using appropriate symbols, graphs, terminology and conventions
consider experimental errors and the ramifications of results that support or disprove hypotheses
discuss different perspectives of a problem.
Weekly timetable:
Day
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Periods
5-6
5-6
5-6
Book References:
For lectures and classroom discussions:
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
Human Perspectives 1A/1B and 2A/B Book 1. 5th Ed. by Newton and Joyce
Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology 9th Ed. by Elaine Marieb
For possible activities and trial tests:
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
Human Biological Science Stage 1: Body Works Student Workbook by STAWA
Human Biology 1st Edition Study Guide by Peter Walster
For laboratory exercises:
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Human Biology Laboratory Manual Year 11 by STAWA
Special Considerations:
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Students are required to have an account in www.dropbox.com to easily access the course materials and programs.
Students are also required to complete all the supplemental activities provided in the workbook.
Private mentorship outside the class periods is highly recommended especially for those students who are having
difficulties understanding the subject matter.
Prepared by:
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Ms. Cyril C. Perello
Human Biological Science Teacher
Saigon International College/Human Biological Science/Human Biological Science/Stage 1A 2014