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Welcome to Honors Physiology 2015-2016!
Ms. Eva Becker
Room 609
Contact: elb8773@lausd.net
Conference period: Period 3- second semester only.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This physiology course is designed as an overview of the relationships between structure and
function of the systems in the human body. The course will trace the different levels of organization
of cells, tissues, organs, systems and ultimately the integrated organism, the human. The class
material will be organized into five major units- the body as a whole, movement and support,
coordination and control, circulation and body defense, and energy supply and use. The course level
approximates that of a first-year college general education Physiology course.
In order to encourage students to adapt a healthy lifestyle, emphasis throughout the course is placed
on the theme of wellness, which the text describes as “maximizing one’s potential for physical,
psychological and social well being”. Instruction will be based on the public health model of
prevention as a means to curtailing disease and disability.
The philosophy of this course is that students learn through experience. Therefore, students will
engage in various classroom activities throughout the school year that require their on-going
participation such as partaking in class discussions and activities, analyzing and interpreting readings
from selected medical research literature and conducting laboratory experiments. Second semester
will be dedicated to the anatomical dissection of the feline.
The course incorporates an inquiry-based learning style along with a supplemental lecture format.
PowerPoint instruction, diagrams, illustrations, and audio/visual aids are some of the modalities
utilized to accommodate all types of learners in the classroom. Guest speakers from various
disciplines of medicine and health are invited to the classroom to lecture in their area of expertise to
help encourage students to investigate the medical and allied health professions as potential career
choices.
The culminating activity for first semester is a career project which entails exploring and investigating
a career in the medical and/or allied health professions to be presented to the entire class. A full
educational plan will be designed by student participants who will conduct key expert interviews with
professionals in various fields of interest. Upon completion of the project, the physiology class will
embark on a field trip to Cedars Sinai where they will meet an array of health professionals from the
hospital working in their various fields.
Second semester, students will help organize a medical fair for the entire study body. It is an
opportunity for students to interact with their classmates and to showcase their knowledge of a
particular disease, disorder or health related dysfunction. Students will share their research and relay
their knowledge of multiple systems coming together to fight disease to create homeostasis in the
human body. Medical fairs usually take place every other year. On alternate years, students will
participate in Hami Health Awareness Week during which time they will have the opportunity to talk
and mentor younger students on various topics of health related issues. In addition, physiology
students will have extra-credit opportunities, such as mentoring their underclassmen to help direct the
BioZone 2K--, our biology competition on campus or our annual Occupy Science Debate.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the basic structures and functions of the major systems of the human body, including
tissues, organs, bones, muscles, and other prominent structures.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the different systems in the human
body.
3. Appreciate the biochemical underpinnings to physiological functioning.
4. Interpret scientific drawings and graphs.
5. Understand the concepts of wellness and prevention that can affect their lives by offsetting
disease and disability and by enhancing the future health of every individual.
6. Predict possible symptoms of disease using scientific models and problem-solving skills.
7. Understand medical terminology based on the combinations of prefixes, suffixes and roots.
8. Identify, use and understand lab equipment appropriate to lab experimentation.
9. Read and understand published research literature from professional journals and magazines
pertaining to selected topics studied in class.
10. Be motivated to learn more about the intricacies of the human body.
11. Have a basic understanding of the various fields in medicine and the allied health professions in
order to explore future career options at college study programs.
COURSE CURRICULUM
UNIT 1 – THE BODY AS A WHOLE
Organization of the Human Body
 Anatomy and Physiology defined
 Introduction to basic anatomical terminology
 Levels of structural organization
 Integral life processes of human beings
 Overview of the major systems; how they fit and work together
 Anatomical position & directional terms
 Anatomical planes, regions & quadrants
 Body cavities
 Homeostasis
 Wellness Focus: The concepts of Health, Wellness and a Healthy Life-Style
 Lab session: Homeostasis- Resting pulse rate, negative feedback control and normal
range; Medical History Interviews
Introductory Chemistry
 Review of basic chemistry: elements, atoms and molecules.
 Ionic and covalent bonds
 Inorganic compounds: H20, acids, bases and salts
 Organic compounds: CHO, lipid and protein make-up
 Chemical reactions: Synthesis, Decomposition, and Exchange
 Ionization and Dissociation
 pH scale and buffer systems
 Nucleic acids- DNA and RNA
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ATP production
Characteristics and mechanisms of enzymes
Wellness Focus: Balancing your Carbs, Lipids and Proteins- Maintaining healthy nutrition
Lab session: Food Lab-macromolecules/Enzyme activity- Liver Catalase Lab
Cells and their Functions
 Overview of cellular structure and anatomy
 Common features of cells
 Solutes and solvents
 Equilibrium, permeability and concentration gradient
 Movement of materials across a plasma membrane Passive transport: diffusion, osmosis, filtration, Brownian Movement
 Active transport: endocytosis, exocytosis, phagocytosis, pinocytosis
 Normal and abnormal cell division- understanding cancer cells
 Bacteria and Viruses as agents of infection and disease
 Wellness Focus: Cancer Prevention
 Lab session: Cellular structure under the microscope; an in-depth look at body cells and
bacteria causing diseases.
 Guest Speaker: Cedar Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute- Stem Cell
Advancements/Oncologist
Tissues, Glands and Membranes
 Epithelial tissue- simple, pseudostratified, and stratified
 Connective tissue- collagenous, elastic, reticular
 Muscle tissue- smooth, skeletal, cardiac
 Nervous tissue- neurons and neuralgia
 Wellness Focus: BMI- Body Mass Index
 Lab session: Introduction to Histology- Tissue Lab/BMI
The Integumentary System
 Structure and appendages of the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer
 Functions of the skin- protection, regulation, receipt of information
 Wellness Focus: Skin Care
 Guest Speaker: Dermatologist- Acne Control
 Research Project: Introduce- Careers in Medicine and Allied Health Profession Project.
Due Date: TBA
UNIT II – MOVEMENT AND SUPPORT
The Skeletal System
 Functions of the skeletal system
 Types of bones; parts of a long bone
 Ossification- bone formation
 Bone growth and maintenance
 Surface markings
 Divisions of the Skeletal System:
 Sutures
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 Bones of the skull- cranial and facial bones
 Vertebral column- normal and deviated curvatures
 Thorax- sternum and ribs
 Upper and lower extremities
 Pectoral and pelvic girdles
Fractures- understanding different types of
Wellness Focus: Osteoporosis Prevention; Back Injury Prevention
Guest speaker: Chiropractics- Back care and scoliosis screening
Articulations
 Significance of articulations
 Classification of joints- structural and functional
 Synarthrosis, Amphiarthrosis and Diarthrosis joints
 Special movements of joints
 Wellness Focus: Arthritis Prevention, Joint Pain and Injury
 Guest speaker: Orthopedic Surgeon- Treating common bone and articular injuries.
The Muscular System
 Review of types of muscle tissues- smooth, cardiac, skeletal
 Functions and characteristics of muscle tissue
 Classification of skeletal muscle groups by:
 Name, size, direction, location, shape and action
 Origin and insertions
 Agonists, antagonists, synergists and fixators
 Muscle contraction
 Isotonic vs. Isometric contraction
 Sliding-Filament Mechanism
 Action potential
 Clinical Case Studies: Muscular Disorders
 Wellness Focus: The positive effect of exercise and strength training
 Guest Speaker: REPS FROM LA FITNESS
 Lab Session: **Cat Dissection- Introduction & External Features/Muscular System
 Research Project: Introduce Spring Project- Medical Fair or Hami Health Awareness
Week (alternates each year). Due Date: TBA
UNIT III – COORDINATION AND CONTROL
The Nervous System
 Review of nerve cells and their function
 Nerve impulses- action potential revisited
 Overview of The Central Nervous System
 Structure and specialized functions
 The brain and its protecting agents- Brain Stem, Diencephalon,
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, cranium, meninges, cerebral spinal fluid
 Spinal cord
 Overview of The Somatic Nervous System
 Cranial and spinal nerves
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Neurotransmitters
The Autonomic Nervous System- sympathetic/parasympathetic
Understanding common neurological diseases and conditions, such as, spinal cord injury,
Neuropathy, Poliomyelitis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis,
Epilepsy, Dyslexia, Tay-Sachs Disease, headaches and Alzheimer’s Disease
Wellness Focus: The Impact of Drugs on the Brain
Lab Session: Brain Dissection; Cranial Nerve Tests
Guest Speaker: Brain Research Institute; UCLA- Dr. Watson. Understanding the latest
advances in brain research and the prevention of brain disorders.
Guest Speaker: Beit Teshuva- The Effect of Drugs on the Brain
Research Project: Literature Review on Neuroscience- Brain Symposium
Sensations
 Characteristics of sensation
 General senses- pressure, temperature, touch, pain, position
 Vision- structure of the eyeball; physiology of vision
 Hearing- The external, middle and internal ear; physiology of hearing
 Balance- Structure and stimulation of its receptors
 Taste, smell- Structure and stimulation of its receptors
 Common disorders: cataract, Glaucoma, Conjunctivitis, deafness, vertigo, otitis media,
motion sickness
 Wellness Focus: Vision and auditory screening
 Lab Session: Cow Eye dissection; sensations
The Endocrine System
 Comparison of The Nervous and Endocrine Systems
 Overview of hormonal actions and effects
 Negative Feedback System- Homeostasis revisited
 Major glands of the body- Structure and Function: Pituitary gland, thyroid gland,
parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal gland, thymus gland
 Wellness Focus: Diabetes Prevention
 Guest Speaker: Endocrinologist
UNIT IV – CIRCULATION AND BODY DEFENSE
The Cardiovascular System: Blood
 Function of blood in circulation
 Coagulation- blood clotting
 Components of whole blood- plasma, formed elements
(RBCs, WBCs and platelets)
 Blood typing, ABO Series, Rh System (Demonstration)
 Common blood disorders- Hemophilia, Mononucleosis, Leukemia
 Implications of a heart transplant
 Wellness Focus: Anemia
 Class Trip: Cedars Sinai Medical/Allied Health Career Conference- Meet panel of experts
and tour of hospital, including visit to blood bank and Hematology lab.
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The Cardiovascular System: The Heart
 Major components and functions of The Circulatory System
 Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation
 Circulation of blood through the heart- 4 chambers, 4 valves
 Systole/diastole
 Depolarization of cardiac muscle- SA node/pacemaker
 Starling’s Law- stroke volume
 Reading EKGs
 Wellness Focus: Heart disease and prevention
 Lab Session: Heart Dissection. Exploration of the heart using biological models:
Comparative analysis of cat, sheep and human heart.
 Guest Speaker: Cardiologist
The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels
 Arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, capillaries, defined
 Circulatory routes
 Systemic, pulmonary, cerebral, hepatic portal, fetal
 Sequence of vessels through the body
 Venous return
 Major vessels in circulation- cerebral, upper extremity, stomach, liver, hip/pelvic and lower
extremity vessels
 Blood pressure
 Hormones that effect blood pressure
 Wellness Focus: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
 Lab Session: Blood Pressure & Heart Rate Lab- learn how to use a sphygmomanometer
and stethoscope; **Cat Dissection- Vascular System
The Lymphatic System and Immunity
 Immunity- specific, nonspecific
 Overview of lymphatic vessels and nodes
 Functions of lymphoid tissue:
 Filtration of lymph and blood
 Processing of lymphocytes
 Lymphoid organs- tonsils, thymus, spleen
 Classification of WBCs- granulocytes, agranulocytes
 Fixed vs. Adaptive Defense Systems
 Lymphocytes- T cells, B cells
 The immune response; review of antibodies and antigens
 Common disorders: Autoimmune diseases, allergies, Hodgkin’s Disease
 Wellness Focus: Auto-Immune Diseases
 Lab Session: Communicable Dx Transmission- “AIDS LAB”
 Movie: Outbreak/I am Legend
UNIT V – ENERGY SUPPLY AND USE
The Respiratory System
 Significance of The Respiratory System
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Functions of The Respiratory System
Major organs involved in respiration- nose, pharynx, larynx,
trachea, bronchi, lungs
Inspiration/Expiration- air passage
Anatomy of the Lung
Pulmonary Air Volumes and Pulmonary Capacities
Inflation reflex
Respiratory problems and common disorders: Lung Cancer, Asthma, Bronchitis,
Emphysema, Pneumonia, TB, SIDS, sleep apnea, Influenza
Wellness Focus: Preventing Colds and Flu
Lab Session: Lung Capacity; **Cat Dissection of Respiratory System
The Digestive System
 Digestion defined
 Digestive processes
 Major digestive organs- (GI tract) mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, SI, LI
 Accessory organs- liver, gallbladder, pancreas
 Bile, bile ducts
 Anatomy of the Liver
 Common disorders: ulcers, Appendicitis, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, gallstones
 Wellness Focus: “You are what you eat!”
 Movie: Genetic Roulette, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead; Food.Inc.; Digestion Autopsy
 Guest Speaker: Gastroenterologist
 Lab Session: **Digestive System Cat Dissection
Metabolism
 Breakdown of CHO, lipids, proteins
 Metabolism and body heat
 Common disorders: obesity, starvation, PKU, Cystic Fibrosis
 Wellness Focus: Nutrition & Obesity
 Guest Speaker: Registered Dietician. What is normal weight? What foods should we be
eliminating from our diets? What foods should we be supplementing?
 Lab Session: Food Budget Lab
The Urinary System
 Anatomy and physiology of the kidney
 UT- kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra
 Functions of The Urinary System:
 Urine formation
 glomerular filtration
 reabsorption and secretion
 Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Balance
 Properties of water
 Electrolytes- concentration, distribution, function and regulation
 Buffer systems
 Wellness Focus: Balancing your fluid intake and electrolytes
 Guest Speaker: Alkaline Water Presentation- the benefits of drinking ionized water
 Lab Session: **Cat Dissection- Urinary System & Kidneys
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The Reproductive System
 Anatomy of Male Reproductive System- testes, duct system, accessory glands and semen,
external genitalia, spermatogenesis, testosterone production
 Anatomy of Female Reproductive System- ovaries, duct system, external genitalia
 Female Reproductive Functions and Cycles- Oogenesis & the Ovarian Cycle, Menstrual Cycle,
Hormone Ovaries
 Mammary Glands
 Pregnancy and Embryonic Development; Childbirth
 Movie: Inside the Living Body; Reproductive System Autopsy
 Lab Session: **Cat Dissection of Male and Female Urogenital System
 Guest Speaker: OBGYN
**Guest Speakers, activities and labs are subject to change and may vary depending upon availability, school
schedule, budget and course pacing plan.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TEACHER EXPECTATIONS
Students who are successful in class…
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Show up on time, ready to learn!
Have a positive attitude!
Bring supplies and materials to each class!
Have integrity- they never cheat copy and/or plagiarize!
Are respectful to others!
Take notes during lecture!
Ask questions!
Participate-5% of grade!
Hand in assignments on time!
Follow lab safety rules!
Keep their space clean!
Refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum (water is permissible)!
Have a dose of good humor- it helps!
GRADING- Your grade in this class is based on the following:
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Participation- 5%.
Keeping a scientific and well-organized journal- Journals include lecture notes, lab data,
lab reports, warm-ups & wrap-ups, reflections and class activities. Journals will be collected or
spot checked at least once per grading period. You may set up a digital journal on your laptops with tabs under ONE NOTE. Make sure that you have all the categories listed below.
Tests & Quizzes- pop-quizzes may be given with no prior notice based only on the prior
lesson.
Research project (one per semester). Project topics and due dates TBA.
Article Reviews- (one per semester). Students will conduct research on selective topics
pertaining to the course material being taught. Students will present their findings verbally
during class discussion and in written format. A schedule of due dates TBA.
Homework- on a regular basis; not to exceed twice a week.
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Categories
% of grades:
Participation
Journal Notes/Reflections
Article Reviews
Homework
Labs/Lab Reports
Research Projects
Class Assignments
Quizzes/Tests
5%
5%
10%
10%
15%
15%
20%
20%
Breakdown:
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
65 - 69
0 - 64
Work Habits and Cooperation Marks:
A
B
C
D
F
E
S
U
Excellent
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory/Needs Improvement
TESTS, QUIZZES AND HOMEWORK
Tests and quizzes are based on homework, lecture notes and on class assignments. Please plan to
be here on scheduled testing days. If an exam will be missed, the student must let the teacher
know in advance or within 24 hours. Students must be excused in order to make-up up a test or
quiz and special arrangements with the instructor must be made to do so. If a student misses the
exam and no alternative arrangements were made on her/his part, a grade of zero will result. Email
the teacher at elb8773@lausd.net or leave a note in her box in the front office. Make-ups will take
place on LATE MONDAYS. Prior arrangements must be made with the teacher so that you can be
accommodated.
QUIZZES are more frequent than tests and based on the prior week’s lesson. Tests are based upon
whole chapters or units. Pop-quizzes may be given at any time and are based on material covered
in the prior class. Therefore, it is imperative that you look over your notes nightly to reinforce the
material taught in class.
Per semester, one lowest quiz or test score shall be dropped from each student’s final score
by the instructor.
HOMEWORK is due on the assigned day. Unexcused, late homework will result in a 50%
reduction. Late homework will be accepted up to one week (7 days), at which time, the grade for
that assignment is locked and can no longer be inputted. Homework is due on the ‘day back’ from
an excused absence. Students are responsible for the material presented in any class missed.
Please acquire a buddy to help you when you are absent. Check School Loop regularly for updates.
** Students with extenuating circumstances who cannot keep up with the prescribed course work, for
any given reason, need to contact and communicate their situation to the teacher.
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DISCIPLINE
Behavioral issues will be dealt with in accordance to school policy.
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First offense
Second offense
Third offense
Additional offense(s)
verbal warning
teacher consultation; phone call home
in-house detention at lunch and/or after school
counselor, dean referral and/or administrative involvement
ABSENCES/TARDINESS
All absences and tardies must be cleared by the attendance office and posted under MISIS as
EXCUSED by the end of the grading period. Excessive tardiness and/or absences will be dealt
with in accordance to school policy.
BONUSES AND INCENTIVES
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When a student receives 100% on 3 consecutive quizzes, they may opt to skip their next quiz.
At the end of the semester, the lowest quiz or test score is dropped from each student’s score.
When all class work is done for the week and everyone is in tip-top shape, FUN FRIDAY occurs!
** FF is upon teacher discretion**
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY will not be tolerated and will result in an assigned zero on any and all
student work proven to be implicated. If a zero was assigned for academic dishonesty on a quiz, that
grade cannot be dropped as a low score. Parents will be notified and the offense will be written up in
the student’s file. If the problem occurs on more than one occasion, administrative authorities will be
called in to mediate and consequences will be activated as per school policy.
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BINDING STUDENT CONTRACT 2015-2016
Please sign below underscoring that you have read the syllabus and understand what is
expected of you. By signing below, I understand that the commitment for this class is two
semesters.
In addition, please have your parent/guardian sign below and return promptly. Thank you in
advance for your cooperation.
Ms. Eva Becker
Honors Physiology Instructor, Hamilton High School
Student Name (Please Print):
_________________________
Student Signature:
_________________________
Date: ____________________
Parent Name (please print):
Parent/Guardian Signature:
_________________________
_________________________
Date: ____________________
*Audio-Video/Media Release Form*
By signing below, I allow my son/daughter to participate in and watch educational films that
relate to the prescribed science course content material. I understand that some of these
films may be rated-R for adult and/or serious content.
I also give permission for my son/daughter to appear in media such as pictures and/or video
clips that may be posted on our class website and/or the Internet that highlight the various
science activities conducted in the classroom for the sole purpose of directly enhancing our
students’ positive learning experiences.
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian: ___________________________
Date: ___________________
*Students Please Note: Students with extenuating circumstances that cannot keep up with the
prescribed coursework (for any given reason), need to contact and communicate their situation to the
teacher. If you have a unique problem that you feel may impair your full demonstration on any of the
exams and/or assignments please see the teacher in order to work out alternative methods for
testing/grading.
Looking forward to a productive year with all of you! 