BIOL 1593 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Course Description

This is the first of two survey courses examining the anatomy and physiology of human body systems, with an emphasis on the relationship between the body’s structures and their functions. These courses primarily focus on physiology, while corresponding laboratory courses emphasize anatomy. Topics cover increasing levels of complexity, beginning at atoms and molecules, then moving up to cells and tissues, and then organs and organ systems. Students examine: the integumentary system; the skeletal system and joints; skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles; and finally, the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although some clinical examples will be discussed, the focus of this course will be on the healthy functioning of the body, and the maintenance of homeostatic balance. Students who wish to train for a career in health-related professions are invited to take this course.

BIOL 1595, the laboratory component of BIOL 1593, is usually offered once per year in the summertime in Kamloops BC.

Note: Please note that credit for this course does not usually count toward the requirements of the Bachelor of Health Science degree. If students need to take this course, please consult advisor before registering.

Learning outcomes

• Develop a vocabulary of appropriate terminology to effectively communicate information related to anatomy and physiology.
• Explain the principle of homeostasis and the use of feedback loops that control physiological systems in the human body.
• Describe the organization of the human body at different levels of structural hierarchy: body tissues, their component cells and organelles, and the chemical environments and molecules contained within these cells.
• Describe the structure and function of each of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscle, and nervous.
• Connect knowledge of anatomy and physiology to real-world situations.

Course topics

• Unit 1: Atoms and Molecules
• Unit 2: The Chemistry of Water
• Unit 3: Biochemistry
• Unit 4: Cell Structure and Function
• Unit 5: Membrane Structure and Function
• Unit 6: Tissue Structure and Functions
• Unit 7: Body Structures
• Unit 8: Homeostasis
• Unit 9: The Integumentary System
• Unit 10: The Skeletal System
• Unit 11: Joints
• Unit 12: Biomechanics
• Unit 13: Muscle Anatomy
• Unit 14: Muscle Physiology
• Unit 15: The Nervous System
• Unit 16: The Peripheral Nervous System
• Unit 17: Neuronal Signalling 

Required text and materials

The following Open Education Resources (OER) textbook is required for this course and is available for download free of charge:

• David K. (2024). TRU Human Anatomy and Physiology I. Thompson Rivers University. CC BY 4.0
  https://human-anatomy-i.pressbooks.tru.ca/

Assessments

Prerequisites

Exclusions

• BIOL 1592
• BIOL 3540