This Course Guide has been taken from the most recent presentation of the course. It would be useful for reference purposes but please note that there may be updates for the following presentation.
BIOL S312
Human Physiology
BIOL S312 Human Physiology is a one-semester, 5-credit higher-level course offered for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Science (Biology and Chemistry). Recommended prerequisites are fundamental Biology courses such as BIOL S205 The Core of Life and SCI S122 A Foundation Course in Biology and Earth Science.
When exploring the science of human life, BIOL S312 provides you with an understanding of the essential concepts of physiology and regulatory mechanisms of the human body, from the basic vital units to the physical, mechanical and biochemical functions of various systems. Indeed, the dominant theme of human physiology is the integration of different organ systems by which our bodies maintain an internal equilibrium and a balanced state of health, known as homeostasis. Course content includes neural and hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, and the study of the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, nervous, endocrine, respiratory and integumentary systems. In addition to tutorials and surgeries, the course also includes practical laboratory sessions that allow you and your classmates to perform hands-on experiments in teams.
More specifically, you will be exposed to the physiological integration of organ systems and the regulatory mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis of our body processes. This course focuses on an in-depth analysis of the human body’s internal environment including the properties of major specialized cell types and functions of organs of the body. You will be provided with a holistic view of how the different types of cells, tissues and organs are integrated. To underscore the importance of major organ systems, we will discuss how these systems function individually and synergistically in response to diseases, physical trauma, or changing environments. Through BIOL S312, you will achieve a working knowledge of physiology at various levels of organization, from the cellular to the systemic level. Further, you will be exposed to topics in relation to health and diseases, as well as the appropriate interventions and the advanced therapeutic approaches.
As physiology explains the behaviour of the whole organism, it underpins the biological advances in the detection, prevention and treatment of diseases; hence it forms the basis of modern clinical medicine. After completing the course, you should have anchored your biological knowledge in integrated body systems, mechanisms of life and, to a lesser extent, the outline of related diseases and treatment strategies.
This Course Guide gives you an overview of BIOL S312 and helps you to work through the materials. In this guide, you will find out about the resources of information and support provided by the HKMU to facilitate your learning, as well as the assessment procedures used to evaluate your performance. Please read through and refer to this Course Guide when needed.
Course aims
BIOL S312 Human Physiology aims to:
Course learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:
BIOL S312 Human Physiology is delivered through five study units. You can access the course materials in PDF format in the HKMU's Online Learning Environment (OLE). To enhance your learning, we recommend that you also read the suggested references and other online materials listed in this section.
Course overview
The following table gives you a general overview of the course structure and suggests the amount of time you should need for completing the study units. The information given is intended as a guide only; you can adjust the schedule to fit your personal needs as long as you adhere to the submission dates for the assignments.
| Description | Study time (weeks) | Assessment | |
| Unit 1 | Cells, homeostasis and the musculoskeletal system | 3 weeks |
|
| Unit 2 | The digestive and urinary systems | 3 weeks |
|
| Unit 3 | The cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune systems | 3 weeks | Assignment 1 |
| Unit 4 | The nervous and endocrine systems | 3 weeks |
|
| Unit 5 | The respiratory and integumentary systems | 3 weeks | Assignment 2 |
| Revision (All units) | 1 week |
| |
| Total | 16 weeks |
|
Assignments: There are two assignments in this course and each assignment weighs 25 % of the final grading. Assignment 1 covers the learning materials of Units 1 to 3, and Assignment 2 covers Units 4 and 5 and comprises experimental data obtained from one of the laboratory sessions.
Laboratory sessions: There are two laboratory sessions in this course.
Course materials
The course materials for BIOL S312 include this Course Guide, an Assignment File, a Presentation Schedule and five study units. You are also required to purchase a set textbook for the course.
Assignment File
The Assignment File provides you with guidelines for working on your assignments.
Presentation Schedule
The Presentation Schedule gives you information about the dates for completing assignments, and attending tutorials, surgeries and laboratory sessions.
Study units
Unit 1 Cells, homeostasis and the musculoskeletal system
Unit 1 begins with the basic vital units of human beings that exhibit the fundamental activities common to all forms of life. Within the basic vital units, known as the cells, we find atoms such as oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen as well as biomolecules including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids in the largest quantities in our body. These materials are packaged in various ways into different compartments of our cells. Specialized cells associate with similar cells to form tissues, while different kinds of tissues combine in various proportions and patterns to form organs for the performance of particular functions. When organs are linked together, organ systems are formed for normal physiological processes of the human body. Activities of organ systems are regulated to maintain the internal environment of the human body at a relatively constant state, i.e. homeostasis, which can be achieved by the operation of compensatory homeostatic control systems. In addition to dealing with the homeostasis of the internal environments, movements are produced in order to interact with the external environments. In humans, the ability to communicate or respond depends on muscle contractions. Differences in the types of muscles and their molecular mechanisms of contraction are extensively studied.
Unit 2 The digestive and urinary systems
This unit describes the science addressing the functions of the internal organs of the digestive system of the human body. Principally, the gastrointestinal tract consists of four anatomical divisions: the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, and is where digestion and absorption of food take place. The accessory organs are also an essential part of the digestive system. These are a number of structures located outside the GI tract that secrete various fluids or enzymes into the lumen to facilitate the digestive and absorptive processes. In this unit, we focus on the control mechanisms of the digestive system that regulate conditions in the lumen of the tract. Interestingly, these mechanisms are governed by the volume and composition of the luminal contents, rather than the nutritional state of the body.
Complementary to the digestive system, the kidney is a key organ in the maintenance of homeostasis in our body. Filtration, reabsorption, secretion and excretion are the four main renal processes by which the kidney regulates water and electrolyte levels as well as acid-base balance. The kidney also undergoes gluconeogenesis for energy supply during prolonged fasting. In this unit, the regulation processes and pathophysiology of the urinary system are studied in some detail.
Unit 3 The cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune systems
The functions and related anatomy of the cardiovascular system are studied in this unit. The cardiovascular system basically consists of two circuits: the pulmonary circulation and the systemic circulation. The pulmonary circulation carries blood through the lungs for picking up oxygen whereas the systemic circulation delivers freshly oxygenated blood through the rest of the human body. Cardiac electrophysiology is an indispensible part of this unit. As a continuous study of homeostasis, the regulation of arterial blood pressure as well as the nervous and hormonal control of cardiac functions are explored. Details of our hematic system, particularly in terms of blood components and blood clotting mechanism, will be covered. In addition, this unit describes how the defence systems of our body fight against foreign living and non-living substances. The human lymphatic system consisting of the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph and lymph nodes protects our body against infections. B and T lymphocytes are the primary cellular components of lymph that are responsible for most of the immune responses. We then discuss and contrast the manifestations of our defence systems involved in innate immunity (nonspecific immune defences) and acquired immunity (specific immune defences). Apart from the protective effects, immune responses may also be harmful to our bodies, for instance in graft rejection and allergies.
Unit 4 The nervous and endocrine systems
Neural control mechanisms are important in synchronizing the functions of trillions of cells of the human body for behaviour. In general, the nervous system can be divided into two main divisions: central and peripheral. The peripheral nervous system can be further subdivided into the somatic and autonomic branches based primarily on anatomical criteria. The autonomic division is controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In this unit, we are concerned with the structure and functional classes of neurons and neurotransmitters, nerve impulses, action potentials, axonal conduction, synaptic transmission as well as the mechanisms of sensory systems. In addition, this unit explains in depth the physiology of specific hormones. The endocrine system comprises endocrine glands, for instance, the adrenal gland, the pituitary gland, the pancreas, the liver and the gonads that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to influence target cells in order to provide the human body, a highly complex structure, with effective approaches for coordinating the functions of diverse organs. There are three typical classes of hormones: amines, peptides and steroids. The mechanisms of hormone actions and inputs controlling hormone secretion as well as the diversifying functions of hormones will be comprehensively studied in this unit. The different hormonal controls of reproductive functions in the male and female reproductive systems will also be one of our foci. Lastly, common endocrine disorders will be discussed.
Unit 5 The respiratory and integumentary systems
The lungs, suspended within a closed chamber of the chest, consist of more than 300 million alveoli, which are the sites of gas exchange with the blood. It is amazing that the surface area of human lungs for gas exchange is approximately the size of a tennis court. The mechanics of the lungs, including ventilation and respiration, will be comprehensively described in the first half of this unit, as well as the non-respiratory functions of the lungs as the first line of defence against inhaled particles and as a reservoir of blood. The second half of the unit is reserved for the integumentary system, also known as the skin, which is the largest, visible organ of our body. The major functions and regulatory mechanisms of our integumentary system will be studied, such as protecting our body from radiation and exposure to microbes, and assisting our body to maintain a constant temperature. Common skin disorders including acne, athlete's foot, dermatitis and melanoma will be discussed.
To achieve the desired learning outcomes for each of these units, you are encouraged to do the following:
Set textbook
You are required to purchase the following set textbook:
Widmaier, E, Raff, H and Strang, K (2019) Vander's Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function, 15th edn, McGraw-Hill.
Online and multimedia materials
BIOL S312 is supported by the HKMU's Online Learning Environment (OLE). Reference articles and the latest course materials will be uploaded to the OLE for easy access. A discussion board for communication among students, tutors and the Course Coordinator is available.
Equipment requirements
You need to have a computer and Internet access. The following equipment is suggested for the course:
Hardware
Minimum configuration:
Software
References
You may refer to the following reference materials to expand your knowledge in the topic areas covered in the course.
Books and book chapters
Cooper, G M (2000) 'Structure of the plasma membrane and expression of genetic information' in The Cell: A Molecular Approach, 2nd edn, Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9898/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9842/.
Gilbert, S F (2000) 'Cell surface receptors and their signal transduction pathways' in Developmental Biology, 6th edn, Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10043/
Holz, R W and Fisher, S K (1999) 'Synaptic transmission' in Siegel, G J, Agranoff, B W, Albers, R W et al. (eds) Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects, 6th edn, Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27911/.
Kamkin, A and Kiseleva, I (2005) 'Mechanosensitivity in cells and tissues' in Kamkin, A and Kiseleva, I (eds) Mechanosensitivity of Cells from Various Tissues, Moscow: Academia, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7493/.
Lodish H, et al. (2000) 'Membrane proteins' Section 3.4 in Molecular Cell Biology, 4th edn, New York: W H Freeman.
Martini, F H, Nath, J L and Bartholomew, E F (2011) Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 9th edn, Pearson.
Purves, D et al. (2001) 'Neuroglial cells and the ionic basis of action potentials' in Purves, D et al. (eds) Neuroscience, 2nd edn, Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10869/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10897/.
Sherwood, L (2012) Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems, 8th edn, Cengage Learning.
Siegel, G J, Agranoff, B W, Albers, RW et al. (eds) (1999) Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects, 6th edn, Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27911/.
Stanfield, C L (2012) Principles of Human Physiology, 5th edn, Benjamin Cummings.
Journal articles
O'Neill, J S et al. (2011) 'Circadian clocks in human red blood cells', Nature, 469(7331): 498–503, http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v469/n7331/full/nature09702.html.
Sofroniew, M V and Vinters, H V (2010) 'Astrocytes: biology and pathology',
Acta Neuropathol, 119(1): 7–35, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2799634/.
Takeda K, et al. (2005) 'Toll-like receptors in innate immunity', Int Immunol, 17(1): 1–14, http://intimm.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/1/1.long.
Wahren, J et al. (2000) 'Role of C-peptide in human physiology', Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 278(5): E759–68, https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.2000.278.5.E759?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org.
Website resources
http://jonbarron.org/article/your-stomach-part-1#.VDIZQ2eSxR0
http://neurophilosophy.wordpress.com/2006/08/29/the-discovery-of-the-neuron/
http://science.jrank.org/pages/964/Blood-Plasma.html
http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-pancreas
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-basics
http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/toll-like-receptors-sensors-that-detect-infection-14396559
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-other-brain-cells/
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJS-Kh5wCQU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4waSJqOEJts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLTdgrhpDCg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3b-YhZmQu8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaAwIN1gPm4
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/anatomyvideos/000016.htm
There is informal and formal assessment in this course. The informal assessment includes the self-assessed web-based activities and self-tests stipulated in each unit. The formal assessment comprises assignments and a comprehensive final examination.
Assignments
There are totally two assignments for this course, all of which are compulsory. You are required to submit the assignments to your course tutor by the deadlines stated in the Assignment File. Course tutors will return the assignments with their comments and feedback to you after marking. The assignments assess your understanding of different units as well as the laboratory sessions. Assignment 1 covers the learning materials of Units 1 to 3, and Assignment 2 covers Units 4 and 5 and comprises experimental data obtained from one of the laboratory sessions. Therefore, you will need to attend at least one laboratory session for data collection. The two assignments account for 50% of the total course grade.
The purpose of the laboratory sessions is to enable you to achieve hands-on experience in performing practical work with fellow students in teams. You will gain experience at collecting, analysing and presenting your data and findings in completing your Assignment 2. There are two laboratory sessions planned for this course and you are required to attend at least one of the two sessions.
The assignment policy of the university as stated in the Student Handbook should be observed. You are required to submit assignments for this course in accordance with the dates communicated by your Course Coordinator. You may apply for a submission extension on the grounds of illness, disability, bereavement or other compassionate circumstances.
Applications for extensions up to seven days should be submitted to the tutor. The tutor shall consider valid and unexpected emergencies on an individual basis. Normally, documented proof of the extenuating circumstances is not required for extensions of up to seven days. The tutor shall decide and advise you of the revised date for submission.
For extensions of over seven days, you should note the following:
If the assignment is posted to the tutor, it is your responsibility to check that the assignment has successfully arrived (see the Assignment File). Extension applications without supporting documents on the grounds of postal loss will not be accepted. The university cannot accept any responsibility for assignments that are not received by your tutor due to problems with the post. As a precaution, you are advised to keep a copy of each assignment you submit and obtain a certificate of posting from the post office when you post your assignment.
According to the University's policy, there is no extension of the cut-off date for the final assignment.
Final examination
A comprehensive final examination will be conducted at the end of the course. The examination aims to test your thorough understanding of the topics covered in the course. A three-hour time period will be allowed for you to complete the examination. It will consist of a mixture of short answer questions and long answer questions, and accounts for 50% of the total course grade.
The assessment items are outlined in the following table:
| Assessment | Coverage | Scoring scale |
| Assignment 1 | Units 1–3 | 25% |
| Assignment 2 | Units 4–5, laboratory sessions 1 or 2 | 25% |
| Final examination | Units 1–5 | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
This course provides face-to-face tutorials and surgeries, telephone tutoring along with electronic means of support, including a discussion board, email and the OLE.
At the beginning of the course, details of the dates, times and locations of tutorials, surgeries and laboratory sessions as well as the name, email address and phone number of your assigned tutor will be provided to you.
Tutorials
The tutorials comprise presentation of course content and interactive activities.
Surgeries
An on-duty tutor chairs each surgery. Each surgery aims to provide a face-to-face consultation on individual students' study problem areas. You may bring along questions on the study units, assignments and specimen examination papers when you consult the on-duty tutor.
Laboratory sessions
Two laboratory sessions of three hours each are allocated to allow students to perform hands-on experiments in teams. You are required to attend at least one of the two sessions. Experimental data collected from the laboratory sessions will be relevant for you in finishing Assignment 2.
Telephone tutoring
Each tutor allocates four to six hours per week in order to answer your telephone calls.
Electronic mail
You may submit any study problems, learning issues or concerns to your assigned tutor through email. This channel provides flexibility to both tutors and students in overcoming the limitations of telephone tutoring.
OLE
The discussion board in the OLE allows you to post your questions, concerns and problems to your assigned tutors as well as fellow students. This interactive discussion board allows students and tutors to communicate in an effective and flexible manner. Besides, you can easily check and obtain the latest course information via the OLE.
BIOL S312 Human Physiology is a one-semester, higher-level course that provides you with an exploration of the science of human life, along with an understanding of the essential concepts of physiology and regulatory mechanisms of the human body. This course is presented using a blend of print-based study units, reference textbooks, supplementary articles as well as face-to-face teaching and consultation. Topics to be covered include cells, homeostasis and the musculoskeletal system; the digestive and urinary systems; the cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune systems; the nervous and endocrine systems; and the respiratory and integumentary systems. Assessment is via three assignments and a final examination. One of the assignments will draw upon the work done in one of the laboratory sessions.
Good luck in your study of BIOL S312 Human Physiology and enjoy the course!
Siu Wai Tsang, PhD, graduated with a BSc in Biotechnology and a minor in Microbiology from The Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA. She completed her MPhil in Physiology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from The University of Hong Kong. She is currently working as a research fellow in the School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University. She has been a part-time tutor at Hong Kong Metropolitan University since March 2012. Dr Tsang’s research interests include the pathophysiology of pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, diabetes and stress-associated colonic hypersensitivity.
