Listed in: Biology, as BIOL-261
John P. Roche (Sections 01, 01L and 02L)
Josef G. Trapani (Sections 01, 01L and 02L)
This course will examine the function of animal tissues, organs, and organ systems, with an emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Building outward from the level of the cell, we will study bodily processes including muscle contraction, respiration, circulation, digestion and excretion. In addition, the course will address how different organisms regulate these complex processes through a lens of comparative physiology and also examine how ion and fluid balance is maintained. We will also study the nervous system in the context of sensory systems, focusing on how external stimuli are transformed into meaningful neuronal signals and processed by the brain. Weekly group discussions may include readings from primary literature. Laboratory sessions will include human and non-human physiology laboratories. Three classroom hours and three laboratory hours per week.
Requisites: BIOL 191 and either BIOL 181 or NEUR 214. Limited to 18 students per lab section. Spring semester. Professors Trapani and Roche.
How to handle overenrollment: priority given to BIOL and NEUR majors based on class year
Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, some primary articles, oral presentations, group work, in-class group quizzes, in-class exams, quantitative problem-solving and analysis of data
Course Materials