Human and Animal Physiology

Faculteit—

NiveauBachelor

Studiejaar2026-2027

Beschrijving

Course goals

After completing this course students are able to:

Describe the primary functions/tasks of each organ system and explain how each organ accomplishes these tasks.
Describe how the primary functions of organs/organ systems relate to their molecular biology, cellular biology and anatomy.
Explain how neural and endocrine systems control/facilitate cooperation between different organ systems in order to ensure homeostasis.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of how disordered physiologic/regulatory mechanisms are responsible for the signs and symptoms of disease.
Demonstrate basic skills in oral presentations, group work, and ‘virtual’ laboratory work.
Take responsibility for developing student lectures and use these to teach exam topics to the other students in class.

Relationship between assessment and learning goals:

3 in-class closed-book exams, using open-ended questions: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Homework and in-class (group) assignments; mock-exams, virtual laboratory labs and Mastering A&P tutorials: 5
Lecturing a topic from the textbook, during which both content and didactics are assessed by fellow students and teachers: 6

Content

In this course the function of the different organ systems in the mammalian body is discussed in depth. Special emphasis is placed on the neural and hormonal regulation of all these organs in order to maintain relatively stable internal conditions (= homeostasis), e.g. a constant body temperature or the right balance between energy intake and expenditure. Because many physiological mechanisms are often alike for humans and other mammals we do use examples from different mammals. Nevertheless, we often focus on human physiology because this course is part of the premed track for future SUMMA students.

The program is divided in three content units:

Unit 1. Neurons, sensory perception, motor function and sensory-motor integration. Based on textbook chapters 8-13.
Unit 2. Cardiovascular, respiratory and renal system, and exercise physiology. Based on textbook chapters 14-20 and 25.
Unit 3. Endocrinology, digestion, energy balance, reproduction and growth. Based on textbook chapters 7 and 21-26.

Format

The studying of each topic involves:

Reading and studying of the selected chapters from the textbook before class
Interactive lecture sessions. Asking questions (critical reading) before and during class that help structure the lecture and increase student participation.
Completing Mastering Physiology (homework) assignments
Problem solving sessions, like mock exams
Virtual laboratory sessions, and other digital simulations
Presenting in front of class.
Three written tests, one for each unit.

Notes on required materials
Apart from the book Human Physiology (8th edition) students have to buy 1) access to the electronic learning environment (ELO) from Pearson called; Mastering Anatomy and Physiology and 2) access to the e-Text. These three things are sold as one package (use ISBN: 9781292259741). Students who already have the book (for example an older edition bought from other students), still have to buy the E-reader & access to Mastering Anatomy and Physiology online at http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringaandp/ (search for Human Physiology by Silverthorn). The paperback version of the book is not necessary if you feel comfortable with studying from the e-text only. The e-text holds additional and valuable information.

Reviews0 reviews

Nog geen reviews voor dit vak. Wees de eerste!

Heb jij dit vak gevolgd?

Deel je ervaring met toekomstige studenten. Inloggen met je Universiteit Utrecht mailadres duurt één minuut.

Schrijf een review