BIOL 141 Sample Syllabus

Course Syllabus

BIOL 141: Introductory Physiology (3)(GN): Explanation of the normal structure and function of the animal body, with special emphasis on human body systems. Students who have passed BIOL 472 may not schedule this course.

Overview

The human body is fascinating to most of us, presumably because we have a rather vested interest in it. It is especially interesting when we include the physiology of diseases, as diseases often represent good illustrations of the system not functioning properly. I have tried to include information that will both sustain and stimulate your interest, as well as challenge you to extend your knowledge outside this course. There are many good programs on the Public Broadcasting System and on cable TV as well as articles in magazines such as Science News, Scientific American, Discover, Scientific American Science and Medicine, and Natural History that illustrate the fascinating aspects of human physiology. One of the goals of this course is to develop your ability to understand the more complex scientific and medical advances that are occurring with increasing frequency today.

Physiology is not an easy subject to learn because it contains a tremendous amount of information; however, it is a logical science and can usually be understood with reasoning. You will find it much more understandable if you will reason logically rather than memorize. Many of the mechanisms you will study can best be learned by thinking of them as a logical sequence of events. Learning by reasoning is not only easier, but the information you learn is retained longer. Of course, some memory work is unavoidable. One final word concerning the learning of mechanisms: mechanism should not be confused with need. That is, if you are asked “Why?” in a lesson, you should not respond with “Because the body needs it to do this or that.” Instead, explain the physiological, mechanical process involved.

One last note: You may be taking an online semester course for the first time. Online learning is different from the traditional classroom learning situation and can be a unique and challenging experience. You must develop your own study habits and ask questions when you can’t find the answer yourself; this is a vital part of the learning process. You can use ANGEL to communicate these questions to your instructor as well as your lesson assignments; and you will receive a response as promptly as possible. I hope that you will enjoy this course and that you will develop an appreciation and enthusiasm for amazing workings of the human body.

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Objectives

"This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of human physiology for students in a variety of life science related majors including Nursing, Kinesiology, Athletic Training, and Science. The course objectives are to

obtain a working knowledge and understand of basic human physiology.
apply these physiological principles to problem solving situations as observed in medical situations, including cardiac problems, hypertension, renal failure, acid-base balance disturbances, and endocrine imbalances.
obtain a practical understanding of physiology which students can build upon and use in future clinical settings.”

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Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
much more.

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

Technical Specifications

Technical Requirements
Operating System	Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version
Processor	2 GHz or higher
Memory	1 GB of RAM
Hard Drive Space	20 GB free disk space
Browser	We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion, and for advice on downloading a supported version, please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers. Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching, older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses.
Plug-ins	Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe] Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software	Microsoft Office (2007 or later)
Internet Connection	Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer	Access to graphics-capable printer
DVD-ROM	Required
Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers	Required
Monitor	Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!

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Arranging a Proctor

You will need to secure a proctor in order to take exams in this course. A proctor will not automatically be assigned to you; rather, you must make the necessary contacts to secure a professional who will serve in this capacity.

Contact a person who meets the qualifications and ask him or her to proctor your exam.
Student Services must approve your proctor before any exams can be taken. Please see instructions for securing a suitable proctor. While many proctors will serve on a voluntary basis, you are responsible for paying any expenses incurred in retaining a proctor.
You must submit your proctor for approval or schedule your exams at a testing center using our online proctored exam portal. You will need to enter your proctor's contact information and submit proctor verification documentation. If you have any questions about using the procted exam portal, please visit the how-to guide. Note: If your proctor has been previously approved by the World Campus during a prior course within two years, you do not need to obtain verification. World Campus retains proctor information on file for two years.
If your proctor does not meet the required specifications, Student Services will notify you within 5 to 7 business days.
Students registered with Student Disability Resources who are receiving exam accommodations are responsible for providing their letter of accommodation to both faculty/instructors and exam proctors prior to scheduling exams.
If you are a graduating senior requesting a final exam, please see additional information about early deadlines for course completion and exam scheduling.
Contact Student Services if you cannot take a scheduled exam.
Unless you have received permission to take your exam at an alternative time, your proctor will only allow you to take the exam during dates specified in your course.

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Course Schedule

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.

01: Getting Started

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Textbook: Human Anatomy & Physiology, 7th edition by Elaine Marieb and Katja Hoehn, Pearson Benjamin Cummings Publishers, 2007.
Complete and submit the questions in Lesson 01 Assignment.
Complete and submit the Student Questionnaire.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

Proctor Information Form

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Submit the Proctor Information Form. For more information, see your student guide.

02: Introduction to Physiology: Cell Chemistry, The Living Cell, Tissues and Organ Systems

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 1, pp. 2-12, "The Human Body: An Orientation;" Chapter 2, pp. 43-57, "Chemistry Comes Alive;" Chatper 3, pp. 64-97, "Cells: The Living Units;" Chapter 4, pp. 117-119, 126-127, 139-141, "Tissue: The Living Fabric" in conjunction with the Lesson 02 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 02 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

03: Cell Growth, Reproduction, Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chatper 3, pp. 97-111, "Cells: The Living Units;" Chatper 4, pp. 146-147, "Tissue: The Living Fabric;" Chapter 24, pp. 943-971, pp. 984-989, "Nutrition, Metabolism, and Body Temperature Regulation" in conjunction with Lesson 03 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 03 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

04: Physiology of Muscles

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapater 9, pp. 279-323, "Muscles and Muscle Tissue" in conjunction with the Lesson 04 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 04 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.
Submit your Mid-Course Exam Request form.

05: Nerve Impulse Physiology

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 11, pp. 387-429, "Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue" in conjunction with the Lesson 05 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 05 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

06: The Central Nervous System, The Peripheral Nervous System, The Autonomic Nervous System, and The Special Senses

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chatper 12, pp. 436-470, "The Central Nervous System; Chapyer 13, pp. 521-527, "The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity; Chapter 14, pp. 535, 543-550, "The Autonomic Nervous System;" Chapter 15, pp. 559-578, 583-598, "The Special Senses" in conjunction with the Lesson 06 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 06 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

07: Mid-Course Exam

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

To prepare for the exam, review Lessons 2-6 and Commentaries for Lessons 2-6.
Complete your exam and have your proctor mail it to the World Campus.

08: The Blood, The Cardiovascular System, and Capillary Exchange

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 17, pp. 646-676, "Blood;" Chapter 18, pp. 677-712, "The Cardiovascular System: The Heart;" Chatepr 19, pp. 713-746, "The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels" in conjunction with the Lesson 08 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 08 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

09: The Lymphatic System and The Immune System

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 20: pp. 773-787, "The Lymphatic System;" Chatper 21, pp. 788-829, "The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses" in conjunction with the Lesson 09 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 09 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

10: The Endocrine System

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 16, pp. 604-646, "The Endocrine System" in conjunction with the Lesson 10 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 10 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

11: The Respiratory System

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 22, pp. 830-881, "The Respiratory System" in conjunction with the Lesson 11 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 11 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

12: The Digestive System

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 23, pp. 882-941, "The Digestive System" in conjunction with the Lesson 12 Commentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 12 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.
Submit your Final Exam Reqest form.

13: The Urinary System and Regulation of Fluids, Electrolytes, and pH in the Body

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 25, pp. 997-1034, "The Urinary System': Chatper 26, pp. 1035-1064, "Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance in conjunction with Lesson 13 Commentary.
Complete and subit Lesson 13 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

14: The Reproductive Systems, Pregnancy and Human Development

ASSIGNMENTS and ACTIVITIES

Read Marieb & Hoehn: Chapter 27, pp. 1065-1112, "The Reproductive System;" Chatper 28, pp. 1113-1132, "Pregnancy and Human Development" in conjunction with the Lesson 14 Çommentary.
Complete and submit Lesson 14 Assignment.
This Lesson Assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

15: Final Exam

To prepare for the exam, review Lessons 8-14 and the Commentaries for Lessons 8-14.

Complete exam and have your proctor mail it to the World Campus.

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Course Requirements and Grading

The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:

A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit

Your final grade will be derived from your performance on the prepared lesson assignments and two exams as shown below:

Lesson Assignments -- 34%
Mid-Course Exam -- 33%
Final Exam -- 33%

THE EXAMS ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE. The Mid-Course exam covers the material in Lessons 2 through 6, the Final exam is based on information in Lessons 8 through 14. The examinations will be multiple-choice.

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Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity (for undergraduate students in undergraduate courses) and policy GCAC-805 Academic Integrity (for graduate students and undergraduate students in graduate courses), an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity or GCAC-805 Academic Integrity as appropriate). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, procedures allow a student to accept or contest/appeal the allegation. If a student chooses to contest/appeal the allegation, the case will then be managed by the respective school, college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. Review procedures may vary by college, campus, or school, but all follow the aforementioned policies.

All academic integrity violations are referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, which may assign an educational intervention and/or apply a Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion.

Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page.

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Additional Policies

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Students with disabilities participating in internship, practicum, student teaching, or other experiential learning opportunities as part of their degree requirements may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity. These accommodations are determined through an interactive process involving the student, their University supervisor, and the site supervisor. Student Disability Resources can assist students with identifying potential barriers, facilitating accommodation requests, and coordinating with University supervisors to promote inclusive learning experiences.

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.

In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.

Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
1. Instructors may require students to provide documentation with the class absence form or other written notification for events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
2. Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
1. Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
2. Penn State Values.

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

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