This course serves as an introduction to the global structure and function of the human body, as well as its systems and physiological processes that support the functioning of the systems. Topics to be addressed include musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory organ systems. The class will introduce students to the concept of connecting form to function and to evolutionary history. Students will gain a primary understanding of anatomical and physiological terminology; cell and tissue types; and basic biochemistry as it relates to human organ differentiation. Students will also learn how to search and find the most up to date and freely accessible research in the field of physiology/anatomy. They will be introduced to the basic study designs employed in physiological/anatomical and medical research.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

1. Identify the components of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory and endocrine systems.
2. Determine the organization of each system.
3. Describe the structure and function of each system.
4. Examine system integration and what is necessary for the maintenance of homeostasis.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

• Week 1: Unit 1 – Levels of Organization of the Human Body
• Week 2: Unit 2 – Support and Movement: Bone Tissue and Skeletal System
• Week 3: Unit 3 – Support and Movement: Muscle Tissue and the Integumentary System
• Week 4: Unit 4 – Regulation, Integration, and Control: Nervous and Endocrine Systems
• Week 5: Unit 5 – Fluids and Transports: Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems
• Week 6: Unit 6 – Energy Maintenance and Environmental Exchange: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Digestive Systems
• Week 7: Unit 7 – Energy Maintenance and Environmental Exchange: Respiratory and Urinary Systems
• Week 8: Unit 8 – Human Development and the Continuity of Life: Reproduction, Development, and Inheritance
• Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Levels of Organization of the Human Body

• Introduce yourself in the Course Forum
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Support and Movement: Bone Tissue and Skeletal System

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Support and Movement: Muscle Tissue and the Integumentary System

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Regulation, Integration, and Control: Nervous and Endocrine Systems

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels and Circulation

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Energy Maintenance and Environmental Exchange: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Digestive Systems

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

 Unit 7: Energy Maintenance and Environmental Exchange: Respiratory and Urinary Systems

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Human Development and the Continuity of Life: Reproduction, Development, and Inheritance

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Complete the Learning Journal entry
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor