Course Syllabus
Course: BIOL 2425
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Biology
Title: Human Physiology Laboratory
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: The laboratory portion of human physiology provides hands-on exercises that reinforce the major topics covered in the lecture portion of the course. This course must be taken concurrently with BIOL 2420. (Lab fee required)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Corequisites: BIOL 2425 must be taken concurrently with the lecture, BIOL 2420
Justification: The Human Physiology Laboratory (BIO 2425) is the laboratory portion to accompany Human Physiology (BIO 2420). Some colleges offer these as one combined course. At Snow College they are separated into two courses taken concurrently. Together they cover the topics in sufficient detail to provide the scientific foundation for further study in allied health professions and biological professions. BIOL 2425 will be comparable to Human Physiology Labs offered by other Utah System of Higher Education institutions. For the natural sciences, science is the systematic inquiry into natural phenomena organizing and condensing those observations into testable models and hypotheses, theories, or laws. The success and credibility of science is anchored in the willingness of scientists to: 1) expose their ideas and results to independent testing and replication by other scientists which requires the complete and open exchange of data, procedures, and materials; 2) abandon or modify accepted conclusions when confronted with more complete or reliable experimental evidence. Adherence to these principles provides a mechanism for self-correction that is the foundation of the credibility of science. (Adapted from a statement by the Panel on Public Affairs of the American Physical Society which was endorsed by the Executive Board of the American Association of Physics Teachers in 1999.)
Student Learning Outcomes:
Acquire knowledge by trained observation and experimentation (lab courses). Reading and working through the laboratory exercises and experimentation gives students practical experience to aid in the evaluation of scientific information. Class discussions, short answer questions on quizzes, lab exercises, collection and analysis of data, and a final lab exam will be utilized to ascertain student’s comprehension of scientific principles.
Content:
Laboratory topics include but are not limited to the following laboratory exercises: Introduction to Medical Literature and Databases; Microscopy; Cell Structure/Function and Organization into Tissues; Enzyme Function; Osmosis and Diffusion; Mitosis and Meiosis; Action Potential and Cellular Communication; Autonomic Nervous System Function; Senses and Perception; Dynamics of Muscle Physiology; Blood Typing; Electrical Conduction of the Heart; Respiratory Physiology; Nephron Function; and Digestion of Macromolecules. Lab content will include historical context of experiments that were instrumental to develop the theories behind the lab topics. Scientists from any background may be highlighted as to their role in these historical experiments. Including the diverse perspectives of historical and modern scientists as well as from the students in this course, are invaluable in aiding accessibility for all students to understand the complexities of human life and interactions.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students cannot miss more than two labs. Students missing more than two laboratories will fail the course.
Quizzes 10 to 50%
Lab Reports and Lab Participation 10 to 50%
Final Exam 20 to 50%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Cook, Gardner, Rasmussen, Taylor. Biology 2425 Laboratory Manual, current edition.
Pedagogy Statement:
Instructors will use lecture, laboratory demonstrations, discussions, group work, and allow time for engagement and to encourage learning. Instructors will work to become aware of the unique experiences of all students from diverse backgrounds by creating a positive classroom environment through attitude, expectations, behavior, and learning students' names/backgrounds/identities.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 16
