PHGY 215 Principles of Mammalian Physiology I
The focus of this course is on the central and peripheral nervous systems, muscle physiology, the heart, and the vascular system.
This course is intended to be paired with PHGY 216/3.0 to achieve an introductory physiology full course (6.0 unit) equivalent and designed to meet the needs of those wishing to pursue professional programs. This is an online course that makes use of six online learning modules, supplemented with discussion forums.
Although it is recommended to take PHGY215/3.0 first, this course can be taken before, after, or concurrently with PHGY 216/3.0.
Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing.
IDIS 150/6.0, PHGY 210/6.0, PHGY 214/6.0, KNPE 125(3.0)/225(3.0)
Online format with materials, communication, and assignment submission all via Daylight (onQ).
After completing PHGY 215, students will be able to:
- Define homeostasis and apply feedback loops to predict and understand the control of physiological systems in the face of a variable and changing environment. (PLO1; Assessments 1,3,4)
- Understand physiology at the molecular, cellular, and system levels in order to explain their combined role in integrative physiology. (PLO1,2; Assessments 1-4)
- Describe the physiology of the nervous system, muscles, and the cardiovascular system to identify and explain pathophysiological states. (PLO2; Assessments 1-4)
- Apply analytical skills to further your knowledge of physiological systems. (PLO8; Assessment 1,2)
Note: PLO refers to the program learning outcomes to which each course learning outcome matches to.
The assessments that correspond with the program competencies are indicated below:
- Communicator (Assessments 1-4)
- Advocate (Assessment 1)
- Leader (Assessment 1)
- Scholar (Assessment 2)
- Professional (Assessment 1)
- Collaborator (Assessment 1)
Assessment 1: Case Study Discussion Boards (10%; LO 1-4)
Students will be placed in small groups and assigned biweekly case studies and a corresponding set of questions. For each assigned case study, one member of the group will be the Discussion Group Leader with the other members being the Discussion Group Participants (each student will only be the Leader once). The Discussion Board Leader is responsible for answering the proposed questions and facilitating discussion through posting his/her own thought-provoking question. The Discussion Board Participants are then required to respond, providing their feedback to one of the Leader’s answers or by answering the Leader’s proposed question.
Assessment 1 will be graded using marking rubrics.
Assessment 2: Integrated Physiology Assignment (25%; LO 2-4)
Working individually, students will be required to analyze a case study accompanied by real physiological data to answer a set of problems online.
Assessment 2 will be graded using marking rubrics.
Assessment 3: Midterm Exam (25%; LO 1-3)
The exam will be conducted online and will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Assessment 4: Final Proctored Exam (40%; LO 1-3)
The final exam will include well-designed, case-based multiple choice and short answer questions that will test the students’ overall understanding and application of the course material, rather than rote memorization.
Two tutorials will be run by the instructor during the course, one before the midterm and one before the final exam, providing students with an opportunity to clarify any concepts or questions.
Students can expect to spend approximately 10-11 hours a week in study/practice and online activities for PHGY 215.
PHGY 215 course notes via modules posted online.
Required Textbook: Available from Queen’s Campus Bookstore (http://www.campusbookstore.com): Sherwood, L. & Ward, C. (2016) Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (5th Canadian edition). Boston, Mass: Cengage Learning.