May 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
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BIO 2520 - Human Physiology II

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
The objective of this course is to present the concepts of human physiology that are most pertinent to the field of biomedical engineering. Concepts from the following topics will be covered: cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, and fluid and electrolyte regulation and balance. Laboratories will include a mix of simulations and in-person physiological assessments.  (prereq: BIO 2510 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Describe the anatomical features of the cardiovascular system and explain how these features correlate with function 
  • Use PV loops to describe and analyze cardiac function 
  • Use feedback loops to describe the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow 
  • Interpret a standard ECG tracing 
  • Explain the structure and function of the respiratory system 
  • Predict the operation and control of the respiratory system 
  • Explain how oxygen is delivered to the blood, carried in the blood, and delivered to the tissues 
  • Describe how carbon dioxide is carried in the blood and removed by the lung 
  • Describe how plasma carbon dioxide relates to pH 
  • Describe the structures and explain the functions of the renal system 
  • Calculate clearance, renal plasma flow, and fractional excretion 
  • Describe the control of filtration and re-absorption within the renal system 
  • Describe the role of the kidney in fluid and electrolyte balance 
  • Apply knowledge of acid-base balance to problems involving gas transport 

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Cell structure and function
  • Physiologic transport processes
  • Action potential generation and resulting functions
  • Homeostasis and feedback loop operations
  • Nervous system structures and functions 

Course Topics
  • Cardiovascular structures and functions and modeling of physiologic processes
  • Respiratory system structures and functions 
  • Renal system structures and functions
  • Fluid, electrolyte balance, and acid-base regulation

Laboratory Topics
  • Reflexes 
  • Skeletal muscle function 
  • Cardiovascular structures 
  • Pulse and ppg measurements 
  • Components of the ECG 
  • Cardiovascular function
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Renal function 
  • Guided inquiry 
  • Fluid and electrolyte 

Coordinator
Dr. Ron Gerrits



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