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Stephen Anderson, Mark Bellingham, Anuj Sehgal, and Kenneth Lopez-Loo

The human body is composed of trillions of cells working together to perform essential body functions. Cells operate in a regulated internal environment, with different types of cells having unique properties suited to their specific functions.

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The human body is composed of trillions of cells working together to perform essential body functions. Cells operate in a regulated internal environment, with different types of cells having unique properties suited to their specific functions.

In this course we will dive into the complex world of human physiology, starting at the cellular level. We will explore the core concept of homeostasis, where the body adjusts its internal environment to survive external challenges. We will investigate the key role of the cell membrane in separating body fluids. The variety of cells that exist in our bodies is also examined, with a particular interest on the how cells adhere, adjust and interact with other cells in their local environment. Finally, neurons are examined, with their specialized electrical signalling capabilities.

This interactive course incorporates videos, insights from experts in human physiology and assessment that tests your new understanding of cell physiology.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Develop a knowledge of specialised cells in the human body.
  • Appreciate the fundamental role of the nervous system in regulating body functions.
  • Develop an understanding of how cells adhere and interact with neighbouring cells

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the core concept of homeostasis, which is essential for understanding how the human body functions
Introduces different types of cells and their unique properties, providing a solid foundation for further study in human physiology
Incorporates videos, expert insights, and interactive elements to enhance the learning experience
Provides a comprehensive study of cell physiology, encompassing key topics such as cell membrane, cell adhesion, and neuron signaling
Led by experienced instructors Stephen Anderson, Mark Bellingham, Anuj Sehgal, and Kenneth Lopez-Loo, who are recognized for their work in human physiology

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Specialised Cells with these activities:
Build a Physiology Toolkit: Gather Essential Resources
Enhance your learning by compiling useful resources, such as websites, articles, and videos, related to human physiology.
Show steps
  • Conduct online research and identify high-quality resources.
  • Organize the resources into categories or topics.
  • Create a central repository or document to store the compilation.
Unlock the Secrets of Human Physiology: Dive into 'Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems'
Immerse yourself in the foundational concepts of human physiology, building a strong foundation for your course.
View Animal Physiology on Amazon
Show steps
  • Peruse the chapters relevant to the course, focusing on the introductory material.
  • Annotate key concepts and highlight important terms.
  • Summarize key chapters in your own words, reinforcing your understanding.
Join a Study Group for Enhanced Understanding
Engage with peers through regular study sessions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Show steps
  • Identify or form a study group with other students taking the course.
  • Choose a regular meeting time and location.
  • Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and solve problems.
Five other activities
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Practice Cell Function Simulations: Reinforce Key Concepts
Enhance your understanding of cell function through interactive simulations, solidifying your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Identify online simulations or software that demonstrate cell function.
  • Run simulations multiple times, observing the effects of different variables.
  • Analyze the results and draw conclusions about cell function.
Attend a Guest Lecture on Homeostasis: Expand Your Knowledge
Complement your studies by attending a guest lecture on homeostasis, gaining additional insights from an expert.
Browse courses on Homeostasis
Show steps
  • Identify relevant guest lectures or workshops on the topic of homeostasis.
  • Register for the event and attend.
  • Take notes, ask questions, and engage with the speaker.
Explore the Cellular Landscape with Online Tutorials
Dive deeper into specific aspects of cell physiology through guided tutorials, complementing your course materials.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online resources that offer tutorials on cell physiology topics.
  • Choose tutorials that cover concepts relevant to the course.
  • Follow the tutorials, taking notes and completing practice exercises.
Craft a Visual Guide to Cell Adhesion
Reinforce your understanding by creating a visual representation of cell adhesion, enhancing your comprehension of this key topic.
Browse courses on Cell Adhesion
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of cell adhesion and intercellular interactions.
  • Choose a visual format, such as a diagram, chart, or infographic.
  • Design your visual guide, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
Volunteer at a Local Physiology Lab: Gain Hands-On Experience
Enhance your understanding of human physiology by volunteering in a lab setting, gaining practical experience.
Show steps
  • Identify local physiology labs or research centers.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and apply.
  • Attend training sessions and assist with lab procedures.

Career center

Learners who complete Specialised Cells will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cell Biologist
Cell Biologists study the structure and function of cells, the basic unit of life. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the different types of cells in the human body, their specialized functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will be essential for a successful career as a Cell Biologist, as you will need to have a strong foundation in cell biology in order to conduct research and develop new treatments for diseases.
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists study the causes and treatments of diseases. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the human body and how it works, which will be essential for a successful career as a Medical Scientist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to develop new treatments for diseases and improve the health of patients.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Physician. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to diagnose and treat diseases more effectively.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. This course will provide you with a strong understanding of the human body and how it works, which is essential for a successful career as a Pharmacist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to understand how medications work and how to best use them to treat patients.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians conduct experiments and analyze data. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, which is essential for a successful career as a Laboratory Technician. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how to study them in a laboratory setting. This knowledge will help you to conduct experiments and analyze data more effectively.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Biomedical Engineer. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to design and develop medical devices and technologies that are safe and effective.
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Nurse. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to provide better care to patients.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the teeth and mouth. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Dentist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the teeth and mouth more effectively.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in animal physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Veterinarian. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals more effectively.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Chiropractor. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders more effectively.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help patients regain mobility and function after an injury or illness. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Physical Therapist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to develop rehabilitation plans that are safe and effective.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to live independently. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as an Occupational Therapist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to develop rehabilitation plans that are safe and effective.
Speech Therapist
Speech Therapists help people with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Speech Therapist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to develop rehabilitation plans that are safe and effective.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists help people improve their health by eating a healthy diet. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in human physiology, which is essential for a successful career as a Nutritionist. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will help you to develop nutrition plans that are safe and effective.
Fitness Trainer
Fitness Trainers help people improve their physical fitness. This course may be useful for Fitness Trainers who want to learn more about the human body and how it works. You will learn about the different types of cells in the body, their functions, and how they interact with each other. This knowledge may help you to develop fitness plans that are safe and effective.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Specialised Cells.
A beautifully illustrated atlas of the human body. It comprehensive and authoritative resource that is essential for students who are serious about pursuing a career in medicine.
Another classic atlas of the human body. It comprehensive and authoritative resource that is essential for students who are serious about pursuing a career in medicine.
A classic textbook that is considered the gold standard in medical physiology. It comprehensive and authoritative resource that is essential for students who are serious about pursuing a career in medicine.
A classic atlas of the human body that has been used by generations of medical students. It comprehensive and authoritative resource that is essential for students who are serious about pursuing a career in medicine.
Another classic textbook that is widely used in medical schools. It comprehensive and well-written resource that is particularly useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in research.
A relatively new textbook that has quickly become a favorite among medical students. It concise and well-organized resource that is particularly useful for students who are preparing for the USMLE.
This textbook provides a detailed and up-to-date overview of human physiology. It is particularly useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences.
This textbook is written in a clinically oriented style, which makes it a good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences. It comprehensive and well-written resource that is particularly useful for students who are preparing for the MCAT.
A widely used textbook that is known for its clear and concise writing style. It popular choice for students who are looking for a textbook that is easy to read and understand.
A well-respected textbook that is known for its clear and concise writing style. It popular choice for students who are looking for a textbook that is easy to read and understand.
A concise and well-organized atlas of the human body. It popular choice for students who are looking for a textbook that is easy to read and understand.
A beautifully illustrated atlas of the human body. It useful resource for students who want to learn more about the structure and function of the human body.
A comprehensive textbook that provides a thorough overview of anatomy and physiology. It is particularly useful for students who are new to the subject or who need a refresher.
Another set of flashcards that can be used to help students learn the anatomy of the human body. It useful resource for students who are preparing for exams or who want to review the material they have learned.
A popular textbook that is used in many undergraduate anatomy and physiology courses. It well-written and comprehensive resource that is particularly useful for students who are new to the subject.

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