Introductory Human Physiology from Coursera

Explore the fascinating world of human physiology and learn about the body's organ systems, their functions, and how they maintain health. In this comprehensive course, you will:

- Master key concepts in human physiology and homeostasis

- Delve into the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems

- Examine the role of senses, muscles, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems

- Apply knowledge to real-life situations and medical conditions

This course is perfect for students, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in human physiology and biology, building upon a basic understanding of human anatomy. This course is an excellent resource for MCAT preparation or as a refresher for health professionals.

As a bonus, enhance your learning with a unique immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, accessible on both VR and desktop platforms, that takes you on an incredible journey inside the human body. This course offers a captivating way to explore and understand complex physiological concepts, as you virtually shrink to navigate through blood vessels and then return to normal size to measure blood pressure. The course comes to life as an educational adventure.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome and Additional Resources

Start here!

Homeostasis and Endocrine System

Welcome to Module 2 of Introductory Human Physiology! We begin our study of the human body with an overview of the basic concepts that underlie the functions of cells and organs within the body and their integration to maintain life. This is an important introduction to how physiologists view the body. We will return to these basic concepts again as we progress through the organs systems and consider how they respond to perturbations incurred in daily functions and in disease. The things to do this week are to watch the 6 videos, to answer the in-video questions, to read the notes for each topic, and to complete two problem sets (homeostasis, transporters & channels, and endocrine concepts). It will be most effective if you follow the sequence of videos. The notes provide a more detailed summary of each topic. We encourage you to find which resource (videos and/or notes) works best for you.We have included a set of problems to be completed as homework exercises. We strongly encourage you to complete these problems sets. They are not graded and are for your personal feedback. It has been our experience that these exercises are helpful in increasing understanding and retention of the newly learned materials.Please use the interactive forum as a means to exchange ideas, to ask questions, to form study groups and interest groups, and to meet your community. We will monitor the forum daily.Thank you for joining us. We are excited about sharing this educational experience with you. Welcome!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Course instructors have published on and are recognized for their work in physiology and medical science

Explores foundational topics in human physiology and provides a comprehensive overview

Suitable for MCAT preparation and for healthcare professionals as a refresher course

Incorporates virtual reality for an immersive learning experience

Teaches essential concepts in physiology, making it a solid foundation for further study

Covers a wide range of physiological systems, including nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary

Reviews summary

Comprehensive human physiology foundation

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured introduction to human physiology. Many find the content clear and the instructors knowledgeable, making complex topics accessible. Students appreciate the in-depth coverage of various organ systems, noting its value for building a solid foundation, particularly for those preparing for exams like the MCAT or seeking a professional refresher. While the course is largely well-received, some learners found the pace to be quite dense and demanding, requiring significant time commitment. The inclusion of supplementary materials like notes and problem sets is seen as beneficial for reinforcing learning, although some desired graded practice. The course is generally viewed as a strong resource for understanding the body's functions.

Assumes prior knowledge of anatomy.

"It is highly recommended to have a solid understanding of basic anatomy before taking this course, as it is assumed."

"Without a prior anatomy course, some parts might be challenging to visualize and understand."

"Make sure you know your anatomical structures well before diving into the physiology presented here."

Excellent for beginners or review.

"This course served as a fantastic introduction to physiology for someone with a basic biology background."

"As a refresher, this course was perfect for solidifying foundational knowledge before moving onto more advanced topics."

"It provides a really strong base for further study in medical or health-related fields."

Notes and problem sets aid understanding.

"The provided notes were an excellent resource for reviewing and clarifying points from the videos."

"I found the problem sets, though not graded, to be very helpful in testing my comprehension of the material."

"Working through the practice problems really reinforced the concepts taught in the lectures."

Instructors explain complex concepts effectively.

"The lectures were very clear and easy to follow, even when discussing difficult physiological processes."

"I appreciated how the professors broke down the complex topics into understandable segments."

"The teaching style made learning the material enjoyable and helped solidify my understanding."

In-depth exploration of multiple organ systems.

"I found the breadth of topics covered in this course to be outstanding, truly providing a comprehensive view of human physiology."

"This course covered a vast amount of material, touching upon all major organ systems with significant detail."

"The modules build nicely on each other, offering a very complete overview of how the body works."

Assessments require deep understanding.

"The exams were quite challenging and tested my understanding deeply, not just memorization."

"You need to truly grasp the concepts to do well on the assessments."

"I found the test questions required applying knowledge rather than just recalling facts."

Pace is fast; requires significant study time.

"Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to this course; the amount of information covered each week is substantial."

"The pace is quite fast, and I often felt the need to pause and rewatch lectures to absorb everything."

"This is definitely not a light introduction; it's very dense and requires diligent study habits."

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 Introductory Human Physiology with these activities:

Start studying the anatomy and physiology chapters in a high school biology textbook

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Many human physiology concepts are grounded on basic biology concepts

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Find a high school biology textbook that has not been handled rigorously by students
Locate the chapters on Anatomy and Physiology
Devote one hour three times a week to studying these chapters

Watch Osmosis videos on physiology topics

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Osmosis provides simplified but high-quality animations and breakdowns of complex processes

Browse courses on Physiology

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Create an account on the Osmosis website
Browse through the library of physiology videos
Select specific topics that you want to review or learn about

Create a mind map of the endocrine system

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Creating mind maps can enhance cognitive organization and promote recall of information

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Gather information about the endocrine system from the course materials
Brainstorm and list down the major glands and hormones associated with the endocrine system
Use a mind mapping tool or draw on a whiteboard to create a visual representation of the system

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Build a 3D model of a human organ system

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Building 3D models helps improve spatial understanding of organ systems

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Gather materials such as cardboard, clay, or computer-aided design software
Choose an organ system to model, such as the circulatory or nervous system
Design and create a 3D representation of the chosen system including major organs, vessels, or nerves
Create a brief presentation to explain the model and its parts

Give a presentation on the role of the autonomic nervous system

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Preparing and presenting on a specific topic cements understanding and builds confidence

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Research and gather information about the autonomic nervous system
Develop slides or visuals to support the presentation
Practice delivering the presentation multiple times
Prepare to answer questions from the audience

Use Anki to review MCAT-style questions

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MCAT-style questions help in learning how to answer such questions on real MCATs

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Sign up and download the Anki flashcard app
Create or find a deck of MCAT-style physiology-related questions
Set aside one hour each week to practice by answering questions in the deck
Review missed questions and focus on learning the concepts associated with them

Review Guyton and Hall's Textbook of Medical Physiology

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This advanced book provides the opportunity to go in-depth with the content

View Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology... on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book either through purchase or loan from a medical library
Create a schedule of topics from the chapters that walk through the human organ systems
Plan to read and take notes on one topic every other day
Join study groups or forums to discuss concepts and share notes with classmates

Career center

Learners who complete Introductory Human Physiology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Exercise Physiologist

An Exercise Physiologist is a medical professional whose focus is to help people improve their physical fitness. They work with people to improve their cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance. They also help people to lose weight and to manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. The Introductory Human Physiology course, offered by Duke University, would be an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Exercise Physiologist. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and how it functions which will provide a strong foundation of knowledge that can be applied to work in the field.

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Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse, often called simply a Nurse, provides direct patient care and works with patients to manage their health. This includes educating patients on their conditions, providing medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with medical procedures. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University provides an excellent foundation for students considering a career in nursing. The comprehensive overview of how the human body functions will help nurses better understand the conditions their patients face.

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Medical Doctor

A Medical Doctor, or simply a Doctor, has gone to medical school and earned an MD. Their job is to treat and diagnose human injuries and illnesses. This includes performing surgeries, prescribing medications, and providing preventative care. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University is an excellent place to begin a career as a medical doctor. This course provides a solid overview of the functions of the human body and will prepare you for advanced medical study.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator develops, implements, and evaluates health education programs. They work with individuals and groups to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. The Introductory Human Physiology course, offered by Duke University, provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body functions. This course would be a great starting point for anyone interested in working as a Health Educator. The knowledge gained from this course can be applied to the development and implementation of health education programs.

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Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist helps people restore movement and function after an injury or illness. They use exercises, massages, and other techniques to help people improve their mobility and strength. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University would be an excellent choice for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and its functions, which will provide a strong foundation of knowledge to apply to work in the field.

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Nutritionist

A Nutritionist helps people make healthy choices about eating and exercise. They work with people to develop personalized plans to improve their overall health and well-being. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered by Duke University would be a great choice for anyone interested in a career as a nutritionist. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and its functions, which can be applied to the development of personalized nutrition plans.

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Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides advice on their use. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the correct medications and dosages. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered by Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and its functions. This course would be an excellent foundation for a career as a pharmacist.

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Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant, or PA, provides healthcare services under the supervision of a doctor. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform procedures. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered by Duke University would be a great choice for anyone interested in a career as a PA. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and its functions, which can be applied to patient care.

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Athletic Trainer

An Athletic Trainer helps athletes prevent and treat injuries. They work with athletes to improve their performance and overall health. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University would be an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Athletic Trainer. This course provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body functions, which would provide a strong foundation for work in the field.

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Chiropractor

A Chiropractor focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. They use spinal adjustments to improve mobility and relieve pain. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered by Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and its functions. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in a career as a chiropractor.

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Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist helps people regain or improve their ability to do everyday activities. They work with people who have physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body functions. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in a career as an Occupational Therapist.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist helps people with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They work with people of all ages to improve their communication skills. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body functions. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

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Massage Therapist

A Massage Therapist uses massage to improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body functions. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in a career as a Massage Therapist.

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Acupuncturist

An Acupuncturist uses acupuncture to relieve pain and promote healing. They insert thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered through Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of how the human body functions. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in a career as an Acupuncturist.

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Dental Hygienist

A Dental Hygienist cleans teeth, examines patients for signs of oral disease, and provides preventive care. They work with dentists to provide comprehensive oral care to patients. The Introductory Human Physiology course offered by Duke University provides a comprehensive overview of the human body and its functions. This course may be helpful for anyone interested in a career as a Dental Hygienist.

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