This course introduces the fundamental principles of human physiology in health and disease, and provides insight into emerging and established therapies used to treat a range of disease processes. Designed for individuals who lack formal medical training, the course introduces the hierarchical organization of the body, from cells to coordinated organ systems, and continues with a discussion of the key integrative/homeostatic control mechanisms. With these topics as a foundation, the instructor progresses through the functions of major systems, including renal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, digestive, endocrine and reproductive.

This course benefits clinical research, biopharmaceutical, and engineering professionals who need a basic understanding of the physiological processes and therapeutic approaches that underlie the biomedical projects or clinical trials on which they work.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Understand the organization of the human body
• Discuss the physiological processes
• Describe integrative/control mechanisms of the body (functional homeostasis)
• Discuss what goes wrong in selected disease states (loss of homeostatic control)
• Understand current therapeutic approaches/modalities for selected diseases

Topics Include

• Basic Chemistry
• Cells and Tissues
• The Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory System
• Urinary System
• Digestive System
• Endocrine System
• Nervous System
• Lymphatic System and Immune System

Working knowledge of:

• High school or preferably college-level chemistry and biology

Professional Credit

UCSC EXTENSION Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 13114, for 30 contact hours