Biology 225 is designed to look at the human structures and function that are described and their relationships. Topics explored are the body systems, cell structure and function, the maintenance of physiological balance and equilibrium (e.g., fluid and electrolytes, blood pressure, acid base levels), and the physiology of nutrition and exercise. Designed for science majors (including some para-medical majors) and is recommended to meet the general education breadth requirement. Lecture & lab. Letter grade only. UC Credit limitations: Maximum credit of two courses for Biology 225.
Transferable to most CSU; UC.
1. Summarize the human body systems and their interactions.
2. Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to correctly interpret data pertaining to human physiological processes.
3. Collect, report, and analyze scientific data in a laboratory setting.
4. Identify normal and abnormal physiological values.
5. Outline how normal physiological processes maintain internal homeostasis
A textbook is required for this class. However, you have two main textbooks to choose from (and honestly endless textbooks to choose from). You do NOT need buy a book but you will need to be using a text (more on this later). Please take a look at all the required materials before making your decision.
Option 1- Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach (any edition) by Dee Silverthorn
This is a phenomenal physiology text. The images are excellent, the explanations are clear, and the content is comprehensive. I will be using many of these images in my lectures. You can purchase any edition of the text from our bookstore or any other bookseller (like Amazon). You do not need any codes or add-ons, unless you want them. Students who actually find reading a text helpful LOVE this book. I will be sure there is a copy of this text in the STEM Center for review.
● eText ISBN: 978-0135212912
● Hardcover book ISBN: 978-0134605197
● Loose leaf book ISBN: 978-0134704203
Option 2- Anatomy and Physiology: OpenStax
This is a good and FREE anatomy and physiology text. It is an Open Educational Resource, which means you can access the content for free. Because it covers both Anatomy and Physiology, you’ll have to sort through the content a bit more than if you just purchase the Silverthorn book above. But the price point is VERY compelling. Here are your options:
● Free online book with many ways to consume the text, including a PDF download.
● Hardcover book (in color, ISBN 9781711494067) from Amazon for about $50.
Computer/tablet with internet access. Since this course is fully online, you will be required to have internet access. You will be submitting assignments multiple times a week.
Determination, hard work, and desire to succeed!
To learn physiology, it is really helpful to engage with the material in as many ways as possible. You'll find some of the following items helpful when taking notes or studying for exams:
● Colored pencils or pens for note taking. As a student, I LOVED to use color to color code my notes. This may be something to try.
● Sticky notes (many colors) and/or 3x5" index cards (any color) for studying.
● Three ring binder or spiral notebook for your External Brain.
● A Visual Analogy Guide to Anatomy and Physiology by Paul Krieger (ISBN 9781640434271). This coloring activity book is useful for both anatomy and physiology.
Learning happens when your brain actually rewires itself. If your neurons aren't having some deep chats and high-fiving each other, you're not really learning. And the best way to get that brain of yours to remodel is to DO something—literally! This is the foundation of all the methods I use in my classes, including online ones.
Research (a.k.a. brainy people studying brains) shows that the most effective teaching methods get students off their virtual couches and into the game. Teamwork and problem-solving are just a couple of ways to jumpstart your brain cells into action. So, instead of just sitting there listening to me talk at you (snooze), your instructors are here to create activities that actually make YOU the boss of your own learning. Think of this class like an all-you-can-eat buffet of brain food. Let's dig in and figure out which "dishes" work best for your mental menu!
Biology classes can be tough. There's a ton of new stuff to tackle—new words, new concepts, the works! My goal is for you to REALLY learn this material, and that means going beyond memorizing terms to actually thinking about what they mean. But here's the good news: LEARNING IS A JOURNEY. This course is designed to give you loads of chances to seize learning opportunities, boost your understanding over time, and yep—improve your grade, too.
Embrace a GROWTH MINDSET in this class. See feedback and grades as chances to level up your knowledge. Focus on truly understanding the material, and your grade will naturally follow. And don’t worry—I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Complete the current lesson's written and online homework by due dates listed
Be prepared to turn in homework on a weekly basis
Keep pace with the posted due dates to aid with deeper understanding
Engage in practice opportunities and read in a timely manner
Attend my office hours (either virtually or in person if you are on campus)
Reach out to your classmates!
As you embark on the adventure of learning physiology, you can be assured we will work to co-create an inclusive, supportive, and rigorous learning community. One of the greatest benefits of education is learning from your classmates and instructors and experiencing the many different perspectives they bring to the table.