Welcome to Human Physiology (BIOL225)

This class is classified loosely as a hybrid.  We will meet in person for both lecture and lab but there will be a portion of the class that will be housed online.  We will discuss this on our first day in more detail but in a nutshell, you will come to lecture having prepared for the material by pre-watching lecture content videos.  We will use the time on Tuesdays to review material, present more challenging material, ask for clarification and do some in-class exercises to check for comprehension.  We will also take our exams on Tuesdays on campus.

The lab will be held on Thursday.  Prior to attending lab, you will watch the lab introduction video on canvas.  We will come to lab on Thursdays ready to work.  We will also take our lab quizzes in the lab on Thursdays.

Welcome to the wild world of introductory physiology! As humans, we’re basically built for learning—whether it’s figuring out how to properly use a can opener or mastering the mysteries of the human body. We’ve got a million ways to get our education fix: from binge-watching YouTube tutorials in our pajamas to asking a friend for the millionth time how to solve that problem, or even flying across the country to attend a conference.

You’ve chosen to dive into the human physiology (flipped classroom) pool, and there are as many reasons as there are stars in the sky for why you’re here: learning styles, busy schedules, past experiences (good and bad), and of course, that ever-curious itch.

We’re coming together in this flipped classroom not just for me to help you navigate the wonders of human physiology (which I LOVE), but so you can help each other too. Because let’s face it, learning about the body’s complex systems can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded.

My teaching philosophy is simple: teamwork makes the dream work. Mastering physiology will open your eyes to a whole new world. It’s like suddenly being able to see in 4D—except, instead of a sci-fi movie, you’re learning about how your heart pumps blood or how muscles contract. And yes, this grand adventure might not always be a smooth ride, and those “aha!” moments might take a few tries to show up.

But don’t worry, you’re on the right path! You’re dedicating time, choosing a learning format that suits your life, and bringing along all the essential background knowledge and skills. Plus, with your diverse backgrounds and motivations, you’ll get to learn from each other’s perspectives, which is like having a backstage pass to the coolest educational concert ever.

The best part of teaching is learning from all of you every day. So, buckle up and get ready—let’s make this journey through human physiology both educational and a little bit fun!