Human Physiology (PHSI 1) at Las Positas College

Congratulations on mastering Anatomy! . . . and: Welcome back to the even more fascinating topic of "how you function"! This course seeks to illuminate the functioning of the human body on several levels (e.g. atomic, molecular, and cellular as well as the more gross levels of organs and systems). It aims also to present some of the fundamental concepts that lend sense to a large and complex subject.
Although physiology deals specifically with functions, all functions result from structures and the way those structures are related to one another. It is necessary therefore (in the unlikely event that you should have forgotten some of the things you learned in Anatomy) to remind yourself of some of these structures, particularly at the tissue, electron microscope, and molecular levels. So, while we are most concerned with function, we will necessarily pay some attention to the structures on which these functions depend.

Course description:
Credits: 5.00 Units
Cellular and systemic body functions. Emphasis placed on physico- and electro-chemical and clinical methods, collection and analysis of data, extrapolations and conclusions. Working models, including human responses, computer simulations are studied.

Prerequisites:
Chemistry 30A and Anatomy 1 (both completed with a grade of "C" or higher). Strongly Recommended: Chemistry 30B, eligibility for English 1A or 52A. 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab. Transfer: CSU, UC*, GE: LPC AA/AS, CSU Area B, IGETC Area 5

 

 sphygmomanometer in action

Book requirements:

  • Required for Lecture: Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, w/ Interactive Physiology 10-System Suite, 4/E by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, University of Texas, Austin; Pearson-Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company.

  • Required for Lab: Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Manual, Cat Version, Media Update with PhysioEx 4.0 (9th Edition) (Spiral-bound) by Elaine N. Marieb, Linda S. Kollett; Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company.

You can purchase your books at the LPC bookstore on campus or you can order them via the Internet through the LPC online bookstore.