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FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN BODY

Overview Of Course Content

The Function of the Human Body course builds upon core
molecular and anatomical disciplines presented in the first
semester. From physiology and histology to metabolic
biochemistry and nutrition, major organ systems will be
explored in an integrative fashion. Emphasis is placed upon
the conceptual understanding of key concepts of normal
physiological and biochemical systems in  healthy humans.
Pertinent and interesting illustrations are also drawn from
pathological diseases. FHB is partitioned into four main
sections:

Section 1: Cellular, Nerve, Muscle, Heart & Circulatory Physiology

Section 2: Pulmonary, Renal & Acid-Base Physiology

Section 3: Gastrointestinal, Metabolic, &  Nutrition Physiology

Section 4: Endocrine & Reproductive Physiology

Class Format

Lectures:
Fundamental concepts in physiological, histological and
biochemical thinking will be presented in lecture format.  As in
former years, students can expect professionalism from their
faculty which  includes a desire to teach, clear explanations,
patience in answering questions, organized notes, promptness,
and a desire to enthusiastically communicate fascinating facts
about the human body and its functions to the medical class.
Simply put, the FHB faculty love to teach and interact with such
an exciting group of able students. Students will find that focused lectures will construct a "skeletal system" of concepts on which the "muscles and flesh" of problem-solving sessions can be hung.
For convenience, lecture notes with key concepts and learning objectives will be provided for thestudents. Students must bring textbooks to class to make reference to figures not reproduced
in the printed notes.       

Small Groups:  
The small groups will meet in designated learning clusters.  It is assumed that students will have prepared beforehand for each
session, researching the problems posed from various resources. Sufficient time is allotted between lecture coverage of topics
and small-groups discussions on related material. Students should attend and actively participate in all small groups. 

Lab:
Histology: Students are to report to their assigned SDLs to view histological specimens either under the microscope or virtual microscope (computer). Several instructors will be available to
assist students. Sets of histological slides will be distributed to students at the beginning of the course and returned at the end of
the course along with their microscopes. Students should always
be striving to link structure and function within and among the
different organ systems since  this type of exercise imparts true comprehension of the topics at hand. What makes an organ unique? What unifying organizational principles are found among different organ systems?

Physiology: The FHB laboratory program continues to be strong
as students will measure and examine human data derived
from themselves or a human patient simulator. To this end, five laboratory experiences have been designed to pique student
interest in various aspects of normal human physiology. Students
with abnormal findings are encouraged to seek out additional medical  assistance from student health services or private physicians.

·    Electrocardiogram and Blood Pressure
(LAB 1): EKGs and blood pressures
will be recorded by and on all students.
Students will record and measure their EKG waveforms,
and determine their mean frontal plane vector.

·    Pulmonary Function Testing (LAB 2):
Breathing function will be assessed
on all students using modern equipment,
and grouped results will be tabulated
and distributed.  Volunteer class
assistants will be welcomed to run the
PFT computers.

 Conferences:      
As a change of pace from small-group earning, larger
informal sessions will be conducted with half of the class at
a time (designated as groups A & B) in the case-method
rooms (CMRs). Conferences will focus on specific topic areas
in a mini-lecture or discussion format. Rich  interactions between
students and teachers  will be facilitated by this relaxed format.
Ample time will be afforded for students to ask and answer
questions. Conference handouts accompanying lecture notes
will allow students to prepare appropriately before attending
these important, interesting and informative sessions. 

Simulations:
Computer simulations are designed to illustrate physiological
principles and concepts in a dynamic and integrative format. They focus primarily on reinforcing and expanding concepts presented in lectures and small group discussions. These sessions are presented to helf the class at a time to encourage studetn participation.

· Cardiomyocyte Video and Pressure-Volume Loop Simulaiton:
Students will first view a video of the electrical and mechanical activities of an actual cardian myocyte under different experimental conditions. Then a computerized model will be introduced to simulate dynamicpressure-volume loops of the left ventrical.

· Cardiac Cycle and Heart Sounds:
This computer simulation will illustrate the dynamic changes in pressures and volumes of the heart and circulatory system during the normal cardiac cycle. We will also discuss the origins of the heart sounds and cardiac murmurs.

· Human Patient Simulator (Vince):
The Human Patient Simuator (Vince) will be used to illustrtate the dynamic interacitons of the heart and circulatory system under normal and abnormal conditions.

· Exercise SImulation:
This exercise simulation program wil be used to demonstrate the complex changes that occur in physiological variables during different types of exercise conditions.

          
Textbooks  

 * indicates text is also required for other courses

Study Strategies And Time Commitment:

For students to succeed and perform their very best in this
challenging course, it is mandatory for them to master the art
of graph reading and logical thinking.  The need to wrestle with challenging concepts, verbalize mechanisms, and reconstruct
graphs with peers cannot be overstated. Comprehension and mastery of integrated FHB materials will prepare students for
second-year courses in the curriculum, the USMLE board
exams part 1, as well as the clinical years.  What makes an organ unique? What unifying organizational principles are found among different organ systems? Students time should be committed to continuously questioning and linking structure and function within
and among the different organ systems since this type of exercise imparts true comprehension of the topics at hand.

   

    Function of the Human Body: Learning Plan  - (6.69KB)