Physiology studies normal body functions. Deviations from normal functions of organs/systems would lead to disease states. This course studies the mechanisms that progress to diseases from physiologic perspectives. The topics include diseases in the digestive, endocrine, muscle, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems. An introductory physiology course is required.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Scientific literature relevant to topics will be required for students taking the graduate level of Physiologic Basis of Diseases. For graduate students, three exams will account for 90% of the final grades. The remaining 10% of the final grade will be based on the quality of their submission of abstracts and videos. Students will be required to submit a one-page abstract and a 5-minute video presentation from the review article of their choice.
Athena Title
Physiologic Basis of Diseases
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in VPHY 4200 or VPHY 6200
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
VPHY 3100 or VPHY 3100E or VPHY 3107-3107D or CBIO 2210-2210L or CBIO 3710 or EHSC 2100 or PMCY 3000 or PMCY 3000E or POUL 4175 or POUL 4200/6200-4200L/6200L or WILD 4400/6400
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to describe the mechanisms that lead to functional alteration in organs/systems. Through this learning process, students will appreciate normal body functions at deeper levels.
Students will be able to comprehend how functions of different body systems are interrelated. The disease cases to be discussed will facilitate students’ ability to view how the body works from its holistic aspects.
Students will be able to utilize the analytical skills necessary to integrate their preexisting knowledge in physiology in assessing pathologic conditions. Students will then have the foundation to reason through the processes of new functional alterations they are to face.
Topical Outline
Peptic ulcer – the failure of protecting gastric mucosa
Acute pancreatitis – the digestive enzymes that target the body’s own tissue
Hyperthyroidism – the consequence of elevated basal metabolic rate
Myasthenia gravis – the loss of communication between nerve and muscle
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases – the problems with gas exchange
Glomerulonephritis – the fading ability of kidneys to filter blood
Diabetes mellitus – the alteration in insulin functions
Disseminated intravascular coagulation – the issues in excessive blood clotting
Circulatory shock – the problems with sudden decreases in blood volume
Stroke – the brain neurons’ constant need for O2
Atherosclerosis – the imbalance of fat metabolism and reactive O2 species
