The course is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the function and regulation of the human body.
The course begins by exploring the basic anatomy of the human body and how different organs and systems work together to maintain homeostasis. The course then delves into the various physiological systems of the body, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems.
Students will learn about the mechanisms behind important physiological processes such as muscle contraction, hormonal regulation, and the immune response. The course also covers how the body responds to various environmental factors such as exercise, altitude, and temperature.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through interactive quizzes and case studies. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of human physiology and how the body maintains homeostasis in response to various internal and external factors.
Course Content:
The course Introductory Human Physiology on Coursera, created by Jennifer Carbrey, is divided into 6 parts, each covering a different aspect of human physiology. The course includes a total of 49 lectures and is designed to be completed in approximately 10 weeks.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the course:
Part 1: Introduction to Human Physiology (6 lectures)
- Introduction to the course and basic concepts in physiology
- Organization of the body and homeostasis
- Cellular physiology and membrane transport
- Physiology of tissues and organs
- Nervous system physiology
- Endocrine system physiology
Part 2: Musculoskeletal Physiology (6 lectures)
- Skeletal system physiology
- Muscle physiology and contraction
- Motor control and reflexes
- Exercise physiology
- Aging and musculoskeletal function
- Clinical applications
Part 3: Cardiovascular Physiology (9 lectures)
- Anatomy and physiology of the heart
- Cardiac electrophysiology and electrocardiography
- Cardiac cycle and cardiac output
- Blood pressure and regulation
- Circulation and gas exchange
- Control of blood flow
- Cardiovascular disease
Part 4: Respiratory Physiology (7 lectures)
- Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
- Pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange
- Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
- Neural and hormonal control of respiration
- Exercise and respiratory function
- Pathophysiology of respiratory diseases
Part 5: Renal Physiology (10 lectures)
- Anatomy and physiology of the urinary system
- Renal function and regulation
- Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion
- Urine formation and concentration
- Renal clearance and renal disease
- Acid-base balance and fluid-electrolyte balance
Part 6: Digestive Physiology (11 lectures)
- Anatomy and physiology of the digestive system
- Mouth and salivary glands
- Stomach and gastric motility
- Pancreas and liver function
- Small intestine and nutrient absorption
- Large intestine and elimination
- Regulation of appetite and obesity
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in interactive quizzes and discussions, and complete case studies to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The course is designed for learners with a basic understanding of biology and chemistry.
Reviews:
As a former student of the Introductory Human Physiology course, I found it to be an excellent introduction to the field of human physiology. The course is well-structured, with seven modules covering various physiological systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive. The course also covers topics such as muscle contraction, hormonal regulation, and the immune response.
One of the strengths of the course is the engaging and knowledgeable instruction provided by Dr. Jennifer Carbrey. She presents the material in a clear and accessible manner, and her enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. The lectures are well-organized, with clear outlines and diagrams to illustrate key concepts. In addition, Dr. Carbrey provides real-world examples and clinical cases to help students understand the relevance of the material.
The course also provides ample opportunities for active learning and student engagement. The online discussions and assignments allow students to apply their knowledge and test their understanding of the material. The quizzes and case studies provide immediate feedback, which helps students to identify areas where they need further study.
One of the highlights of the course for me was the use of technology to enhance student engagement and understanding. The interactive diagrams and animations were particularly helpful in visualizing physiological processes and mechanisms. The course also provides recommended readings and additional resources for students who want to dive deeper into specific topics.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Introductory Human Physiology course to anyone interested in learning about the human body and its physiological systems. The course provides a solid foundation for further study and is suitable for students with varying levels of prior knowledge in biology or physiology.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 4,570 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completing the Introductory Human Physiology course by Jennifer Carbrey on Coursera, learners can expect to gain several key skills, including:
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Understanding of human physiology: Students will develop a foundational understanding of the human body and its various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems.
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Knowledge of physiological processes: Learners will gain knowledge of the mechanisms behind important physiological processes such as muscle contraction, hormonal regulation, and the immune response.
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Critical thinking and problem-solving: The course includes case studies and interactive quizzes that allow students to apply their knowledge and test their understanding of human physiology.
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Scientific communication: Through online discussions and assignments, students will develop their ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly and effectively.
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Lifelong learning: The course provides a strong foundation for further study in human physiology and related fields, encouraging learners to continue to build their knowledge and skills beyond the course.
Overall, completing this course provides learners with a solid understanding of human physiology, which can be valuable for anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, medicine, or related fields.
Author:
Jennifer Carbrey is an Associate Professor of Physiology at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a PhD in Physiology from the University of Kentucky and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco. She has been teaching physiology at Emory since 2009 and has received numerous awards for her teaching and research.
As a researcher, Dr. Carbrey's work focuses on understanding the mechanisms of water transport in the body, particularly in the kidney and the inner ear. Her research has led to important insights into the role of certain proteins in regulating water movement and has implications for the treatment of various diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
As an educator, Dr. Carbrey is passionate about teaching physiology to students at all levels, from undergraduate to graduate and medical students. She has a reputation for being an engaging and effective instructor, and her teaching methods are grounded in active learning and the use of technology to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Overall, Jennifer Carbrey is a highly respected and accomplished physiologist and educator, with a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in her field and providing high-quality education to her students.
Requirements:
The requirements for the Introductory Human Physiology course by Jennifer Carbrey on Coursera are:
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Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry: The course assumes some prior knowledge of basic biology and chemistry concepts.
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Internet access: Students will need a reliable internet connection to access the course materials and participate in online discussions.
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Time commitment: The course consists of 7 modules and approximately 27 hours of video lectures, as well as interactive quizzes, case studies, and discussions. Students should plan to commit several hours per week to complete the course.
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English proficiency: The course is taught in English, and students should have a good command of the language to understand the lectures and participate in discussions.
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Willingness to learn: The course is designed for learners with a strong interest in human physiology and a desire to learn about how the body works.
Overall, the course requirements are designed to ensure that students have the necessary background knowledge and motivation to engage with the course content and complete the assignments.
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