What to expect

Human Biology 130 provides an integrated unit on the structure and function of the human body with emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems: blood, endocrine, nervous, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, digestive and reproductive.   This unit is for students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree through the School of Pharmacy.   It is specifically designed to compliment Phamaceutical Biology 122 in Semester Two.

This unit requires active learning.   This can take several forms:

• Writing notes in lectures and NOT relying on downloading the lecturers' notes only.
• Taking notes while reading the textbook.
• Answering the questions in the workbook.
• Attending tutorials and practicals and taking an active role in these activities.

Expect to be challenged. We have set the unit up to encourage active learning and to develop self-directed study. While you will be provided with all the information you need, it will not be just handed to you, and you will not always be reminded of your obligations to yourself and others. You will be encouraged to be self-disciplined and to problem-solve, and you will see that, in science, there is not always a right answer or method. You will need to consider the views and beliefs of others as well as your own.

University study is hard work, and if you are studying full-time you will need to treat university as a full-time job. You'll need to be honest with yourself about the quality of your work because you're the one who will benefit from effective study practices.

Advice to be successful

• Attend the practical classes and tutorials and try to do background reading
• Do the questions in the workbook regularly as it gives an indication as to the style of questions asked in the exam
• Once you completed a topic try to integrate the information from the lectures, EOLs, practical and/or tutorial.   Each of these contributes a different aspect of the topic
• Revise continually
• Keep up with the study plan. Do not get behind.
• Make sure you download the EOL's and read them before the attending the practical session
• Attend the lectures
• Study from the beginning of the semester
• Be prepared and work consistently

Overview of HB130

This unit covers the structure and function of the following systems:

• Cells, organelles and tissues
  • Human Biology 130 begins with a look at the cell, and the role of individual components in the functioning of different cell types. The knowledge of basic cellular function will be used to investigate the four primary tissues and develop an understanding of the levels of organisation within the human body. We then focus on epithelia and connective tissue as examples of two primary tissues, using skin to contextualise their role in the human body.
• Blood
  • Blood is a connective tissue (plasma + formed elements) that transports nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body.   The different types of formed elements, constituents of plasma and blood parameters are examined.   This also includes a brief look at blood typing.
• Endocrine system
• This topic involves control of body structures and functions via hormones.   These are substances which can influence another cell in some way, usually to stimulate or inhibit a cellular process.   Endocrine organs, hormones and their modes of action are covered.
• Nervous System
• This topic will involve an introduction to the cells that make up this system and then investigate both the central and peripheral nervous systems by examining the structure of peripheral nerves which carry those signals to the spinal cord and brain, and the general role of the brain in sorting out and making us aware of this information (perception). Then we will examine receptors, the organs of sensation, and the signals they generate.   The focus will be on two very informative sense organs - the eye and the ear, and study vision, hearing and balance in some detail.
• Respiratory system
• Respiration involves various stages: Breathing or ventilation and the exchange of gaseous CO2 and O2 between atmosphere and cells of body; transport of respiratory gases and the control of respiration.   How this happens is examined in this topic.
• Digestive system
• This system describes how we obtain the nutrients we need from the environment.   Food that we consume is the raw material that enters our digestive system so that it can be broken down into amino acids, simple sugars and fatty acids which will be subsequently used as building blocks for the proteins, carbohydrates and lipids in the body.   How and where this happens is discussed in this topic.
• Musculoskeletal System
  • In this topic we find out how motor activity from the brain leads to purposeful movement.   First we look at bone tissue then we move on to joints, how they are classified, how they work and how effective they are.  We examine how skeletal muscle contracts to cause tension and create movements.
• Reproductive system
• The reproductive system produces, stores, looks after and transports male and female gametes.   The system consists of gonads, ducts and accessory glands that secrete fluids essential for these functions.   Differences and similarities between male and female systems are examined.

 

TEXTBOOK information

You should buy or be able to access the following textbook:

Marieb, E. and Hoehn, K. 2007

Human Anatomy & Physiology 7th edition, Benjamin Cummings.

Lab coats

A White laboratory coat is an essential part of your equipment for studying Human Biology. The Anatomy Act of WA requires that those viewing human cadaver material be suitably dressed, and by this we mean you have to look professional. However, if you require a white laboratory coat for any other unit, e.g., Chemistry, you can use the same coat.

The second hand bookshop sells second hand lab coats. You can also check the notice boards for second hand coats for sale.

ASSESSMENT

45% of the unit assessment is progressive. This comprises :

•  Computer based tests based on cells and tissues, blood, endocrine and nervous systems, respiratory and digestive systems.

•  Practical assessments

The remaining 55% of assessment are final practical and written examinations. You should pass the written exam to pass the unit. This is based on questions presented in lectures, EOLs and practicals throughout the semester. This is a combination of multichoice and short written answers.   The practical exam is based on the material presented in the practicals that you have undertaken throughout the semester.