Biology 105: Human Physiology and Neurobiology
SPRING
DR. SPANIS
This course is designed primarily for Psychology majors. However it is a GE
course and thus open to any student interested in studying the human body, what its
composed of and how it works. Two-thirds of the course is assigned to the study of basic
human physiology and anatomy and the latter third to examining a highly specialized part
of the nervous system, the brain and also how it works. The texts are the same text used
by Physiology majors and Neuroscience majors. There are no allowances made in terms
of what is expected scholarship-wise of students who are diverse majors. All students in
this course will be considered physiology and neuroscience majors and must learn the
material of the text and the lectures if opt to get a good grade. The examinations are of
essay format and allow a wide range of material that you have learned and present for
assessment of your knowledge of the material you have learned. Three hours of lecture a
week with some demonstrations. Prerequisites: High school chemistry, anatomy and
physiology are strongly recommended.
Syllabus
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND NEUROBIOLOGY
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY LECTURE TOPICS
The table of contents outline will be sort of followed and adjusted by the instructor as he
feels is necessary depending on progress of the class.
NEUROBIOLOGY LECTURE TOPICS
The Brain
1. Evolution and comparative brains (examines gross features)
2. Anatomy of the Nervous System
3. The Neuron. Lifespan development of the brain.
4. Neural Communication
5. Synaptic transmission. A molecular and a pharmacological approach.
6. Circadian Rhythms and Sleep
7. Gender considerations. Female/ male differences based on biological approaches
Systems Neurobiology and Plasticity
Brief outline of sensory, motor and integrative systems.
Learning in simple systems. Learning in vertebrate systems
Learning disorders, diseases, stress
Required texts
Fox, Stuart Ira
Human Physiology, 9th ed. 2006.
Neurobiology text yet to be selected.
Wm. C. Brown
Procedure
Subject matter and other materials including power point presentations will be used in the
human physiology part of the course. The course outline will generally follow the text,
table of contents outlined as the instructor sees fit.
In the Neurobiology sections, the instructor will take more liberties with the material.
Exams are essay and liberal in subject matter presented by the student. The papers are
graded on the students knowledge of concepts and principles and awareness of what has
been discussed, and, to some extent on hard detail as recommended by the instructor.
Three examinations will be given, two in Human Physiology and one in Neurobiology
and spread out over the semester when deemed appropriate.
All examinations are graded on a competitive basis. If you submit one blue book with
minimal subject matter and another student submits 4 blue books with extensive material,
it follows that the second student will get the A and the former student a C. Of
course if the former student writes small, is well organized and takes advantage of his/her
knowledge of graphs, tables, figures he/she could well get the A. We will discuss exam
procedures in class.
Office hours are posted on instructors door (ST371). This instructor will go to great
lengths to help a student that works hard in this course, but if you sit in the back and read
a newspaper or never come to class, dont expect this instructor to chase you down the
hall to help you.
Grading: Three exams are each worth 100%. Final grade: 300 divided by 3 = 100%.
Letter grades follow the normal set up including +s and s. Good luck. Doc Spanis
