Description: PSL201Y1 is an introductory course exploring how the human body functions in health and disease. It is intended for students interested in human physiology or seeking a foundational physiology course to support their studies in the health sciences or another discipline.
This course is for you if you have ever wondered why you blush when embarrassed, why your heart races before an important presentation, why some people must sit upright to sleep, why infants are wrapped in blankets even on a warm day, why standing up too quickly can make you dizzy, why beans give you gas, why tea makes you pee, or how your body recognizes and fights an infection.
Throughout the year, we will use physiology to investigate these questions and many others while examining the nervous, endocrine, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive, immune, and blood systems.
Recommended Preparation: A 100-level BIO course or equivalent.
Exclusion: Any 300-level PSL course taken previously or concurrently.
Students intending to pursue upper-year studies in Physiology or other life-science courses should carefully review their program requirements. PSL300H1 and PSL301H1 are commonly required prerequisites for upper-year courses, whereas PSL201Y1 may not satisfy those requirements.
Student Assessment: Three in-person term tests—best two of three, worth 25% each (50%); weekly online quizzes—best 17 of 20 (10%); and a cumulative in-person final examination (40%).
Students are expected to write all three term tests. Makeup term tests and quizzes are not offered.
Format: Approximately two hours of asynchronous video lectures are posted on Quercus each week.
Live, instructor-led Applied Learning Sessions (Physiology in Practice) are normally held online on Tuesdays from 6:10–7:00 p.m. These sessions reinforce key concepts and provide opportunities to apply foundational knowledge to physiological problems, real-world examples, and test- and exam-style questions.
Applied Learning Sessions are not recorded and are not held on term-test dates. Term tests are completed in person during the scheduled Tuesday evening course period. The cumulative final examination is scheduled by the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Course Website: Lecture videos, slides, announcements, quizzes, discussion boards, and assessment information are available to enrolled students through Quercus.
Text:Principles of Human Physiology by Cindy L. Stanfield, 6th edition. Older editions may be used, although assigned page numbers will generally refer to the 6th edition. Access to Mastering A&P is not required.
