Courses

Topic to be decided by faculty. Course may be repeated to total not more than 2 credits. By permission from department only. Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Relationships among research, research design, measurement, and data analysis provide the context for an introduction to basic concepts of research design and data analysis. Students will learn how to interpret statistics in peer-reviewed research and how to apply statistical methods to analyze data and address research questions in the sciences. Fall.

An introduction to the fundamentals of writing scientific reports and manuscripts of experimental research, with special emphasis on research in human physiology. Spring.

This course is designed to explore students’ understanding of how the three macronutrients are digested and absorbed, and the various roles they play in our body. Using this as a basis of understanding, the course will explore how the distribution and access to food impacts human health in the context of a global setting. Students will engage with how food equity and sustainability is a global issue and how socioeconomic and health outcomes are inherently linked to food access. Summer.

An introduction to the fundamentals of anatomical and physiological science, emphasizing basic cell processes as well as homeostasis and control. Basic cell processes include compartmentation of cells and tissues, bioenergetics, membrane dynamics, communication, integration, and homeostasis. Topics include cells, tissues, metabolism, the endocrine system, the nervous system, and muscle. Fall.

This laboratory covers physiology and both microscopic and gross anatomy of the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and integumentary system. Fall.

This course is a continuation of HPHY 241 emphasizing integration of function. Topics include the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and immune systems as well as fluid, electrolyte, acid base balance. Spring.

This laboratory covers the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems as well as vision, hearing, and equilibrium. Spring.

An introduction to the study of the role macro and micro nutrients including carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water play in bioenergetics. Additional topics include the anatomy and physiology of digestion, absorption, and the microbiome. Spring.

An introduction to the basic principles of kinesiology with emphasis on osteology, arthrology, and the mechanical interactions between the muscles and joints of the body. Spring.

Students gain experience in assisting in teaching and directing human physiology laboratory sections. The student must have successful completion of the lab for which the student will be a teaching assistant. By permission from department only. May be repeated for different lab courses (e.g., 241L and 242L) with departmental permission to total not more than 2 credits. Fall, Spring, Summer.

An introduction to the physical laws and mechanical aspects governing human motion which covers analysis of internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects of these forces. Topics include kinematics and kinetics of human motion, function of the musculoskeletal system, and mechanical analysis of movement. Fall. Prerequisite(s): (HPHY 205 and HPHY 210 and HPHY 242 and HPHY 242L and HPHY 274 and MATH 148 or higher and PHYS 102 and PHYS 102L) minimum cumulative g.p.a. in these courses must be a 2.0.

An introduction to techniques and experimental methods used in the study of human motion.

A course dealing with the nature and function of neuromuscular activity, circulation, metabolism, respiration and acid-base balance as they relate to exercise and performance. Fall. Prerequisite(s): (HPHY 205 and HPHY 210 and HPHY 242 and HPHY 242L and MATH 148 or higher and PHYS 102 and PHYS 102L) minimum cumulative g.p.a. in these courses must be a 2.0.

Laboratory study and techniques dealing with the evaluation of physiological capacities involved in rest, exercise, neuromuscular interactions, metabolism, respiration, and circulation. Fall.

Topic to be decided by faculty. Course may be repeated to total not more than 2 credits. By permission from department only. Fall, Spring, Summer.

The course covers the purposes, methods, and guidelines related to assessment of health, fitness, and function. Fall or Spring on need.

Students will develop skill in administering selected field and laboratory tests for assessing different components of health, fitness, and function. Fall or Spring on need.

Assessing and treating individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities, as well as other special populations. Content will include physiology and pathophysiology, exercise prescription, clinical applications, and current research related to a variety of diseases and conditions. Fall or Spring on need.

This course is designed for upper division students and will expand on the core cardiovascular concepts covered in HPHY 242. The course is designed to help students develop a detailed understanding of the physiology and regulation of the cardiovascular system. The course will cover concepts of myocardial function, peripheral vascular function and the integration and regulation of these two components of the cardiovascular system. Fall or Spring on need.

The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.

Laboratory research in the study of physiology or a related sub-discipline such as biomechanics or biomedical engineering. Students work in groups with a faculty advisor (course instructor) in proposing, researching and designing an experiment. Students will author a research proposal and conduct pilot work. Spring.

Laboratory research in the study of physiology or a related sub-discipline such as biomechanics or biomedical engineering. Students work in groups with a faculty advisor (course instructor) in conducting, analyzing, and presenting their research. Fall.

The course is an advanced examination of the cellular and physiological properties of neurons, neural communication / transmission, and the physiological manifestations of the nervous systems control. After examining neural cell function, we begin by exploring the neurophysiological systems involved in sensory pathways including proprioception and vestibular system, pain, vision, auditory, and chemical senses. Then, we apply this knowledge by examining the integration of these systems and their role in normal human physiological function, disease, and performance. Fall or Spring on need.

This course is designed to provide an overview of the concepts and theories foundational to the control of movement. Topics include the organization and application of neural signals, integration of internal and external feedback, and application of neuromuscular control principles in unimpaired and pathological populations. Fall or Spring on need.

This course offers an in-depth study of the anatomical organization of the human nervous system. Through a combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory experience, students will explore the gross and microscopic structure of the brain and spinal cord, and the relationships between structure and function. Students will also gain practical experience in the handling and examination of human brain specimens.

An in-depth study of specific topics in environmental physiology, including the cellular and systemic responses and adaptations of various organ systems to environmental stress. Fall or Spring on need.

This course will examine how and why we age, and why we are susceptible to age associated diseases with a focus on healthspan as well as lifespan. It will introduce epidemiology and terminology of aging, discuss theories on why we age, and examine the 9 hallmarks of aging in depth with an emphasis on etiology of those hallmarks in healthy aging and age associated disease. Fall or Spring on need.

This course will emphasize advanced physiological mechanisms of human cells including signal transduction pathways, cell cycle regulation, and epigenetics. These topics will also emphasize the pathophysiology of chronic human diseases that represent a challenge to modern society including cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Fall or Spring on need.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the broad field of biomedical engineering. Special focus will be placed on topics such as mechanical properties of biological tissues, biomaterials and their physiological interactions, biocompatibility, biomedical implants, medical imaging, robotics and prosthetics, and biomedical ethics. Fall or Spring on need.

An in-depth review of current research literature on specific topics in human physiology. This course prepares students to study, critically review and evaluate, and discuss results of human physiology research. Fall and Spring.

Topic to be decided by faculty. Course may be repeated to total not more than 2 credits. By permission from department only. Fall, Spring and Summer.

An introduction to some of the experimental techniques used in research in human physiology. Course content may vary with instructor. Course may be repeated to total not more than 2 credits. By permission from department only. Fall, Spring and Summer.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to receive 0 to 6 course credits for professional work experience in a human physiology-related field. The location, duration, learning activities, and specific learning objectives are decided upon through a written agreement established among the student, internship supervisor and the department. This course may be repeated to total not more than 3 credits and is graded as Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory. By permission from the department only. Credits for this course do not count toward HPHY required 300-400 level elective credits. Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course provides the motivated student with the opportunity to conduct or assist with a research project under the direction of a human physiology faculty member. Course may be repeated to total not more than 2 credits. Fall, Spring and Summer. By faculty permission only.

Required of all HPHY majors in their senior or final year. Spring.