Introduction to Physiology Learning Objectives

BI-274, Spring '03, Dr. C. S. Tritt

Be able to describe what emergent properties (or behaviors) are and how they arise.

Be able to describe any 4 of the 8 basic cellular needs discussed in lecture.

Be able to describe the 4 levels of organization typically recognized in multicellular organisms.

Be able to list the topics (organ systems) I plan to cover in this course.

Be able to describe at least one cost and one benefit of cellular specialization.

Be able to define homeostasis.

Be able to explain why control is important to multicellular organisms.

Be able to describe the purpose of negative feedback control systems.

Be able to explain the operation negative feedback control systems.

Be able to explain what is meant by the term closed loop as it applies to control systems.

Be able to name and describe 2 alternatives to negative feedback control.

Be able to explain the typical consequences of positive feedback.

Be able to speculate on the source of the complexity typically found in physiological control systems.

Be able to describe (in very general terms) how water is typically transported among compartments in the human body.

Be able to explain the mechanistic difference between diffusion and permeation.

Be able to name and describe three types of permeation across cell membranes (your book may use the term diffusion for these processes).

Be able to explain (in very general terms) a benefit of secreting inactive pro-enzymes and hormones.

Be able to explain the purpose and mechanism of operation of enzyme cascades.

Be able to give an example of each of the following in the human body: negative feedback control, feed forward control, open loop control, positive feedback, a pro-enzyme or hormone and an enzyme cascade.