About this course: In this course, students learn to recognize and to apply the basic concepts that govern integrated body function (as an intact organism) in the body's nine organ systems.
Created by: Duke University
Taught by: Jennifer Carbrey, Assistant Research Professor
Department of Cell Biology
Taught by: Emma Jakoi, Associate Research Professor
Department of Cell Biology
| Commitment | 22 hours of videos and assessments |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Chinese (Simplified) |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Welcome and Additional Resources
Start here!
1 video, 6 readings
Homeostasis and Endocrine System
Welcome to Module 2 of Introductory Human Physiology! We begin our study of the human body with an overview of the basic concepts that underlie the functions of cells and organs within the body and their integration to maintain life. This is an important intro...
6 videos, 1 reading, 2 readings
Graded: Homeostasis and Endocrine System Exam
WEEK 2
The Nervous System
We hope you are enjoying the course! Last week's lectures can be challenging because we introduce many concepts that may be new to you. This module will allow you to apply some of the concepts that you learned last week and provide you with more concrete examp...
5 videos, 2 readings, 1 reading
Graded: The Nervous System Exam
WEEK 3
The Senses and the Somatic Nervous System
In this module, we consider two types of cells: one that relays information to the central nervous system (brain) for interpretation and a second set, motor neurons which relay information away from the central nervous system to govern voluntary movement. The ...
5 videos, 1 reading, 1 reading
Graded: The Senses and the Somatic Nervous System Exam
WEEK 4
Muscle
In this module, we consider the effectors of the body that govern voluntary and involuntary movement. These effectors are specialized cells called muscle which are capable of generating force (tension). Muscle cells are classified as one of three types: skelet...
4 videos, 1 reading, 2 readings
Graded: Muscle Exam
WEEK 5
Cardiovascular System
Welcome back! In this module we consider how the circulatory system works to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the specific organs. We start with a discussion of the electrical and mechanical functions of the heart which enable it to generate a pressure gradient...
5 videos, 1 reading, 1 reading
Graded: Cardiovascular System Exam
WEEK 6
Respiratory System
We hope that you are enjoying the course! This module considers the respiratory system. In these lessons, we explore topics such as how we get air into our lungs, the role of airway resistance in ventilation, the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between...
8 videos, 1 reading, 1 reading
Graded: Respiratory System Exam
WEEK 7
The Endocrine System
IIn this module, we return our attention to the endocrine system and its role in the maintenance of homeostasis. In particular we consider the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, which integrates signals from the nervous system and from the blood to regulate most hom...
6 videos, 1 reading, 2 readings
Graded: The Endocrine System Exam
WEEK 8
The Reproductive System
Welcome back! This module continues our discussion of the endocrine system and its control of homeostasis. In this series of videos, we consider how the endocrine system regulates the production of gametes (egg and sperm) in the female and male, respectively, ...
4 videos, 1 reading, 1 reading
Graded: The Reproductive System Exam
WEEK 9
The Gastrointestinal System
Congratulations! You have almost completed this course. In this module, we consider the inner workings of your gut. Most of our discussions deal with the function of specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract where complex foods are processed into solutes...
4 videos, 1 reading, 1 reading
Graded: The Gastrointestinal System Exam
WEEK 10
The Urinary System
Welcome to module 11 and the last organ system to be covered in this course! In this module, we turn our attention to the urinary system and specifically to the functions of the kidney, a filter of the blood. The kidney is a complicated organ whose actions in...
6 videos, 1 reading, 1 reading
Graded: The Urinary System Exam
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Ratings and Reviews
The course was quite difficult to finish for a person with no physics and chemistry knowledge. However I still find it covering number of interesting topics and it allowed me to understand body a bit better. Thank you
Excellent quality of lectures, especially from the lead professor. Really helped me out as I am studying a similar course in a second language (Swedish) and I needed a lot of help with my key concepts in my own language. Have already
It is one of the hardest and most rewarding course I have ever taken, It open paths in my brain that I didn't know i had. Thank you for bringing this opportunity to someone like me. In my life, I would have never been able to attend Duke University
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Highly recommended.