Physiology and Biophysics Courses

PHSI 172. Experimental Physiology. 3 crs. Physiological principles examined in a laboratory setting through selected experiments to introduce the student to techniques, analysis, and interpretation of the properties and responses of the organ systems.

PHSI 200. Research in Physiology. 1-10 crs. Prereqs.: Credit or registration in PHSI 210, PHSI 204, PHSI 262.

PHSI 202. Advanced Physiology Seminar. 1 cr. Current research and concepts in physiology. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent. PHSI 204. Advanced Mammalian Physiology: Physiology II. 7 crs. Second part of a two-course sequence for majors in physiology. Continuation of an indepth analysis of the major organ systems. Nervous system is not included. Prereqs.: PHSI 262 and PHSI 206.

PHSI 205. Endocrinology. 3 crs. An analysis of the role and functions of the endocrine system in man. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent. PHSI 206. Neurophysiology. 3 crs. An examination of the basic principles and concepts in the functions and operation of the nervous system. Prereq.: Working knowledge of the basic principles of human physiology.

PHSI 207. Medical Neuroscience. 5 crs. An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the nervous system. Basic science and clinical faculty present lectures, laboratories and patient demonstrations on the principles of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, neurology, and neurosurgery. Course is presented during a mini- semester in the month of January and meets daily for the full day. Prereqs.: PHSI 206 and consent of the course coordinator for neurophysiology.

PHSI 208. Neuroscience Seminar. 3 crs. Interdisciplinary approach to study of the nervous system. Topics vary yearly. Prereqs.: Working knowledge of the basic principles of the nervous system and instructor’s consent.

PHSI 209. Neurophysiology Literature. 3 crs. Study of current and classic papers in neurophysiology. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent.

PHSI 210. Basic Medical Physiology. 7 crs. Graduate course for nonmajors. Basic principles of function and control of the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, alimentary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent.

PHSI 214. Comparative Neurophysiology. 3 crs. Comparative study of the anatomical and physiological aspects of the nervous system in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Prereq.: Consent of instructor.

PHSI 220. Pulmonary Physiology. 3 crs. Critical analysis of important scientific papers relative to control and regulation of respiration, and analysis of tests of pulmonary malfunction in its early states. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent.

PHSI 250. Cellular/Molecular Physiology. 3 crs. Integration of the structural, biochemical, and functional relationships of the cellular organelles, with emphasis on the interactions of the components in performing cell functions. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent.

PHSI 251. Advances in Endocrinology. 3 crs. An exploration of current research trends and concepts in endocrinology. Course content varies. Molecular endocrinology, reproductive endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, steroid hormones, and clinical endocrinology are covered in each cycle. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent.

PHSI 260. Cardiovascular Physiology. 3 crs. Didactic presentations and detailed discussions of important research papers covering concepts of cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac muscle mechanics and energetics, cardiovascular regulation and the physics of blood flow. Selected laboratory demonstrations of the microelectrode technique, and methods for assessing myocardial performance are presented. Prereqs.: PHSI 204, PHSI 210, instructor’s consent.

PHSI 262. Physiology I. 3 crs. First part of a two-course sequence for majors in physiology. An indepth analysis of the major organ systems which continues in PHSI 204. Nervous system is not included.

PHSI 269. Renal Physiology. 3 crs. Examination of the physiological processes involved in the formation and excretion of urine, with a detailed study of the kidney’s role in regulating ECF composition and volume, renal failure, hypertension, and other aspects of abnormal renal function. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent.

PHSI 300. Dissertation Seminar. 1 cr. Discussion of dissertation problems and assimilation of dissertation data. Advisor’s consent.

PHSI 302. Special Problems. 4 crs. Short-term, limited research problems in a field of physiology or biophysics other than that of the major dissertation problem.

PHSI 170. Models in Physiology. 2 crs. Simple mechanical and electrical models to simulate physiologic systems will be studied using elementary calculus concepts. Prereq.: Instructor’s consent. Fall semester, alternate years.