Chairperson: Patrick Crosswhite
Professors: D. Thorp
Associate Professors: P. Crosswhite, C. Wutzke
Assistant Professors: J. Crissey, D. Kim, M. Lewis
Lecturer: J. Deckert, E. Marr, A. Underhill, A. Miller
The Bachelor of Science degree in Human Physiology provides a comprehensive examination of human body form and function from the molecular level to the whole organism. This examination begins with an introduction to fundamental physical and life sciences and is followed by in-depth study in all aspects of human anatomy, physiology, and function. This in-depth study includes human movement and biomechanics as well as applied physiology of exercise and physical activity, advanced systems physiology, and physiology of health and disease. Laboratory experiences are used to introduce students to the methods used in the scientific inquiry of human structure and function and culminate in conception and execution of a novel research project. The degree is unique within the University because it emphasizes the mechanisms of human function, adaptation, health and disease, as well as the fundamental process of science, and research methods in investigating human physiology. Because several courses may double-count for both the University Core Curriculum and the Human Physiology degree, the total credits needed to complete the University Core and Human Physiology degree is 104 credits. This can be further reduced by 6 credits if social justice and global studies requirements are carefully selected. Therefore, Human Physiology majors have a minimum of 24 additional elective credits to complete a minor and/or specific prerequisite courses for graduate or professional school.
Because prerequisites for admission to different graduate programs vary, students are advised to obtain the specific prerequisites from programs and schools of interest as early in their academic career as possible.
B.S. Major in Human Physiology: 63 credits |
|
| Science Core: 29 credits | |
| BIOL 105, BIOL 105L Information Flow in Biological Systems and Lab | 4 credits |
| CHEM 101, CHEM 101L General Chemistry I and Lab | 4 credits |
| CHEM 102, CHEM 102L General Chemistry II and Lab | 4 credits |
| MATH 148 or higher | 3 credits |
| PHYS 111 and PHYS 111L General Physics I and Lab | 5 credits |
| PHYS 112 and PHYS 112L General Physics II and Lab | 5 credits |
| One of the following two courses: | 3 credits |
|
PSYC 101 General Psychology
|
|
|
SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology
|
|
| Lower Division: 17 credits | |
| HPHY 205 Experimental Design and Statistics | 3 credits |
| HPHY 210 Scientific Writing | 3 credits |
| HPHY 241 and HPHY 241L Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab | 4 credits |
| HPHY 242 and HPHY 242L Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab | 4 credits |
| HPHY 274 Musculoskeletal Dynamics and Physiology | 3 credits |
| Upper Division: 23 credits | |
| HPHY 375 and HPHY 375L Biomechanics | 4 credits |
| HPHY 376 and HPHY 376L Exercise Physiology | 4 credits |
| HPHY 441L Guided Experimental Design |
1 credit |
| HPHY 442L Guided Research | 1 credit |
| HPHY 499 Culminating Experience | 1 credit |
| HPHY 300-400 level electives (three credits may be lower division science credits if approved by the department) |
12 credits |
Lower Division
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 205 Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
CHEM 101 Minimum Grade: D
and CHEM 101L Minimum Grade: D
and BIOL 105 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
HPHY 241L
Equivalent:
EXSC 241 - Taken before Fall 2027
This laboratory covers physiology and both microscopic and gross anatomy of the skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and integumentary system. Fall.
Concurrent:
HPHY 241
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 241 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 241L Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
HPHY 242L
This laboratory covers the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems as well as vision, hearing, and equilibrium. Spring.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 241L Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
HPHY 242
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 241 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 241L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 205 Minimum Grade: D
and (PHYS 101 Minimum Grade: D
or PHYS 111 Minimum Grade: D)
and (PHYS 101L Minimum Grade: D
or PHYS 111L Minimum Grade: D)
and HPHY 241 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 241L Minimum Grade: D
Upper Division
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 242 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 242L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Concurrent:
HPHY 375L
An introduction to techniques and experimental methods used in the study of human motion.
Concurrent:
HPHY 375
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.
Concurrent:
HPHY 376L
Laboratory study and techniques dealing with the evaluation of physiological capacities involved in rest, exercise, neuromuscular interactions, metabolism, respiration, and circulation. Fall.
Concurrent:
HPHY 376
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 376L Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
HPHY 401L
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.
Concurrent:
HPHY 401
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 376L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
(HPHY 375 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 375L Minimum Grade: D)
and (HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 376L Minimum Grade: D)
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 441L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 375 Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 242 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 242L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 376L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 376L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
(HPHY 375 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 375L Minimum Grade: D)
or ENSC 301 Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
(HPHY 375 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 376 Minimum Grade: D)
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 242 Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 242L Minimum Grade: D
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.
Prerequisite:
HPHY 441L Minimum Grade: D
and HPHY 442L Minimum Grade: D
In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.
The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.
Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?
- The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).
- Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
- Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
- Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
- Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.
Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?
- Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
- Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .
Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?
- Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?”
- Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).
The Broadening Courses
- Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
- Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.
- Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum
All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.