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Course Descriptions

100-level General Education courses

HPHY 103 Exercise and Performance (4)

Structure and function of the human body including movement analysis. Topics include training and exercise responses; sport, daily living, and workplace performance; and injury adaptations. The course format is lecture and small group discussion. This course satisfies a group requirement for SCIENCE. No prereqs. Open to all majors.

HPHY 105 Principles of Nutrition (4)

Explore the fundamentals of nutrition and its application to culture, lifestyle, and health as they relate to humans across the lifespan. This class has been designed both to meet nutrition requirements for students seeking health science careers and to educate students about the importance of nutrition to their overall health and wellness. The course goals include mastery of the physiology related to human digestion, as well as an understanding of both macro and micro nutrients and their importance in human health. This class will then help students tackle the questions of how to gain weight, lose weight and prevent chronic diseases by examining scientific research and scientific reasoning. This course satisfies the criteria for group status in the sciences in that it introduces students to the foundations of human nutrition as a scientific discipline that overlaps with the science disciplines of human physiology, medicine, and public health. Students will increase their depth of nutrition knowledge in discussion sections as they gain practical application and practice their verbal skills in relaying scientific information. They will also learn to use a critical eye when examining media recommendations of nutrition. Students will be encouraged to retain the information they are learning via one in-class examination, and a cumulative final exam. The course format is lecture and small group discussion. This course satisfies a group requirement for SCIENCE. No prereqs. Open to all majors.

HPHY 111 The Science of Sex (4)

The anatomy and physiology of sex, with assignments and discussions designed to develop scientific literacy. This 100-level course has been designed for non-science majors fulfilling their science groupsatisfying requirement. The objectives of the course are to 1) empower non-science majors with the tools that science literacy offers them to answer questions about their own health and wellness and 2) provide students with the resources to better understand human anatomy and physiology as it relates to sexual function. The course will include daily preparatory assignments that set the stage for active learning in the classroom. In addition, each student will pursue a unique topic and then design and conduct their own mini-research project, concluding with dissemination of their findings to the class. The course will use science journalist Mary Roach’s book “Bonk: the curious coupling of science and sex” as a scaffolding and beginning point for further exploration. This course will include frank, open and scientific discussions on topics that are often ignored due to culture stigma, but have a great impact on human health and wellness. Students should come prepared for lively, light-hearted, brazen, direct, scientifically accurate and interesting preparatory assignments and discussions on the anatomy and physiology of human sexual function. The course format is lecture and small group discussion. This course satisfies a group requirement for SCIENCE. No prereqs. Open to all majors.

HPHY 112 The Science of Health (4)

Everyday we are continually bombarded with information about fitness, nutrition, disease, and what we should be doing in order to be healthier individuals. But is there really one tip that will cut my belly fat? Do I really only need 10 minutes of exercise a day? Does pomegranate juice really prevent cancer? This course is designed to provide you with a framework for how to critically assess health claims such as these, as well as help you gain a more holistic view of what true health really means. Using the scientific method as a scaffold, and drawing on core concepts of physiology learned throughout the course, you will be empowered to make informed decisions about whether the health claims and issues you see in the popular media are legitimate or bogus. More specifically, during weekly discussion groups you will practice accessing and interpreting research articles on health related topics and controversies. By the end of the term you will be able to identify the difference between different types of studies and various questions they address, as well as explain how, in general, experimental findings are articulated amongst the research community. Through weekly practice of researching popular health questions, you will become familiar with criteria for assessing the quality of research and critically questioning the claims research studies make. The course format is lecture and small group discussion. This course satisfies a group requirement for SCIENCE. No prereqs. Open to all majors.

200-level Required of Major

HPHY 211 Medical Terminology (3)

Explore and develop skills in language and terminology specific to the medical sciences with an emphasis on derivation, meaning, and pronunciation. This course is designed to give the student a solid, basic overview of terminology used in the medical, health, and biological sciences fields. The class presents prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, pleural forms, special forms, abbreviations, and symbols of common medical terms. An emphasis is placed on correct pronunciation, spelling and usage in order to more effectively communicate in a medical, health, or science field. Students will develop their skills in correct use of medical terminology while building a strong cognitive understanding of both its technical meaning and clinical application. No prereqs. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 212 Scientific Investigation in Physiology (formerly Evidence, Inference, and Biostatistics, 4)

This course is designed as a critical, first look into the core philosophy and principles of learning and investigation in human physiology. The primary objectives are to help students build a practical foundation of process and content on which success in upper division courses and independent study/research can be supported, and the connection between laboratory science and the practice of medicine established. The course will emphasize practical activities that will help students think as scientists, gather/manage data, and facilitate its translation into useful questions and conclusions. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: describe how new physiology knowledge is created; describe how new physiology knowledge is communicated to scientists and the general public; perform basic statistical tests; fulfill the requirements necessary to participate in human subjects research; discuss the key factors necessary for navigating a Human Physiology major at the University of Oregon; and demonstrate the keys steps required for lab reports. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

300-level Required of Major

HPHY 321 Human Anatomy I (5)

Introduction to the human body and histology; nerves; central, autonomic, and peripheral nervous systems; cranial nerves; regional anatomy of the head; special senses. Includes cadaver laboratory. This course will use both a system & regional approach to uncover the anatomy of the skull, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, facial muscles, special senses (auditory and visual systems), vertebral column, thoracic skeleton, and muscles of the trunk. You will first become comfortable with the language of anatomy and learn about the tissues that make up the body. You will uncover information throughout the term and put this material together in your own unique anatomy resource, called your “External Brain”. Discussions in lecture will explore head injuries, concussions, cranial nerve dysfunction, lesions of the spinal cord, and the musculoskeletal system of the trunk. The laboratory experience will complement the lecture material, and allow us the unique opportunity to explore preserved and prosected human bodies, obtained through the body donation program at Western University of Health Sciences – COMP Northwest, in addition to anatomical models and charts. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 322 Human Physiology I (5)

Neuro- and muscular physiology: action potentials; synapses and receptors; skeletal muscle; central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems; special senses. Includes human-based laboratory. The focus of this course will be the nervous system, muscle physiology, and special senses. Discussions will include ion movement, action potentials, synapses & receptors, the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems, excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle and the mechanisms specific to vision, hearing, smell & taste, in addition to the somatosensory system. Information will be uncovered as you create your own unique book called your “External Brain”, which you will use both in class and during examinations as you apply your knowledge to novel clinical scenarios. Complementary laboratory experiences will provide the opportunity to collect data on yourself and lab-mates using the PowerLab system. Our goal is for you to become deeply knowledgeable about human physiology, and be able to apply the information you have compiled to clinical or research situations.  Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 323 Human Anatomy II (5)

Heart, lungs, and vasculature in addition to regional exploration of the musculoskeletal system. Includes cadaver laboratory. This course will use both a system & regional approach to uncover the anatomy of the heart, respiratory, lymphatic and the appendicular musculoskeletal system. You will uncover information throughout the term and put this material together in your own unique anatomy resource, called your “External Brain”. Discussions in lecture will explore heart valve dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, coronary blood flow, mechanics of respiration, and the anatomy of the upper & lower extremities. The laboratory experience will complement the lecture material, and allow us the unique opportunity to explore preserved and prosected human bodies, obtained through the body donation program at Western University of Health Sciences – COMP Northwest, in addition to anatomical models and charts.  Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 324 Human Physiology II (5)

Cardiovascular system; respiratory system; immunology. Includes human-based laboratory. The focus of this course will be the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems. Discussions will include the electrophysiology of the heart, cardiac cycle, smooth muscle control, blood pressure regulation, the components of blood, innate & acquired immunity, mechanics of ventilation-perfusion matching and control of respiration. Information will be uncovered as you create your own unique book called your “External Brain”, which you will use both in class and during examinations as you apply your knowledge to novel clinical scenarios. Complementary laboratory experiences will provide the opportunity to collect data with lab-mates using the PowerLab system. Our goal is for you to become deeply knowledgeable about human physiology, and be able to apply the information you have compiled to clinical situations.  Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 325 Human Anatomy and Physiology III (5)

Anatomy and physiology of the digestive, reproductive, and renal systems; endocrinology. Includes combination of cadaver laboratory and human-based laboratory. This course will use both a systems & regional approach to uncover the anatomy and physiology of the digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and integument systems. Discussions in lecture will explore related clinical topics, including: ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, fluid balance, acid/base regulation, kidney failure, diabetes, pituitary gland dysfunction, and the physiology of the female orgasm, reproductive cycle and pregnancy. The laboratory experience will complement the lecture material, and allow us the unique opportunity to explore preserved and prosected human bodies, obtained through the body donation program at Western University of Health Sciences – COMP Northwest, in addition to anatomical models and charts.  Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 371 Physiology of Exercise (4)

Physiology of exercise, physical conditioning, and training: significance of these effects for health and performance. The physiology of exercise includes studying the physiological effects and responses by the body to the stressor of exercise. This course will focus on some of the fundamental concepts of exercise physiology such as how different energy systems allow the human body to supply energy for activities less than 30 seconds up to hours of exercise. Central to exercise physiology is the understanding of how the body is able to transport oxygen to liberate energy for use by the working muscles. We will also focus on how the metabolic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems respond to the demands of exercise and how routine exercise (i.e., exercise training) modifies these systems, and the significance of these effects for health and performance. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

300-level Electives

HPHY 333 Motor Control (4)

Introduction to the processes of control and coordination in the performance of motor skills. Neurophysioloical, mechanical, and cognitive bases of motor skill acquisition. This course provides an overview of the role of the brain and nervous system in the control of human movement. In this course, students will gain a better understanding of the neurophysiological principles underlying movement behavior. Concepts in sensory and motor systems physiology will be discussed in the context of the control of balance, locomotion and other skilled movements. These fundamental concepts of normal motor control will also be applied to understand motor deficits in clinical populations. We will also focus on motor learning and skill acquisition, with an emphasis on applications to motor development and rehabilitation. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors with instructor approval.

HPHY 337 Clinical Pharmacology (4)

Clinical pharmacology is a clinically oriented, hybrid lecture course that examines the pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), pharmacodynamics, therapeutic considerations and adverse effects of select prototypes from within each drug family. The student will work alone and in groups to arrive at evidenced based conclusions drawn from clinical case studies. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 362 Tissue, Injury, and Repair (4)

Exploration of the physiology of injury and trauma. Emphasis on inflammation and healing of connective tissue injury as well as therapeutic strategies and rationale. This course involves three major components: 1. musculoskeletal injury as the result of trauma and the associated inflammatory and tissue repair processes, 2. tissue biomechanics (e.g. bone, ligament, tendon behavior when under physiological load and what mechanisms lead to injury), and 3. orthopaedic assessment of musculoskeletal injury (including mechanisms of injury for specific joint structures, signs and symptoms of these injuries, and relevant prognosis. The general theme across the term is considering how anatomical and neuromechanical factors lead to musculoskeletal injury, how to assess these injuries, and what factors might influence acute and long term care. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 374 Clinical ECG & Exercise (4)

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of pathophysiology, diagnostic testing, exercise prescription and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases. Incorporated throughout the course, students will learn the fundamentals of electrocardiography and how this tool is applied in both the diagnostic and rehabilitative settings. The primary emphasis will be on cardiac and vascular diseases, but will include an introduction to other special populations. A specific focus will be on electrocardiography as it related exercise stress testing and exercise rehabilitation. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 375 Metabolism & Nutrition (4)

Exploration of cellular, tissue, and whole body integrated metabolic processes as the basis of physiologic function. This course will focus on integrating the metabolism of macronutrients at the cellular, tissue, and whole body systems level. Students will build on the physiological systems knowledge gained through the Anatomy and Physiology sequence by exploring the effect of nutrition and metabolism in human growth, function, and health. Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

HPHY 381 Biomechanics (4)

Fundamental principles of physics applied to the analysis of human movement. Emphasis on developing abilities to analyze human movements quantitatively. This course provides an introduction to the principles of biomechanics, emphasizing the contribution of biomechanics to understanding human movement, and development of mechanical and anatomical concepts related to human performance. Upon completion of this course, each student should be able to use precise, well-defined terminology to describe motion; understand how to use Newton’s laws to study forces and torques; analyze the mechanical properties of biological tissues; understand and quantify linear and angular descriptors of human motion (kinematics); understand the relationship between linear and angular characteristics of motion; understand and quantify the basic causes of human movement (kinetics). Prereqs apply. Open to non-majors after initial registration period.

400-level Electives

HPHY 401 Research (1-15)

For students completing extensive research experiences.

HPHY 403 Thesis (1-4)

For honors students during the terms in which they conduct research or write a thesis. No prereqs, but instructor or departmental approval required. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 404 Internship (1-15)

Field experience in an agency, institution, or business. Practice knowledge from courses: planning, organizing, directing, evaluating, and developing professional competence. No prereqs, but instructor or departmental approval required. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 405 Reading and Conference (1-15)

Reading and assignments in connection with other courses for extra credit or honors readings. No prereqs, but instructor or departmental approval required. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 406 Special Problems

No prereqs, but instructor or departmental approval required. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 408 Workshop

No prereqs, but instructor or departmental approval required. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 409 Anatomy/Physiology Teaching Assistant

Opportunities to actively participate in the Department of Human Physiology’s undergraduate teaching mission are available through various Teaching Assistant (TA) positions. TA positions are available for both the Anatomy and the Physiology

  • The Laboratory TA will actively participate in one weekly lab section, attend a weekly TA prep session, complete weekly lab preparation assignments, follow and support the course teaching philosophy.
  • The Peer Tutor TA will facilitate informal student learning by holding drop-in office hours in the Anatomy & Physiology study room (located in the Science Library), prompt student discussion during lecture, and engage in online student discussion board posts. Peer tutors will prepare for each class by completing External Brain assignments and meeting weekly with the course instructor.
  • The Lecture Grader TA will assist with the grading of External Brain assignments and short answer exam questions.

Instructor or departmental approval required. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 409 Practicum (1-15)

Current topics include Preoccupational Therapy and Prephysical Therapy. No prereqs, but departmental approval required, through online application.

HPHY 409 Practicum application

HPHY 411 Scientific Teaching (1)

This course is designed for students currently completing the Human Anatomy and Physiology core sequence, and who are interested in serving as future Learning Assistants in the Human Physiology Department. This course will also be valuable for students interested in better understanding how people learn, the research backing up best teaching practices, and how to implement strategies to help others learn while increasing student belonging, representation and voice. You can expect to complete thought provoking pre-class assignments, and to engage weekly in an interactive community of learning in the classroom. Prereqs apply.

HPHY 420/520 Human Cadaver Dissection (2)

In-depth study and dissection of one region of a preserved human cadaver. Interested applicants must complete 300-level Anatomy courses & apply early February. This experience focuses on the dissection of a preserved human body for HPHY 321, 323, and 325 courses through isolation of specific anatomical structures. The goal is to provide the dissection student an opportunity to explore the human anatomy as it unfolds from the superficial through the deep tissues of the body. Students spend the first week doing independent study, investigating the region of the body they have been assigned, making notes on the tissues they will uncover layer by layer, and preparing dissection plans. Weeks 2-10 will be spent in the anatomy lab performing dissection. Applications are due early February, and students are selected based on current major/minor, academic standing, academic performance and ability to work independently. Applicants must have completed the 300-level anatomy lecture and lab sequence. Approximately 80 spots are available in total each spring term (70 undergraduate, 10 graduate). Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

400-level Capstone

HPHY 410* New 400-level capstone courses are being developed!

Check with the department for the latest new course offerings.

HPHY 412/512 Sleep Physiology (4)

Fundamental principles of sleep and how physiology is affected by sleep. This class examines the fundamental principles of sleep and how it affects physiology; specifically, homeostasis is maintained in NREM but not in REM Sleep. This integrated lecture/lab course will allow the students to develop an understanding of the complexities of homeostatic mechanisms in multiple physiologic systems. Homeostasis is a fundamental principle of physiology, yet during rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep the body loses the ability to maintain homeostasis meaning one of two things: Either “sleep is the biggest mistake evolution has ever made” or sleep is so important that we are willing to temporarily give up the ability to maintain homeostasis to get sleep. This course will investigate which one of these statements is correct. This course will also introduce the students to the most recent developments/ideas in many areas of integrative physiology as they pertain to sleep and maintenance of homeostasis. This course is designed to expand upon HPHY 321-325, as it requires integration of this material to understand the complex physiological processes of homeostasis in humans and animals. Furthermore, this course requires students to apply themselves via hands-on polysomnographic measurements of sleep in healthy humans (physiology) and in patients with sleep disorders (pathophysiology). Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 413/513 Muscle Structure, Function, & Plasticity (4)

Physiologic basis for skeletal muscle adaptation to increased and decreased use and injury. Emphasizes how structure dictates function relevant to rehabilitation. This course will cover skeletal muscle cell/tissue physiology with a focus on adaptation to increased and decreased use, and response to injury using experimental conditions that demonstrate how structure dictates function. Chapter 1 will cover muscle development and anatomy as the significance of structure throughout the course. Chapter 2 will focus on mechanical and physiological properties of skeletal muscle, including muscle structure-functional relationships and neuromuscular system. Chapter 3 focuses on the way muscles, tendons, and joints interact to produce movement and integrate the information form chapters 1 and 2. Chapter 4 presents various models of increased use and detailing the various cellular responses to experimental conditions resulting in adaptive change to ‘increased use.’ Chapter 5 describes models of decreased use and how muscle cells adapt. Chapter 6 will cover the response to injury and integrate clinical manifestations of increased, decreased use with injury response, i.e., Ch 4-6. Relevant journal articles will be integrated with chapters 4-6 that will emphasize rehabilitation and biomedical application. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 413/513 Syllabus Fall 14

HPHY 414/514 Muscle Metabolism (4)

Metabolic basis for skeletal muscle adaptation to increased and decreased use, and injury models. Emphasizes inter-organ communication; uses clinical models. This course will cover skeletal muscle cell/tissue metabolism with a focus on adaptation to increased and decreased use, and response to injury using experimental conditions that demonstrate how skeletal muscle serves as the primary amino acid reservoir for whole body homeostasis. The first half of this course will cover basic skeletal muscle biochemistry and metabolism from selected book chapters and primary research articles. We will cover bioenergetics; ATP homeostasis; glycogenolysis and glycolysis; cellular oxidation of Pyruvate and Lactate; lipid metabolism; metabolism of proteins and amino acids. The second half of this course will use primary journal articles covering muscle metabolism as it relates to muscle protein anabolism and catabolism, starvation, immobilization with clinically relevant examples and how functional mobility is affected in young and older populations. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 422/522 Physiology of Obesity (4)

Investigates the metabolic adaptations that occur in response to chronic over-nutrition leading to obesity and molecular basis for the development of insulin resistance. This integrated lecture/discussion course will allow students to develop an integrative understanding of the cellular and molecular changes in metabolism that occur with obesity. This course will expand upon HPHY 325 and 371 as it requires integration of this material and basic biochemistry to understand the complex hormonal regulation of metabolism. Specifically, we will investigate the elegant coordination of tissues and key cellular signaling pathways that function in each to control glucose and lipid metabolism in fed and fasted state in typical lean individuals contrasted with the metabolic impairments that occur in typical obese individuals. The class will also explore the complexities of identifying the cause(s) of the obesity epidemic, the science (or not) behind different weight loss strategies, and prevention programs. This course will rely heavily on primary research articles to explore the current theories in obesity sciences and to develop a working knowledge of laboratory techniques commonly used in metabolic research. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 423/523 Physiology of Aging (4)

Examines changes that occur to cells and organs in old age and the causes of age-related disease and dysfunction (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s); interventions to increase longevity. It is projected that by the year 2050 in the United States, the population over 65 years of age will be 88.5 million, or ~20% of the population. Advancing age is a major factor for a number of diseases/disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. In this course we will discuss the changes that occur in old age to cells and organs with the goal to further our understanding of the causes of age-related disease and dysfunction. We will also explore interventions aimed at increasing longevity and treated age-related diseases. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 432/532 Neural Development (4)

Exploration of development of the cells in the nervous system. We will discuss the importance of “critical periods” in development and how interventions or dysfunction during critical periods can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders using the respiratory system as a model system. The nervous system plays a critical role in our lives and is a system undergoing much change, especially in utero and during the first few days/weeks of life. Most physiologic systems are functioning at birth, but not yet mature. The nervous system plays a vital role in the development of many systems with development of the nervous system itself involving a set of superbly timed events. We will be using the respiratory system as a model to explore how this vital homeostatic system functions at birth and undergoes substantial changes during the first few days of life. This class will explore general concepts related to development of the cells in the nervous system and allow students to explore critical periods in their specific system of interest. We will discuss the importance of “critical periods” in development and how interventions or dysfunction during those critical periods can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders using the respiratory system as a model system. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY and NS majors.

HPHY 433/533 Neurophysiology of Concussion (4)

Investigate diagnosis, deficits, and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury and neurophysiological effects. This lecture/discussion course will uncover many topics surrounding cerebral concussion, or “mild” traumatic brain injury, including (but not limited to): epidemiology, mechanism(s) of injury, functional (motor & cognitive) deficits, assessment (neuropsychological, imaging/structural, motor), treatment, rehabilitation, long-term dysfunction, and “return to play” guidelines. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of the underlying neurophysiological effects, structural changes, and the functional deficits associated with concussion. As such, you will be expected to utilize and integrate your knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and motor control to understand the complexities of brain injury. By the end of this course, you will understand and be able to articulate the most recent developments, research, and controversies surrounding this rapidly changing and dynamic field. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 434/534 Movement Disorders (4)

Discusses the clinical manifestations and underlying physiological mechanisms of selected movement disorders. Emphasizes the role of scientific experiment in diagnosis and treatment. This integrated lecture/discussion course will allow students to develop an understanding of the physiology underlying selected movement disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and stroke. In this course we will explore neuromuscular principles and the most recent scientific research developments guiding diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Students are also exposed to laboratory-based experimental design to further enhance the understanding and appreciation of advancements in diagnostic and treatment procedures. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY and NS majors.

HPHY 435/535 Physiology of Fatigue (4) not currently offered
In this course, we will discuss the underlying physiology of the neuromuscular system and manifestation of neuromuscular fatigue. The course will provide a framework to clarify the meaning of muscle fatigue, evaluate the various investigative techniques, and understand the underlying sites/mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue at the supraspinal, spinal and peripheral levels. An emphasis will be placed on the task- and muscle-dependent nature of fatigue, and how these characteristics can lead to differences in fatigability with respect to age, sex, training status and/or disease. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 436/536 Clinical Neuroscience (4)

This course covers neurological diseases and disorders from a neuroscience perspective. The focus will be on applying basic neuroscience principles to better understand clinical practices including patient diagnosis and treatments. When the brain is working well, it is capable of incredible things, however, in cases of disease, the effects can be devastating. According to the National Institutes of Health it is estimated that about 50 million people in the US (20%) suffer from neurological damage or disease. In this class we will learn what tools neurologists and neuroscientists have at their disposal to diagnose and treat disease, including neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and neurological examination, and discuss how these can be used to diagnose and treat neurological disease. Content will also include basic symptoms and pathophysiology of neurological diseases/disorders and evaluating case studies. Students will read journal articles and work in groups to give group presentations. . Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY and NS majors.

HPHY 444 Clinical Anatomy (4)

This course is designed for students who have completed the anatomy and physiology sequence and are pursuing a career in a health related field. The goal is not to acquire new anatomy content, but to apply the anatomical knowledge learned in previous courses to the context of clinical practice. Learning will be driven by clinical cases giving students the opportunity to predict what anatomical structures are involved in the injury or condition, propose possible diagnoses, explain potential mechanisms of injury, and palpate relevant anatomy structures. Through engagement with a health professional of their choice, students will also
gain perspective into what cases or procedures are particularly common in their field of interest. In addition to the overarching goal of applying basic anatomy in the context of clinical cases, professional skills such as self assessment, giving and receiving feedback, as well as organzing and delivering oral presentations will be discussed and practiced throughout the course. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 462 Therapeutic Techniques (4)

Clinical application of therapeutic techniques including modalities and rehabilitation for soft-tissue orthopedic injuries. The course is intended to advance the student’s knowledge of tissue injury and repair by introducing the clinical application of therapeutic techniques including modalities and rehabilitation. Therapeutic modalities comprise the application of superficial heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, cryokinetics, and massage. Rehabilitation to focus on manual, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and stretching techniques, in addition to open and closed kinetic chain exercises, plyometrics and aquatic therapy. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 470/570 Environmental Physiology (4)

Examination of physiological adaptations to acute and chronic exposure to extreme heat, cold, high altitude, and diving. The overall goal of this class is for you to learn how the human body adapts to acute and chronic challenges imposed on it by the environment. We will consider what happens when you find yourself stranded in the desert without water, caught out in a blizzard, or trapped under ice. We will discuss why an elite mountaineer can climb Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen, yet when an aircraft depressurizes at the same altitude, its occupants lose consciousness in seconds. We will learn about the limits of the human body, and how to push those limits to the extreme. Emphasis will be placed on learning the underlying concepts of environmental physiology, the evidence that supports them, and how they can be applied to advance human health and performance. You will be evaluated on your ability to write and speak using the vocabulary and concepts in this area of study and your ability to integrate theory and practice. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 472 Science of Athletic Performance (4) not currently offered

Investigate how athletes and coaches apply exercise physiology concepts to training and performance enhancement. This integrated lecture/lab course explores the physiology behind training methods used by elite level athletes and coaches to test athlete physiology, train specific physiological systems, and enhance athletic performance, specifically focusing on endurance performance. This course will expand on concepts learned in Physiology of Exercise (HPHY 371), by exploring the most recent practical techniques scientific literature in endurance performance. Students will use the equipment in the Bowerman Sports Science Clinic to gain hands-on experience in physiological testing which may include: body composition, maximal oxygen consumption, lactate threshold, anaerobic capacity, and pulmonary function testing. Depending on scheduling, some testing may be conducted on collegiate athletes. Students will also explore the physiological basis and scientific support for training methods used by elite athletes and coaches. Discussion of ergogenic aids and nutritional supplements will help students develop an understanding of the range of components affecting athletic performance. This course will provide students with the skills to conduct physiological assessments that are used both in clinical and athlete populations, as well as the skills to critically evaluate proposed physiologic mechanisms. Students will come away from the course with an understanding of how to test athletic fitness and apply training programs to improve specific areas of fitness. “The thinking must be done first, before the training begins.” (Peter Coe). Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

HPHY 473/573 High Altitude Physiology and Medicine (4)

Explores major physiologic responses to high altitude (hypoxia), both adaptive and maladaptive, from systems to molecular level, as well as pathophysiologic conditions at high altitude. This integrated lecture/lab/discussion course will allow the students to develop an understanding of the physiological adaptations that occur in response to ascent to high altitude (or low oxygen, hypoxia). This course will also introduce the students to the most recent developments/ideas in many areas of integrative physiology as they pertain to hypoxia and high altitude. This course is designed to expand upon HPHY 325 as it requires integration of this material to understand the complex physiological processes of human and animal adaptation to low oxygen. Furthermore, this course requires students to apply themselves via hands-on physiological testing in low oxygen conditions as part of their laboratory component of the course. Students will measure hypoxic ventilatory responses, maximal oxygen consumption and cardiovascular responses to hypoxia, perform cognitive function tests and investigate the mechanisms controlling cerebral blood flow in hypoxia. A discussion will alternate each week with the labs to enhance and deepen the understanding of the physiological responses tested during the prior laboratory experiment. Prereqs apply. Restricted to HPHY majors.

600-level courses

HPHY 601 Research (variable credits)

HPHY 603 Dissertation (variable credits)

HPHY 605 Reading and Conference (variable credits)

HPHY 606 Special Problems (variable credits)

HPHY 607 Seminar (variable credits)

HPHY 608 Workshop (variable credits)

HPHY 609 Practicum (variable credits)

HPHY 611 Professional Skills I: Effective Teaching (1)

Development of professional skills for academic careers related to human physiology. This lecture/discussion course will explore various topics related to teaching at the College and University level. It is designed for Human Physiology graduate students, not only to support their current role as a Graduate Teaching Fellow but also to prepare them for teaching experiences they may engage in after graduate school. The course content will include both philosophical conversations about how learning occurs, as well as details regarding syllabus preparation and test design.

HPHY 612 Professional Skills II: Responsible Research (1)

Development of professional skills for academic careers related to human physiology. This lecture/discussion course will explore various topics related to the responsible conduct of research. It is designed for Human Physiology graduate students, not only to support their current role as graduate researcher assistants but also to prepare them for research experiences they may engage in after graduate school. The course content will include both philosophical conversations about what constitutes responsible conduct in research, as well as details regarding regulations and documentation within academia and in the context of publishing and grant writing. HPHY 612 Website

HPHY 613 Professional Skills III: Career Development (1)

Development of professional skills for academic careers related to human physiology. This lecture/discussion course will explore various topics related to the career development within the field of human physiology. It is designed for Human Physiology graduate students to prepare them for engagement in academia after graduate school. The course content will include both philosophical conversations about career choices and career development, as well as details regarding post-graduate training, typical jobs in academia, the tenure and promotion process, CV building and interfacing with campus services such as research services and tech transfer. HPHY 613 Website

HPHY 621 Systems Physiology I (4)

Advanced overview of neural physiology, neural control of human movement, and the biomechanical constraints underlying that control. The objective of this series of courses (HPHY 621, 622, 623) is to provide a scientific foundation for the study of human physiology at the graduate level. This course will consider in depth the mechanisms underlying the neural control of human movement and the biomechanical constraints that are inherent in the human body. The anatomical and neurophysiological characteristics of different sensorimotor structures in the brain will be discussed. In addition, the forces acting at different joints in the body and the resulting kinematic characteristics resulting from those forces will be considered.

HPHY 622 Systems Physiology II (4)

Advanced overview of cardiovascular physiology and skeletal muscle cell physiology and metabolism. The objective of this series of courses (HPHY 621, 622, 623) is to provide a scientific foundation for the study of human physiology at the graduate level. This course will consider in depth the physiology of the cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle. First, we will explore heart rate generation, the cardiac pump, vasculature, and interactions between cardiac and vascular function. Then, we will explore skeletal muscle physiology from the system level to cell biology, gene expression, cell signaling and post-translational modifications that result in tissue level adaptations, e.g., plasticity. Additional emphasis will be placed on glucose, fat and protein metabolism within skeletal muscle.

HPHY 623 Systems Physiology III (4)

Advanced overview of renal and respiratory physiology. The objective of this series of courses (HPHY 621, 622, 623) is to provide a scientific foundation for the study of human physiology at the graduate level. This integrative physiology course will introduce graduate students to the essential information required to understand more advanced respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular physiological concepts so that students are prepared for further graduate study. This course will introduce students to current hypotheses and recent developments in many areas of renal physiology and long-term control of arterial pressure. This course will also introduce students to some of the most recent developments/ideas in many sub-areas of respiratory physiology as they pertain to pulmonary circulation, pulmonary gas exchange and neural control of breathing.

HPHY 660 Basic Science in Clinical Decisions (4)

Literature-based investigation into the basic science and clinical research underlying clinical decisions in athletic medicine.

HPHY 660 Syllabus Fall 14

HPHY 661 Manual Therapy: Movement Patterns, Core Stability (2)

Advanced skills in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) movement patterns, and both pilates principles and manual therapy to improve core stability.

HPHY 662 Manual Therapy: Spine, Lower Quadrant (2)

Advanced skills in muscle energy, mobilization, and trigger-point release techniques for the spine and lower quadrant.

HPHY 668 Physiology of Injury (4)

Physiological regulatory mechanisms controlling injury, inflammation, and pain. Therapeutic modalities used to mitigate the consequences of these responses that accompany physical activity.

HPHY 669 The Female Athlete (3)

Literature-based investigation into the unique negative and positive adaptations observed in women during acute and chronic exercise.

HPHY 670 Advanced Respiratory Physiology (4)

Explores advanced concepts in respiratory physiology; included exercise adaptations and examples of pathophysiology.

HPHY 671 Therapeutic Restoration of Biomotor Abilities (4)

HPHY 676 Human Cardiovascular Control (4)

Cardiovascular physiology, including central control of blood pressure and flow regulation. An integrative approach toward how the cardiovascular system is coordinated with overall body function.

HPHY 684 Kinematics of Human Movement (4)

Theory and application of kinematic analysis of human motion. Emphasis on two- and three- dimentional kinematics, including data collection, analysis, and modeling. This course is the first of a two-course sequence in graduate biomechanics that also includes HPHY 685 (Kinetics of Human Motion). This course will provide students with both theoretical and applied knowledge required to perform a kinematic analysis of human motion. By the completion of this course, students should have a working understanding of the entire process of 2D and 3D kinematics, including data collection, filtering, analysis and modeling.

HPHY 685 Kinetics of Human Movement (4)

Experimental methods and mechanical theories associated with the analysis of joint forces and movements during human motion. This course is the second of a two-course sequence in graduate biomechanics that also includes HPHY 684. This course will continue discussion on kinetic analysis of human movement and will focus on quantitative analysis of human gait. Both theoretical and applied aspects of kinetic gait analysis will be addressed throughout this course. By the completion of this course, students should understand theoretical concepts of three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis of human motion, have hand-on experiences on performing data acquisition, processing, and analysis of selected human movement, and able to independently develop and conduct research projects from initial protocol planning to presentation of research findings.