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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Michael L Kennedy
BIOL 350
Seattle Campus

Foundations in Physiology

Physiology core course for biological sciences majors. Analysis of basic principles of animal and plant physiology, with emphasis on cellular processes that mediate organismic processes. Serves as gateway to upper-division courses in physiology. Prerequisite: BIOL 220; recommended: either PHYS 115 or PHYS 122. Offered: AWSpS.

Class description

Background: Please review Chpts 1 – 4 in Eckert, Animal Physiology, 5th ed. Randall, Burggren and French. It is assumed that this material was covered in your prerequisite courses and it may not be reviewed in class.

Important concepts to review prior to the beginning of the class: solutions, diffusion, osmosis, water potential and differences between osmotic and tonic solutions (this is not an inclusive list).

Is this an Appropriate Class for you?: If you have successfully completed ANY 400 physiology level course OR Nbio 301/302 OR some Friday Harbor classes (check with a biology counselor) OR some other selected upper level courses you may not need to take this course. To make sure that graduation requirements are fulfilled please check with a biology counselor (janetjg@u.washington.edu).

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Lecture and weekly small discussion sections.

Recommended preparation

Biology 220 (202) or equivalent: introduction to basic physiological principles of animal function Chemistry through organic chemistry: including introduction to basic biochemistry of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates (a prerequisite of Biol 220) Recommended: Physics: particularly electricity (Physics 115 or 122)

Class assignments and grading

Lecture is essay exams.

Disc are half written assignments and half student presentations. Attendance is mandatory.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Michael L Kennedy
Date: 09/15/2009