Human Physiology
BIOL-X403.40
Learn Human Physiology Online
Gain a basic understanding of how the human body works. This course is designed to cover the fundamental concepts of human physiology. A general overview of most of the systems of the human body will be presented along with a discussion about regulation and the medical relevance of the physiological concepts. Although the course is geared toward students who have limited science and math backgrounds, the textbook provides enough detail to satisfy those students who want to enter the health professions. Topics include the following systems: nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of chemistry and cell biology is required to be successful in this course.
Format
This course is offered in an online asynchronous format. There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate.
Transferring for College Credit
Many courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies may be eligible for college credit at UC San Diego or other institutions. Credit transfer is determined by the receiving institution. We recommend consulting with the registrar's office at your intended institution before enrolling to confirm how your courses will transfer.
Students interested in this course with a lab component, please enroll in BIOL40368 - Human Physiology with Lab
What you'll learn
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Describe the functional roles of the organs that constitute each of the body systems
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Identify the structural-functional relationships of various cells, organs and systems within the human body
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Explain the foundational concepts that guide the functioning and regulation of the major organ systems
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Discuss the relationships between the different body systems
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Describe common pathologies that affect different organ systems
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Synthesize and integrate knowledge to explain the molecular basis of diseases
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Human Physiology 16th
by Stuart Fox, Krista Rompolski
ISBN / ASIN: 9781264354726
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 9/14/2026
Schedule:
Instructors:
Praveen Kumar
Dr. Praveen Kumar brings his strong interdisciplinary interest and outstanding training in the fields of Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, and pathophysiology to his course on human physiology. Dr. Kumar has been working for the Biotechnology/ Pharmaceutical industry for the last 9 years where he has been involved in cutting-edge research to understand the molecular basis of disease and to support drug discovery programs. He has 10 years of research experience from UCSF in basic science and has published his work in peer-reviewed journals and has presented it at leading national and international conferences. In his spare time, Dr. Kumar enjoys hiking and biking.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Human Physiology 16th
by Stuart Fox, Krista Rompolski
ISBN / ASIN: 9781264354726
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 9/14/2026
Schedule:
Instructor:
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
Drop Refund Deadline:
Schedule:
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Human Physiology 16th by Stuart Fox, Krista Rompolski ISBN / ASIN: 9781264354726
