Credit Exclusions: No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in PHYSIOL 502.

An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the principles of human body function. Topics discussed include cell structure, function, and chemical composition and the functions of nerves, muscles, the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive tract, endocrine glands, brain, and reproductive organs. Emphasis is placed upon the mechanisms by which cells and organs perform their functions and the interaction of the various organs in maintaining total body function. Four one-hour lectures and one hour discussion each week.

PHYSIOL 201 is intended to meet the needs and expectations of many types of students: those preparing for careers as doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and biology teachers; those who are interested in a systematic investigation of the biological sciences; and those who desire a general knowledge of physiology as part of a liberal arts education. Students must have at least sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

Chemistry Background for Introductory Physiology Courses. Although college chemistry is not a course prerequisite, approximately 80% of the students electing PHYSIOL 201 have had some college or high school chemistry. A background in chemistry is helpful for a basic understanding of physiology since physiology represents an attempt to explain how the body functions in terms of physical and chemical processes. Students who have had no chemistry or whose high school chemistry background is weak should not be discouraged from electing PHYSIOL 201. However, such students are encouraged to obtain the textbook prior to the start of the course and study the review chapter covering basic chemistry. While it is not necessary to master all the material contained in the review chapter, a general review of basic chemistry prior to the beginning of the term usually proves helpful.

Advisory Prerequisite: Students must have at least sophomore standing. Prior exposure to introductory chemistry is helpful.

Directed readings or investigations in a major area of physiology. Arrangements are to be made between the student and faculty member.

Advisory Prerequisite: PHYSIOL 201

Directed research in Physiology.

Advisory Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

A literature based discussion course that will cover both seminal discoveries in signal transduction as well as recent advances in the field. The course will meet once per week for two hours, throughout the semester. Two research papers will be discussed each week. Grading will be based on short weekly problem sets and a presentation by each student. Prior course work in biochemistry and cell biology is strongly encouraged.

Advisory Prerequisite: Course in Biochemistry and signal transduction or Instructor permission

Two course modules are offered, one covering an aspect of stem cell biology (embryonic or adult stem cells) and the other focused on a specific organ system (development, maintenance, organ disease, artificial organs). Course content is different each year. Current module topics are listed at: http://www.med.umich.edu/cdb.

Advisory Prerequisite: BIOLOGY,Graduate Cell biology recommended, but not required. Graduate standing.

Two course modules are offered, one covering an aspect of stem cell biology (embryonic or adult stem cells) and the other focused on a specific organ system (development, maintenance, organ disease, artificial organs). Course content is different each year. Current module topics are listed at: http://www.med.umich.edu/cdb.

Advisory Prerequisite: Graduate Cell biology recommended, but not required. Graduate standing.