Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   General Physiology

 Title Abbreviation:   GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY

 Department:    BIOL

 Course #:    220

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    6

 CIP:    260601

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

Normal functions of animal systems. Emphasis on vertebrate systems and lab investigation. Lab included.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: BIOL& 100, or BIOL& 160 or 211; BIOL& 221, 222, 223 recommended. Lab included.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 44

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Elective  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU Z 372
U of W Zool X
WSU Z 251
WWU 349

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Understand the basic mechanisms of animal systems
  2. Be able to use modern physiology laboratory equipment
  3. Use critial thinking in writing laboratory reports and essay exam questions

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.
1.5 Effectively integrate and use information ethically and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.2 Analyze issues and develop questions within a discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.
3.2 Recognize, produce and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal, group, and public speaking skills.
3.3 Demonstrate effective listening skills.
3.4 Produce academic and/or professional writing and integrate it into written and spoken projects.
3.6 Recognize, comprehend, and use visual communication appropriate to a given context.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).
9.4 Use scientific concepts and principles to understand the natural world, human behavior and culture, and relationships between humans and the rest of the natural world.

Course Contents

  1. The cell as a functional unit.
  2. Homeostasis in all vertebrate systems.
  3. Nerve and endocrine physiology.
  4. Muscle physiology (smooth, skeletal, and cardiac)
  5. Digestion processes in animals
  6. Circulatory patterns and functions in animals
  7. Breathing mechanisms and gas exchange
  8. Kidney function, ion and fluid balance
  9. Reproduction in vertebrates