Course Syllabus

College:College of Medicine
Department: Basic Sciences
Program: MD
Academic Year: 2023 - 2024
Semester: ☒ Fall ☐ Spring

1.
Course Title: Human Biology I Course Code HBG112

Number of Credit Hours, Contact Hours, and Prerequisites:

Credit Hours: 3 Theory:3 Lab: 0 Tutorial: 0
Contact Hours: 3 Theory:3 Lab: 0 Tutorial: 0
Prerequisite(s) (if any): Biology
Co-requisite(s) (if any): Human Biology I Lab (HBL 112)

2. Instructor’s Name and Contact Information:

Name: Dr. Anastasiya Spaska Office No.:

E-mail: a.spaska@ajman.ac.ae Office Tel.:

3. Catalog Course Description:

This course covers an overview of anatomy and physiology of the human body, introduces the students to
cell biology and tissues, general embryology including fertilization and embryogenesis, structure and
function of cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, immune and blood systems. This
course also introduces the students to relate the functions of body systems to metabolism, homeostatic
imbalance and some clinical applications.

4. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Corresponding
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) Program Learning
Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Define terminologies used to describe orientation of the body. K1

1.1. Describe anatomical position, body planes and sections.

1.2. Describe body cavities.
1.3. Know regional and directional terms.

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 1.4. Name abdominal regions and abdominal quadrants.
1.5. Show basic knowledge of the history of medicine.

2. Describe the basic structure and functions of the cell and cell organelles.
K1
2.1. Describe structure of the generalized cell. Know structure and
function of the cell organelles: nucleus and cytosol, mitochondria,
endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes.
2.2. Describe structure of the cell membrane and types of cell junctions.
2.3. Describe types of cell junctions.
2.4. Describe parts of the cytoskeleton.
2.5. Describe transport across cell membrane. Osmosis.

3. Describe types of the body tissues. Know their structure, functional

significance and location in the body.

3.1. Differentiate types of microscopy. Know types of staining.

3.2. Describe general properties and classification of the epithelial tissue
types. Glands.
3.3. Describe general properties and classification of the connective tissue
types.
3.4. Describe general properties and classification of the muscular tissue
types.
3.5. Describe general properties and classification of the nervous tissue
cells.

4. Describe the process of fertilization and early embryonic development.

K1
4.1. Show basic knowledge of the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis.
4.2. Name stages of gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis) and
fertilization.
4.3. Describe stages of the first week of embryonic development (from
zygote to blastocyst). Implantation.
4.4. Describe formation of three-layered embryo (ectoderm, mesoderm,
endoderm), formation of notochord, neural tube and neural crest,
differentiation of mesoderm and formation of somites (dermatome,
sclerotome, myotome). Embryo folding.
4.5. Name embryonic tissues/structures and their derivatives. Fetal
membranes and placenta.
4.6. Describe briefly early development of main organs and systems
(brain and spinal cord, heart, blood islands, GIT, lung buds, kidney,
genitalia, limb buds).

5. Describe structure and function of skin and integumentary system.

K1
5.1. Know types and general characteristics of body membranes,

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 functions of the skin.
5.2. Name layers of the epidermis, cells of epidermis, structure and
function of dermis and hypodermis.
5.3. Describe structure and function of the skin derivatives (hair, nails,
sweat glands, sebaceous glands).

6. Describe structure and function of the respiratory system.

K1
6.1. Describe functional anatomy of the respiratory system (nose,
pharynx, larynx, trachea).
6.2. Describe functional anatomy of the respiratory system (bronchial
tree, lungs, alveoli).
6.3. Describe mechanics of breathing. Muscles of inspiration and
expiration, pleural cavity, blood-air barrier and diffusion of gases.

7. Understand basics of homeostasis and internal environment.

7.1. Name components of homeostasis. Provide examples and

characteristics.
7.2. Functional organization of the human body. Water compartments.
7.3. Explain mechanism of fluid exchange and oedema.

8. Describe composition and functions of blood.

K1
8.1. Describe blood volumes, blood composition, blood cells (RBC, WBC,
platelets), role of hemoglobin in transport of gases.
8.2. Describe blood groups and principle of transfusion, Rh factor and Rh
conflict.
8.3. Name stages of hematopoiesis
8.4. Name stages of hemostasis.

9. Describe structure and function of the cardiovascular system (CVS).

K1
9.1. Describe functional anatomy of CVS.
9.2. Describe anatomy and physiology of heart. Cardiac internal
conducting system (ICS). Coronary blood vessels.
9.3. Describe cardiac cycle and its regulation, ECG.
9.4. Describe pulmonary and systemic circulation. Differentiate types of
blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries).
9.5. Name main arteries and veins of the human body (head and brain,
aorta, aortic arch, upper limbs, lower limbs, branches of the abdominal
aorta, hepatic portal circulation).
9.6. Describe anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. Immunity.

10. Describe structure and function of the gastrointestinal system (GIT)

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 K1
10.1. Describe functional anatomy of GIT (oral cavity, esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum).
10.2. Describe structure and function of digestive glands liver and
pancreas in digestion.
10.3. Describe physiology of digestion, functions of digestive
enzymes and digestive hormones.
10.4. Understand basal metabolic rate.

5. Week-by-week Course Topics and Contents, including sessions for assessments (Theory Class):

Correspon Section of
Week Topics and Contents ding CLOs Textbook/Refe
(#) rence
Introduction to the Human biology course. CLO1 Chapter 1
1 Introduction to the history of Medicine. p.1-18, 21-23
Anatomical language and orientation of the body.

Basic structure of cell. Organelles. Cell membrane. CLO2 Chapter 3

Cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. p.62-75
2
Cell junctions and cell adhesion molecules. p.104-106, 108

Transport across cell membrane. Osmosis. CLO2 Chapter 3

p.76-82
Histology. Body tissues. Microscopy. CLO3 Chapter 3
3
Epithelial tissue. p.88-104
p.107-108

Glands. CLO3 Chapter 3

Connective tissue. p.47-63

Cell cycle and fertilization. Embryogenesis week 1&2. CLO 4 Chapter 3

4 p. 84-85
Chapter 3
(Embryology)
p. 48-53

Organogenesis-1 CLO4 Chapter 3

Organogenesis-2 (Embryology)
5 p.53-63

6 TBL 1. Cells and tissues (2 Hrs) CLO2,3

CLO5 Chapter 4
Skin and Body membranes - 1 p.109-128
Skin and Body membranes – 2
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 Quiz 1. Embryogenesis. CLO 4

Respiratory system 1- Respiratory system functional CLO6 Chapter 13

anatomy: structure of the airways and lungs. p.436-462
7 Respiratory system 2 - Mechanics of breathing.
Revision.

CLO1,2,3,
8 MIDTERM EXAMINATION 4,5,6

Homeostasis CLO7 Chapter 1

p.19-20,22,23
Functional organization of the human body. Water
9 compartments.
Mechanism of fluid exchange and oedema.

TBL 2. Respiratory system. CLO 6

Blood composition and function. Blood cells. CLO8 Chapter 10
10 p.337-355
Blood groups, Rh factor, hematopoiesis and hemostasis.

Functional anatomy of cardiovascular system (CVS). CLO6 Chapter 11

Anatomy of heart and its blood supply. CLO9 p.356-370
11 Physiology of heart. Cardiac cycle. Internal conducting
system.

Anatomy and physiology of circulation CLO9 Chapter 11

Cardiovascular diseases. Vital signs, Blood pressure. p.370-397
12 Lymphatic system. Immunity. Chapter 12
p.398-417,
428-435
Quiz 2. CVS and blood. CLO8
Digestive system 1. Functional anatomy of GIT. CLO10 Chapter 14
13 Accessory digestive glands: liver and pancreas, their p.463-487
structure and role in digestion. p.501-510

Basal metabolic rate. CLO10 Chapter 14

Revision. p.487-501
14 Assignment submission.

FINAL EXAMINATION CLO1,2,3,4

15 ,5,6,7,8,9,1
0

6. Week-by-week Experiment1 Topics and Contents (for non-lecture part, if applicable):

1
The Experiments may be changed to Simulation, Studio, Lab, or Clinic, etc., as appropriate for non-lecture part of the course.
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 Experiment
Week Experiment Title
#
1. N/A

7. Relating the CLOs to the Assessment Tools to demonstrate the attainment level of CLOs:
CLO # Assessment Tool(s)
1 Midterm exam, Final exam
2 Midterm exam, TBL 1, Final exam
3 TBL 1, Midterm exam, Final exam
4 Quiz 1, Midterm exam, Final exam
5 Midterm exam, Final exam
6 TBL 2, Midterm exam, Final exam
7 Final exam
8 Quiz2, Final exam
9 Quiz 2, Final exam
10 Final exam

8. Out-of-Class Assignments:

# Assignment Title Submission Due Date

Professionalism (every day) 01.12.2023
Reflective journal homework (written) 24.11.2023

9. Course Assessment.

Course Assessment Tools:

Assessment Tool2 Assessment Date Weight (%)
Midterm exam 7-15.10.2023 20
Assignment (reflective journal) 24.11.2023 5
Assignment (professionalism) 01.12.2023 5
Quiz1 Before midterm 10
Quiz 2 After midterm 10
TBL1 Before midterm 10
TBL2 After midterm 10
Final exam 25.11-7.12.2023 30

10. Teaching and learning methodologies, including any use of online instruction:

2
Other assessment tools may be added/changed, as appropriate for the course.
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 Lectures

TBL

Revision

Demo Videos

Homework assignment

Home reading

Notes taking

Active learning in class (discussion, polls, peer teaching)

11. Course texts, recommended readings, instructional material, and learning resources .
a. Course Text book
Title: Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology Human Anatomy

(for part Embryology) CLO4

Author(s): Elain N. Marieb Elain N. Marieb
Edition: 12th ed 6th ed
Publisher: Pearson International; Pearson International;
Publishing 2018 2011
Year:
ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-0134424835 ISBN 10:0321753275
ISBN-10: 9780134424835
ISBN 13: 9780321753274

b. Reference books or recommended readings

1. R. Snell. Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students, 6th ed. New York: Lippincott Williams
&Wilkins,; 2000.
2. William F. Ganong. Review of Medical Physiology, 24th ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill and
Medical; 2012.
3. Guyton. Physiology Board Review Series, 3th ed. India: Walter Kulwer Business; 2013.
4. Stephanie Mc Cann. Anatomy Coloring Book; 2019.

c. Instructional material and learning resources:

Web Sites:
1. www.innerbody.com
2. https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/front-matter/preface-2/
3. https://histology.medicine.umich.edu/full-slide-list
4. https://www.zygotebody.com/#nav=&sel=p:;h:;s:;c:0;o:0&layers=0,1,3351

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5. https://mylms.ajman.ac.ae/pluginfile.php/281611/mod_resource/content/1/Isotonic%20vs
%20isosmotic.pdf
6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00302.x
7. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190822165029.htm
8. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/07/sun-skin
9. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/respiratory-distress-syndrome
10. https://herbertnitsch.com/freediver.html
11. https://nanobotmedical.com/services/pulmonary-surfactant-secretion-3d-animation/
12. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/approach-to-the-cardiac-
patient/cardiac-auscultation
13. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-
or-ekg
14. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-07-reveals-body-disposes-red-blood.html
15. https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Book
%3A_Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)/16%3A_Cardiovascular_System_-_Blood/
16.5%3A_Hemostasis/16.5D%3A_Coagulation
16. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/facts.html
17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
51535786_The_Bombay_blood_group_are_we_out_of_risk
18. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/abnormalities-of-pregnancy/
erythroblastosis-fetalis
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4956471/
20. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14384#allergy_treatment
21. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263965#intolerance_additives

12. University Policies and Grading system

The students are required to fully understand and observe the following policies of the University:
Attendance Policy:
The students are required to attend and participate fully in the classes and other sessions scheduled
for the course. An absence of 25% of the course classes will result in a withdrawal/fail in the course.
The students must read and comprehend the “Attendance Policy” which is published in the Student
Handbook.
Link: https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/admissions/undergraduate/student-handbook.html
Student Academic Integrity Policy:
AU is committed to enforcing a strict code of academic integrity in its academic pursuits. The academic
integrity code of the University prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty. This includes cheating and
plagiarism and applies to all courses, assignments, projects reports/dissertations or exams completed
by students. The University does not tolerate any violation of academic misconduct and imposes a
strict system of penalties. For more details, refer to the student handbook.

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 Link: https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/admissions/undergraduate/student-handbook.html
Grading System:
The University uses the relative grading system, which is based on a four-point scale. An overall grade
will be assigned on the following grading scale.
Undergraduate:
Grades A B+ B C+ C D+ D F
Points 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0
Marks % 90-100 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 <60

For more details, refer to the Undergraduate Student Catalog.

Link: https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/admissions/undergraduate/undergraduate-student-catalog
Graduate:
Grades A B+ B C+ C F
Points 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 0
Marks % 90-100 85-89 80-84 75-79 70-74 <70
For more details, refer to the Graduate Student Catalog.
Link: https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/admissions/graduate/graduate-student-catalog

Instructor’s Signature: Dr. A.Spaska Date: 01.09.2023

Head of Department’s Signature: Date:

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