Syllabus

General course information and course lecture schedule.

Classroom

122 University Club, 1st Floor Ballroom (M,F) and B20 William Pitt Union (W)

Class Meetings

  • Lectures:
  • Monday, Wednesday--
  • 6:00-7:15 PM
  • PBLs and Exams:
  • Friday--
  • 3:25-5:25 PM

Office Hours

Due to social distancing requirements, office hours will be conducted remotely via Zoom twice per week. There will be one morning and one evening session to accommodate all timezones for remote students. In addition, private sessions can be scheduled by emailing Dr. Yates.

In addition, the UTAs and Medical Student Instuctors will host a review session once per week.

Dr. Yates' Office Hours Schedule:

Tuesday: 8-9 PM; Thursday 8-9 AM

Connect to Dr. Yates's Office Hours Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 842 7326 0414; Passcode: Physiology

 

Medical Students Office Hours Schedule:

Friday 1-2 PM

Connect to Medical Students Office Hours Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 991 8621 9670; Passcode: Physiology

 

UTA Office Hours Schedule:

Monday 10-11 AM

Connect to UTA Office Hours Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 960 7857 5026; Passcode: Physiology

 


Grading

Your grade will be calculated as follows

  • 20% from each of 4 exams
  • 12% from group learning exercises
  • 5% for homework (Tophat)
  • 3% for completing the Neurophysiology Modules during the first three weeks of class

Course Design

This class is designed to allow simultaneous in-person and online engagement.  There is no obligation for students to attend class sessions in person.

Classroom lectures will be provided for students who desire an in-person experience while the University is in Guarded risk status.  In addition, all lectures will be live-streamed via Zoom and recorded for asynchronous viewing.  Students attending lectures remotely can ask questions by unmuting their microphone or via the chat function in Zoom.

In Elevated and High Risk status, there will be no classroom lectures; lectures will be live-streamed, and recorded for asynchronous viewing.

Connect to Lecture Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 989 0415 9654; Passcode: Physiology


Exams

To make exams equitable for both in-person and remote learners, they will be conducted online. Students are welcome to come to the classroom to take the exam (when in Guarded status,except the final exam), or they may choose to take it remotely. For in-class exams, students must bring their own computer or device to complete the exam online. The link to the exam will be distributed at the beginning of the class session.

Exams are closed-book, and must be completed without the use of notes or other materials. Remote students must be logged into Zoom and must keep their camera on during the exam to verify compliance with the closed-book format.

Remote students can ask for clarifications about questions during the exam via the chat function of Zoom.

Exams will cover material presented in lectures and handouts. Although textbook readings will not explicitly be covered on examinations, students are highly encouraged to at least skim this material to provide a better understanding of information from lectures. Furthermore, the textbook should be used as a reference while studying lecture notes and handouts and preparing for problem based learning exercises.

If a legitimate reason (illness, death in family, medical school interview, etc.) prevents a student from taking an exam on the scheduled date, he or she must notify Dr. Yates in advance and pre-arrange an alternate time to take the exam. If arrangements are not made BEFOREHAND, the student will receive a failing grade for the exam.


Academic Integrity Statement

Cheating/plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students suspected of violating the University of Pittsburgh Policy on Academic Integrity, from the February 1974 Senate Committee on Tenure and Academic Freedom reported to the Senate Council, will be required to participate in the outlined procedural process as initiated by the instructor. A minimum sanction of a zero score for the quiz or exam will be imposed.


Disability Resource Statement

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Office of Disability Resources and Services, 140 William Pitt Union, 412-648-7890/412-624-3346 (Fax), as early as possible in the term. Disability Resources and Services will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.


COVID-19 Requirements

In the midst of this pandemic, it is extremely important that you abide by public health regulations and University of Pittsburgh health standards and guidelines. While in class, at a minimum this means that you must wear a face covering and comply with physical distancing requirements; other requirements may be added by the University during the semester. These rules have been developed to protect the health and safety of all community members. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you not being permitted to attend class in person and could result in a Student Conduct violation. For the most up-to-date information and guidance, please visit coronavirus.pitt.edu and check your Pitt email for updates before each class.


Date Topic Reading
Block 1 - Cardiovascular/Muscle
19-Aug
Wednesday
Course Overview and Logistics; Cardiovascular 1
Hemodynamics (Online Session Only)
pp. 171-192
21-Aug
Friday
Muscle Contraction 1
Skeletal Muscle (Online session only)
pp. 79-100
24-Aug
Monday
Muscle Contraction 2
Smooth and Cardiac Muscle (Live sessions start)
pp. 101-117
26-Aug
Wednesday
Control Mechanisms 1
Neural Mechanisms
pp. 763-776
28-Aug
Friday
Control Mechanisms 2
Endocrine Signaling and Preparation for PBL1
pp. 929-940
31-Aug
Monday
Cardiovascular 2
Electrical Events and ECG / Cardiac Output
pp. 117-142
2-Sep
Wednesday
Cardiovascular 3
Determinants of Cardiac Output 1
pp. 245-258
4-Sep
Friday
Problem Based Learning Activity 1
Antiarrythmic Agents
PBL Activity 1
7-Sep
Monday
Cardiovascular 4
Determinants of Cardiac Output 2
pp. 245-258
9-Sep
Wednesday
Cardiovascular 5
Control of Blood Flow 1
pp. 217-244; 259-270
11-Sep
Friday
Problem Based Learning Activity 2
Heart Failure
PBL Activity 2
14-Sep
Monday
Cardiovascular 6
Control of Blood Flow 2
pp. 217-244; 259-270
16-Sep
Wednesday
Cardiovascular 7
Capillary Dynamics
pp. 305-320
18-Sep
Friday
EXAM #1: Cardio 1-4/Muscle Contraction/Control Mechanisms & Neurophysiology Modules
On Computer; Either Remote or In-Class
21-Sep
Monday
Cardiovascular 8
Exercise Cardiovascular Responses; Integrated Responses; Clinical Issues
pp. 293-302
Block 2 - Renal
23-Sep
Wednesday
Renal 1
Functional Anatomy of the Kidney
pp. 321-342
25-Sep
Friday

Problem Based Learning Activity 3
Tamponade and Respiratory Effects on Cardiac Output

PBL Activity 3
28-Sep
Monday
Renal 2
Tubular Processing
pp. 343-382
30-Sep
Wednesday
Renal 3
Fluid Osmolarity / Control Mechanisms 1
pp. 383-402;421-435
2-Oct
Friday
Problem Based Learning Activity 4
Post-Spaceglight Orthostatic Intolerance
PBL Activity 4
4-Oct
Monday
Renal 4
Fluid Osmolarity / Control Mechanisms 2
pp. 383-402;421-435
7-Oct
Wednesday
Renal 5
Growth and Calcium Homeostasis
pp. 991-1010
9-Oct
Friday
Problem Based Learning Activity 5
Two Renal Cases
PBL Activity 5
Block 3- Respiratory & Hematology
12-Oct
Monday
Respiratory 1
Blood Composition, Clotting, Respiratory Mechanics
pp. 439-448; 477-488; 491-501
14-Oct
Wednesday
Student Self-Care Day
No Classes
16-Oct
Friday
EXAM #2: Cardio 5-8/Renal Physiology
On Computer; Either Remote or In-Class
19-Oct
Monday
Respiratory 2
Respiratory Mechanics
pp. 503-530
21-Oct
Wednesday
Respiratory 3
Pulmonary Circulation and Control
pp. 531-549
23-Oct
Friday
Problem Based Learning Activity 6
Sleep Apnea
PBL Activity 6
26-Oct
Monday
Respiratory 4
Pulmonary Circulation & Control of Breathing
pp. 553-566
28-Oct
Wednesday
Respiratory 5
Blood pH Control
pp. 403-420
Block 4 - Gastrointestinal
30-Oct
Friday
Gastrointestinal 1
Motility, Secretion and Absorption 1
pp. 787-832
2-Nov
Monday
Gastrointestinal 2
Motility, Secretion and Absorption 2
pp. 787-832
4-Nov
Wednesday
Gastrointestinal 3
Metabolism 1
pp. 843-900
6-Nov
Friday
Problem Based Learning Activity 7
Blood pH Abnormalities
PBL Activity 7
9-Nov
Monday
Gastrointestinal 4
Metabolism 2
pp. 843-900
11-Nov
Wednesday
Gastrointestinal 5
Metabolism 3: Temperature Regulation
pp. 901-912
13-Nov
Friday
EXAM #3: Respiratory Physiology/GI 1-2
On Computer; Either Remote or In-Class
Block 5 - Reproductive Physiology
16-Nov
Monday
Reproduction 1
Male and Female Reproductive Physiology
pp. 1011-1044
18-Nov
Wednesday
Reproduction 2
Developmental Physiology
pp. 1045-1070
20-Nov
Friday
Reproduction 3
Contraception  (Guest Lecturer: MS3 Student Jill McDonnell)
---
No Class During Thanksgiving Week
TBD EXAM #4: Metabolism/Reproductive Physiology
On Computer; Remote ONLY