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University of Adelaide

Essential Human Biology: Cells and Tissues

University of Adelaide via edX

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Overview

Are you preparing for a health-related career, or planning to study in the health sciences? Perhaps you're just keen to learn more about the wonders of the human body? Our bodies are amazing but complex biological machines. This course will provide you with an outstanding foundation of knowledge in human anatomy and physiology.

You will gain a broad understanding of the relationships between normal structure and function in human cells and tissues, both in health and disease. The properties of the four main types of tissue in the body - epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous - will also be clearly explained.

The course employs a variety of engaging learning methods, including short videos, animations, interactive activities and integrated quizzes to guide you through key concepts, and make learning relevant.

Syllabus

Week 1: The cell

  • Identify the three main regions of a cell: plasma membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm
  • Describe the structure of the plasma membrane
  • Explain how molecules move across the plasma membrane
  • Describe the structure and function of the main organelles of the cytoplasm
  • Describe the structure and function of the nucleus and nuclear envelope
  • Correlate the appearance of a nucleus to its function
  • Describe the sequence of events in protein synthesis.


Week 2: Epithelial tissue

  • Identify and characterise the four basic types of epithelial tissue in the body
  • Describe the general features of epithelial tissue
  • Describe the structural classification of epithelial tissue by layering and shape
  • Describe the junctions that hold cells together
  • Describe the typical appearance and function of glands.

Week 3: Connective tissue

  • Describe the characteristic features and functional properties of connective tissue
  • Discuss the types of cells and fibres found in connective tissue
  • Identify and characterise the three main types of connective tissue in the body: connective tissue proper, loose and dense, and specialised connective tissue.

Week 4: Muscular tissue

  • Describe the characteristic features and functional properties of muscle tissue
  • Compare and contrast the three types of muscle tissue
  • Describe the structural components of a skeletal muscle cell
  • Describe the connective tissues associated with a skeletal muscle
  • Describe the structure and function cardiac and smooth muscle cells

Week 5: Nervous tissue

  • Identify the main functions of the nervous system
  • Name the basic subdivisions of the nervous system
  • Identify the main components of nervous tissue
  • Identify the parts of a neuron and describe their functional roles
  • Classify neurons by structure and function
  • Describe the supporting cells in nervous tissue.

Taught by

Rachel Gibson and Mario Ricci

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Reviews

4.2 rating, based on 4 Class Central reviews

4.6 rating at edX based on 58 ratings

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