Course Syllabus

Note: Class dates, times and topics are not final until the first day of the course. 

 

Course Description

This course is tailored for students preparing for the MCAT, focusing on strengthening their understanding of anatomy and physiology while building essential skills in scientific reasoning. Through dynamic lectures, virtual reality tools for enhanced visualization, and case-based learning, students will explore key body systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems, with an emphasis on their interactions and role in maintaining homeostasis. 

The curriculum highlights physiological processes, system interconnections, and problem-solving, equipping students to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios – critical for medical studies and an essential aspect of the MCAT. Students will engage with passage-based questions and test preparation strategies to sharpen critical thinking, analytical skills, and exam readiness. 

Combining interactive instruction, applied learning, and practice exercises, this course with assist students in their pre-med journey and MCAT prep. 

Please note that this is not an official MCAT prep course, but rather a tool students can use in addition to other available MCAT prep courses. 

 

Learning Objectives

•    Understand the core concepts of homeostasis, membrane transport, gradient-driven flows, and cell-cell communication in physiologic systems.
•    Understand the functional anatomy and physiology of the nervous, musculoskeletal, respiratory, urinary, and endocrine systems, and the dynamic interactions among these systems to regulate and maintain homeostasis.
•    Integrate organ system physiology with molecular and cellular mechanisms.
•    Use noninvasive instrumentation to collect and analyze physiologic data.
•    Use scientific reasoning skills to analyze and interpret MCAT-style passages and case studies, applying physiology concepts to novel experimental and clinical scenarios.

 

Faculty

John Vaughan Senior Teaching Faculty of Biology and Director of Pre-Health Education at University of Richmond. DIS visiting faculty member. Ph.D. in Physiology (Medical College of Virginia / Virginia Commonwealth University, 1999). Director of Pre-health Education, University of Richmond, 2002-present. Senior Teaching Faculty of Biology, University of Richmond, 2025-present. With DIS since 2026.

 

Approach to Teaching

Classroom time will include a balanced mix of lectures, clinical case studies (worked in small groups), and targeted practice with MCAT passages and MCAT discrete questions (i.e., not linked to a passage). Lectures will incorporate small group activities and class polling software to increase student engagement. Learning objectives will be provided for each physiologic system under Modules.

 

Readings

There will be readings from the e-book The Complete Blausen Human Anatomy & Physiology Experience (URL: https://www.vitalsource.com/products/the-complete-blausen-human-anatomy-amp-physiology-blausen-medical-vblausenap1), as well as supplemental articles, all of which will be posted on Canvas. Reading assignments are detailed in the course schedule below.

 

Participation

Your participation grade will be determined by your attendance, your contributions during case studies and other small group activities as well as your completion of peer evaluations of your groupmates. Your contributions as a group member will be evaluated by your teammates according to the rubric provided.

 

Case Studies

Most of the physiologic systems we cover will have an associated case study that will be discussed in small groups.  These case studies will allow you to review important physiologic concepts and then apply them to real-world clinical scenarios.  Each case will be accompanied by a set of questions that your group will work on. For each case study, one member of your small group will have the role of “scribe/group spokesperson.” This role will rotate among the members of your small group such that each group member will have at least 2 turns being the scribe/group spokesperson. After your small group has answered the case questions, the group scribe/spokesperson will email the document to the instructor prior to classroom discussion of the case. 

 

Field Studies

The field studies are an integral part of the course where we get a chance to see how theory presented in the classroom translates into practice in the field. We will use a combination of physiology simulation experiments plus hands-on activities in which the students collect their own physiologic (ECG, EMG, and spirometry) data. Laboratory exercises will consist of wet lab and computer-based simulations (PhysioEx).  The questions that are to be completed for each lab will be posted in the corresponding Module folder on Canvas in advance of the lab. Analysis of wet-lab experimental data requires use of LabChart Reader software, which is available for download here at no cost. Although you will be working in a lab group for data collection, each person must submit a lab report with answers in their own words.

 

Quizzes

A total of three quizzes will be administered via Canvas. These will consist of multiple choice items. Questions will draw from the learning objectives and in-class activities.

 

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk

 

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.
The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

Assignment	Percent
Attendance & Participation	15%
Quizzes	30%
Reports from field study assignments	20%
Simulation assignments	15%
Case Studies	20%

 

Policies

Attendance

Because this course relies heavily on small group activities, your attendance is expected for all sessions. Absences from class will negatively impact your participation grade. Excused absences include only serious illness and participation in religious holidays.

Classroom etiquette

A good learning environment requires that everyone is present, prepared, and participating. Out of respect for both faculty and fellow students, I expect you to be on time and to participate in the full duration of the class. Use of phones is not allowed during class, unless prompted by the professor. 

Assignments

All assignments must be submitted no later than the time they are due to avoid a late penalty. Turning in assignments late will result in a 10% deduction per day. No credit will be awarded for assignments completed more than 3 days after they are due. The late penalty will only be waived only for extenuating circumstances.