Action Potential Experiments is a demonstration/simulation laboratory for neurophysiology based on the 'sodium theory' as originally formulated and tested by A. L. Hodgkin and his colleagues. The application includes simulations of the original experiments of Hodgkins and his colleagues, and of the classic voltage clamp and patch clamp experiments and an animated illustration of the 'sodium theory' explanation of Nernst potentials for potassium and sodium ions. The student can perform simple ion concentration experiments to test the predictions of the theory.

Evolution has resulted in changes in the sizes and forms of organisms. Everything about the biology of an animal, including its physiology, anatomy, and ecology, is influenced by its body size. Frequently there seem to be limits on the sizes that different organisms can attain, even when larger size might be thought to be evolutionarily advantageous. Often an increase or decrease in size is correlated with a change in proportions. Understanding the significance of a particular morphology or interpreting the factors that underlie a particular evolutionary trend involve studying the relationships that exist among size, shape, and function. This lab introduces allometry, the study of size and its consequences, using celery and woodlice as subjects.

This is a laboratory exercise appropriate for sophomore level students. No prior math is required, and lab exercise can be adapted if computer facilities are available.

By manipulating a simple kinematic model representing the leg and foot, students can get hands on information about the interaction of bones and muscles in humans. Having worked with the model, they then are able to predict and analyze the properties of bone/muscle systems in other vertebrates and understand how these systems have become modified during the course of evolution for a particular life style. By the end of the exercise, students have learned both traditional information (cellular structure, names of bones, taxonomy of vertebrates) and how to project the knowledge they gained from working with a model to the biological world.

Set of interactive 3D anatomical models. These flash objects can be used for simulated labs, in-class presentations and student review.

Support site for anatomy and physiology. Contains videos, powerpoints and etext download.

After undergoing a fertility procedure, a 37-year-old woman and her husband are expecting twins. The delivery goes smoothly, but it soon becomes apparent that, while the baby boy appears normal, the baby girl has a heart problem and is cyanotic. In this interrupted case study, students diagnose the problem based on the babies' signs and symptoms as well as on their knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and the changes that occur in the heart after birth. The case was developed for use in a one-semester animal physiology course taken by sophomore and junior science majors. It could also be used in a freshman general biology course or in an anatomy and physiology course.

The three parts of the learning-cycle strategy student exploration, concept formation, and concept application are the framework on which student understanding of 1 the interrelation of structure and function and 2 the coexistence of unity and the diversity among organisms are designed.

This site provides access to more than 4,000 reviewed resources covering 76 biological science topics: agriculture, anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, biodiversity, biotechnology, botany, cardiology, cell biology, ecology, environment, evolution, genetics, geography, human biology, immunology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, public health, respiratory biology, soil biology, virology, zoology, and others. Registration required.

In this version, developed for a course in human anatomy and physiology, the protagonist of the case, Dr. Westwood, survives an accidental poisoning-not once, but twice. Students read about each incident, applying what they learn in each part of the case to the later sections, and then design a drug to treat the neurotoxin poisoning described in the story. The case comes in three different versions, or editions. This is the Human Anatomy& Physiology Edition, which has a different set of questions than the General Biology Edition or the Cell& Molecular Biology Edition, also in our collection.

This laboratory exercise can be used to examine the anatomical, physiological, behavioral, and ecological components involved in reproduction in animals using a simple animal model.

This exercise was developed to look at the structure-function relationship in the skeletal system as it explores motion and force on evolution of the system.

This 17-minute video lesson looks at understanding the structure of a muscle cell. [Biology playlist: Lesson 50 of 71].

This 6-minute video lesson provides an introduction to the neuron and its anatomy. [Biology playlist: Lesson 41 of 71].

In this course, you will learn the basics of plant biology. The student will begin with plant anatomy, learning the names and functions of all of the parts of a plant, then move on to plant physiology, where you will learn about photosynthesis, growth, and reproduction. Next, the student will study plant evolution according to the fossil record and examine the diversity of plant life in existence today and how that diversity impacts global ecology. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: identify and describe the functions of the different cells, tissues, and organs that make up a plant; describe the major life processes in plants (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, growth and development, and reproduction) at the tissue, organ, cellular, and molecular level; explain the history and evolution of plants on earth; discuss plant diversity and identify the major characteristics of plant phylogenetic divisions; explain how plants fit into the global ecological system and why they are essential for life on earth. (Biology 306)

Consists of a series of hands-on laboratories designed to give students experience with common techniques for conducting neuroscience research. Included are sessions on anatomical, ablation, neurophysiological, and computer modeling techniques, and ways these techniques are used to study brain function. Each session consists of a brief quiz on assigned readings that provide background to the lab, a lecture that expands on the readings, and that week's laboratory. Lab reports required. Students receive training in the art of scientific writing and oral presentation with feedback designed to improve writing and speaking skills. Assignments include two smaller lab reports, one major lab report with revision, and an oral report.

" Outline of mammalian functional neuroanatomy, aided by studies of comparative neuroanatomy and evolution, and of brain development. Topics include early steps to a central nervous system, basic patterns of brain and spinal cord connections, regional development and differentiation, regeneration, motor and sensory pathways and structures, systems underlying motivations, innate action patterns, formation of habits, and various cognitive functions. Lab techniques reviewed. Optional brain dissections."

Lectures plus guided readings and discussion with project reports, covering major CNS structures, with emphasis on systems being used as models for experimental studies of development and plasticity. Topics include: basic patterns of connections in CNS; review of lab techniques (anatomy, tissue culture); embryogenesis; PNS anatomy and development; process outgrowth and synaptogenesis; growth factors and cell survival; spinal and hindbrain anatomy; development of regional specificity with introduction to comparative anatomy and CNS evolution; trigeminal system; retinotectal system development, plasticity, regeneration; neocortex anatomy and development; olfactory system; corpus striatum; brain transplants; limbic system and hippocampal anatomy and plasticity.

In this case study, students read about the injuries sustained by a young man hurt in a serious diving accident. To solve the case, they must determine the type of central nervous system injury described using their knowledge of the differences between symptoms and signs of brain and spinal cord injury. The case was developed for upper-level neuroscience courses and rehabilitation courses that cover the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system and the symptoms of different types of central nervous system injury.