The Human Physiology department values engaging, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching. Human physiology department faculty have received four distinguished teaching awards. Course design and classroom activities are grounded in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Larger classes use several strategies to make the big class feel small, and to help students engage with each other and the teaching team.
The University of Oregon course catalog offers degree plans and a complete list of undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Human Physiology.
Course Highlights
These three courses span across lower and upper division coursework.
HPHY 211 Medical Terminology
Instructor: Alia Yasen
Explore and develop skills in language and terminology specific to the medical sciences with an emphasis on derivation, meaning, and pronunciation. This course is designed to give students a solid, basic overview of terminology used in the medical, health, and biological sciences fields.
HPHY 321 Human Anatomy I
Instructor: Jon Runyeon
Introduction to the human body and histology; nerves; central, autonomic, and peripheral nervous systems; cranial nerves; regional anatomy of the head; special senses. Includes cadaver laboratory. This course will use both a system and regional approach to uncover the anatomy of the skull, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, facial muscles, auditory and visual systems, vertebral column, thoracic skeleton, and muscles of the trunk.
HPHY 423 Physiology of Aging
Instructor: Ashley Walker
Advancing age is a major factor for a number of diseases and disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. In this course, we will discuss the changes that occur in old age to cells and organs with the goal of furthering our understanding of the causes of age-related disease and dysfunction. We will also explore interventions aimed at increasing longevity and treating age-related diseases.
Upcoming Courses
The table below lists the courses that the Department of Human Physiology anticipates offering over the next two years. The table is updated as curriculum decisions are made, so check back when considering future registration choices.
Course Number | Course Name | Term Offered |
|---|---|---|
100-level General Education | ||
105 | Principles of Human Nutrition | Winter 2027 |
211 | Medical Terminology | Winter 2027, Spring 2027 |
212 | Scientific Investigation in Physiology | Winter 2027, Spring 2027 |
300-level Required of Major | ||
HPHY 321 | Human Anatomy I | Fall 2026 |
HPHY 322 | Human Physiology I | Fall 2026 |
HPHY 323 | Human Anatomy II | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 324 | Human Physiology II | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 325 | Human Anatomy/Human Physiology III | Spring 2027 |
HPHY 371 | Physiology of Exercise | Spring 2027 |
300-level Electives | ||
HPHY 333 | Motor Control | Fall 2026 |
HPHY 362 | Tissue Injury and Repair | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 375 | Metabolism & Nutrition | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 381 | Biomechanics | Spring 2027 |
400-level Electives | ||
HPHY 411 | Scientific Teaching | Spring 2027 |
HPHY 420/520 | Human Cadaver Dissection | Spring 2027 |
400-level Capstone | ||
HPHY 412/512 | Sleep Physiology | Fall 2026 |
HPHY 413/513 | Muscle Structure, Function, & Plasticity | Winter 2027, Spring 2027 |
HPHY 422/522 | Physiology of Obesity | Fall 2026, Winter 2027 |
HPHY 423/523 | Physiology of Aging | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 432/532 | Neural Development | Fall 2026, Spring 2027 |
HPHY 434/534 | Movement Disorders | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 436/536 | Clinical Neuroscience | Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 |
HPHY 470/570 | Environmental Physiology | Fall 2026, Winter 2027 |
HPHY 473/573 | High Altitude Physiology and Medicine | Winter 2027 |
HPHY 410/510 | Physiology of Human Performance | Spring 2027 |
HPHY 410/510 | Biomechanics of Sports | Winter, 2027, Spring 2027 |
HPHY 474/574 | Mission to Mars | Fall 2026 |
300-400-Level for Neuroscience Major (not open to HPHY majors) | ||
NEUR 331 | Neuroanatomy | Winter 2027 |
Graduate Courses
Course Number | Course Name | Term Offered |
|---|---|---|
Co-convened 400/500-level: | ||
410/510 | Physiology of Human Performance | Spring 2027 |
412/512 | Sleep Physiology | Fall 2026 |
413/513 | Muscle Structure, Function, & Plasticity | Winter 2027, Spring 2027 |
414/514 | Muscle Metabolism | Fall 2026 |
420/520 | Human Cadaver Dissection | Spring 2027 |
422/522 | Physiology of Obesity | Fall 2026, Winter 2027 |
423/523 | Physiology of Aging | Winter 2027 |
432/532 | Neural Development | Fall 2026, Spring 2027 |
434/534 | Movement Disorders | Winter 2027 |
436/536 | Clinical Neuroscience | Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 |
470/570 | Environmental Physiology | Fall 2026, Winter 2027 |
473/573 | High Altitude & Medicine | Winter 2027 |
Course Number | Course Name | Term Offered |
|---|---|---|
600-level (grad students only): | ||
611 | Professionals Skills I: Effective Teaching | Fall 2026 |
612 | Professional Skills II: Responsible Research | Winter 2027 |
613 | Professional Skills III: Career Development | Spring 2027 |
621 | Systems Physiology I | Fall 2026 |
622 | Systems Physiology II | Winter 2027 |
623 | Systems Physiology III | Spring 2027 |