BIOL 3030 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
This course is intended for Biology, Psychology, and Biochemistry majors and students in the pre-medical program seeking a broad overview of human physiology. This course will offer a comprehensive exploration of fundamental life systems with a primary emphasis on human physiology. The chemical and physical processes common to all living organisms, including hemodynamics, respiration, circulation, acid/base regulation, synaptic transmission, kidney and muscle function will be discussed. Also included are related topics on development of the organism and functional aspects of the immune system in host defense strategies.
Course overview
- Department
- Biology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall, Every Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- BIOL2000
Requirements fulfilled
- Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biochemistry B.S.: BIOL2010 Ecology and Evolution OR BIOL3030 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology OR BIOL4330 Human Physiology (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.A.: Physiology and Organismal Biology category (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: Physiology and Organismal Biology category (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Computer Science B.S.: Required science component (two-semester laboratory sequence) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.69 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.80 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 11
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 47 of 65 |
| Fall 2025 | Christopher Kenaley | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4–6 hrs/week | 64 of 67 |
| Summer 2025 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 7–9 hrs/week | 20 of 31 |
| Spring 2025 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4–6 hrs/week | 52 of 57 |
| Fall 2024 | Christopher Kenaley | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 32 of 35 |
| Summer 2024 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 10+ hrs/week | 8 of 14 |
| Fall 2023 | Christopher Kenaley | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 257 of 294 |
| Summer 2023 | Christopher Kenaley | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17 of 34 |
| Fall 2022 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 1–3 hrs/week | 227 of 275 |
| Summer 2022 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 7–9 hrs/week | 14 of 37 |
| Fall 2021 | Christopher Kenaley | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 1–3 hrs/week | 149 of 216 |