Physiology: Understanding the Body's Systems
Curious about the intricate workings of the human body? This online course takes you on an exciting journey through the human body, exploring the functions of vital organs like the kidneys, lungs, heart, and pancreas. You’ll analyze real-world patient scenarios, discover the clinical applications of physiological principles, and hear from actual clinicians in the field. Learn how medical interventions address dysfunctions and gain a comprehensive understanding of human health and disease.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2-week and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,795
Understanding the Function of Vital Organs
Unlocking the Body's Language
Discover the fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology. Learn about medical terminology, organ systems, and the concept of homeostasis.
The Kidney: Master of Balance
Explore the kidneys' role in maintaining fluid and acid-base balance. Analyze disorders like volume overload and acidosis, and evaluate the impact of diuretics.
The Lungs: Breathing Life into the Body
Uncover the mechanics of breathing and gas exchange in the lungs. Delve into conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and examine the effects of treatments.
The Heart: Engine of Life
Investigate the heart's anatomy and physiology, including blood flow and cardiac output. Analyze conditions like heart failure and aortic stenosis, and explore interventions.
The Pancreas: Metabolic Powerhouse
Explore the pancreas's role in metabolism and its dysfunction in diseases like diabetes and pancreatitis. Analyze patient scenarios to understand the physiological and clinical impacts.
Final Capstone Project
Apply the principles learned throughout the course to analyze a patient case study. Evaluate the effects of a diuretic on a patient diagnosed with heart failure, considering its impact on multiple organ systems and its role in alleviating symptoms.
How You Will Benefit
- Gain a strong understanding of core physiological concepts and their relevance in clinical settings.
- Learn about common medical conditions affecting various organ systems, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, and pancreas.
- Develop the ability to analyze patient scenarios and understand the physiological basis of diseases and their treatments.
- Connect physiological principles to real-world clinical cases to enhance critical thinking skills in a medical context.
- Explore career paths in physiology and related fields while learning from practitioners and experts
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
This online course culminates in a Final Capstone Project that allows you to:
- Analyze a patient case study involving diuretic medication, examining its impact on kidney and heart physiology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness between organ systems, specifically the kidney and heart, in the context of heart failure and diuretic therapy.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Expertise in each course’s particular field
- Encouragement and feedback on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you succeed in your studies
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Course Designed by Northwestern Faculty
Gopi J. Astik, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Medicine
Dr. Gopi J. Astik, MD MS is a Hospitalist, Medical Director and Associate Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Astik is also the Director of Professional Development for the Division of Hospital Medicine. Here she works to design and implement programs to help faculty grow in their careers as academic hospitalists. Her research interests are in quality improvement with special focus in diagnostic errors.
How To Apply:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.