March 25th 2009

Hello Bioscience 1 massage therapy students. I hope by now everyone has managed to access Blackboard and has had a look around the site. I haven't had any complaints so I assume you are all managing OK! (You need to email me if you are having problems). You should by now have read the Introduction to Bioscience and have had a go at the quiz. In fact I can see that some of you have completed this practice quiz and done well on it.

Although this introductory section is not formally assessed it still has some concepts that are fundamental to the study of both Bioscionce and Anatomy. You should now have an idea about the different levels of organisation, the names of the main body systems and the basic processes common to all living organisms. You will also have been introduced to the important concept of homeostasis and how feedback systems help maintain it. Homeostasis is essential for the cells and body systems to function efficiently. In fact, if homeostasis is disturbed disease results. If the disturbance is severe, the organism (you) will die.

In this section you are also introduced to the directional terms used to describe the relationships of parts of the body to each other. Make yourself familiar with these and what they mean as both Irene and I will be using them from now on to describe the position of body organs and structures.

This week should also see you moving on to the first assessed unit on Chemicals in the body. You will have two weeks on this unit before moving on to the next. So work through the workbook and then have a look at the multichoice quiz. Dont worry how many attempts you need to get that magic 15/15 (as only I will see !) and remember the quiz will vanish from view on the 13th April.

Good luck,
Ruth