Fundamentals of Human Biology and Health

Fundamentals of Human Biology and Health gives students a solid understanding of how human cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and whole organisms operate. Designed to be used on its own or as a textbook supplement, the material includes clear, concise information covering the main physiological systems in the human body, their interconnections, and what individuals can do to maintain healthy bodies and lifestyles.The text explores how and why we study biology, and where human beings fit into the amazing diversity of life. After some basic chemistry as it relates to the study of biology, the text provides information about human cells and different tissues types, and then explores the main organ systems in the body. Relevant disorders, diseases, drugs, fitness, nutrition, and other health issues are included along the way. Subsequent material addresses genetics, cancer, evolution, ecology, and conservation.Fundamentals of Human Biology and Health provides basic information in an accessible way. This text is an outstanding supplement to any basic course in either general biology or human biology. It has very accessible language that would be appropriate for both high school and college-level students. It can also be used in courses on anatomy and physiology.Heather Murdock has been teaching in the Biology Department at San Francisco State University since 1997. She was honored to win the first SFSU Outstanding Biology Lecturer Award in 2009. Her classes include Human Biology, Nature Study, and Introductory Biology Laboratory I & II. Heather is also involved with Education First College Study Tours, leading international ecology tours to locations such as Costa Rica, Belize, and the Galapagos. She completed her Master’s degree at SFSU in Ecology and Systematics, researching olfactory communication in the endangered Giant Kangaroo Rat. Her undergraduate degree is from University of California, Santa Cruz where she studied Animal Behavior, specifically the breeding behavior of elephant seals at Ano Nuevo. She lives with her husband and two daughters in San Francisco.