Physiology: Inside the Body's Inner Workings
Explore the intricacies of the human body and delve into the core principles of physiology. This online course provides a comprehensive understanding of how organ systems function, adapt, and interact. From the mechanics of breathing to the complexities of the cardiovascular system, you'll gain valuable insights into the fascinating world of human physiology. Start your journey of discovery today!
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,795
Explore the Wonders of Human Physiology
Learn How Gases and Fluids Interact in the Body
Understand the gas laws that govern respiration and fluid balance in the body. Explore how oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the lungs and how pressure gradients affect fluid movement.
Explore the Dynamics of Blood Flow and Airflow
Learn about the laws of physics that govern the movement of fluids—both liquids and gases—within the body. Investigate factors influencing blood flow and airflow, and understand how pressure changes can impact organ function.
Investigate the Mechanics of Breathing
Discover the intricate mechanisms that govern lung function and oxygen delivery. Examine the factors that influence breathing, gas exchange, and the transport of oxygen throughout the body during rest and exercise.
Understand the Interplay of Organ Systems
Analyze the balance between oxygen supply and demand and how various systems work together to maintain homeostasis. Learn how the body regulates blood pressure, pH, and responds to challenges like blood loss.
Learn about Internal Stability and Steady State
Examine the principles of physiological balance and how the body maintains a stable internal environment. Discover how changes in input, production, or elimination affect substances in the body.
Discover Acid-Base Balance in the Body
Dive into the chemistry of life and explore how the body maintains balance. Explore the mechanisms that regulate pH in different bodily fluids and the consequences of disruptions to this delicate equilibrium.
How You Will Benefit
- Learn how your body maintains balance and responds to internal and external changes.
- Understand the principles behind critical physiological processes like breathing, blood flow, and fluid regulation.
- Apply essential physiological concepts to real-world scenarios encountered in clinical settings.
- Develop problem-solving skills by integrating knowledge across different body systems.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to various scientific disciplines by completing multiple courses.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School for each course, an addition to your college applications.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
College-Level Content
- The program grants you access to college-level material, quizzes, and other engaging content designed by doctors, scientists, and professors from Harvard Medical School — the perfect fit if you envision a future in medicine or STEM.
- This content is similar to the courses that incoming students at Harvard Medical School take, including those pursuing medical, dental, and immunology graduate programs. They are designed to help prepare students for the challenging curriculum ahead.
Mentoring
Gain support from an expert mentor who’ll help answer questions and enrich your experience. Here’s what to expect:
- Guidance in your course’s particular medical science field.
- Encouragement and direction throughout the course.
- Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you succeed.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Enjoy flexible, engaging video lessons that you can watch whenever it’s convenient for you.
- Multiple medical science courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
- Approximately 30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including multimedia, simulations, and curated quizzes and content.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Taught by HMS Faculty
Richard M. Schwartzstein, MD
Ellen and Melvin Gordon Professor of Medicine and Medical Education, Harvard Medical School
Schwartzstein is also the Director of the Academy at Harvard Medical School. At the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, he serves as the Director of the Center and the Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine for Education. As a pulmonary and critical care doctor, he focuses primarily on caring for patients with lung disease and those in the ICU.
Meet Your Mentors
Throughout your Pre-College HMX Program experience, you can expect to receive guidance and support from a mentor who is well-versed in your course’s medical science subject. They’ll reach out to you regularly through the online Canvas inbox as you make your way through the program, help keep you on track to receive your Certificate of Completion, and are available to answer your course-related questions. Their purpose is to motivate, encourage, and inspire you with the confidence needed to succeed academically in the program. Learn more about your course mentors below.
Jaymar
Holds a Precision Medicine Certificate as well as a doctorate in pharmacy. Jaymar is currently working towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in the state of Massachusetts and aspires to be a practicing clinical pharmacist. Jaymar is passionate about utilizing his medical science expertise to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes, and students pursue their own careers in medicine.
Sarafina
Holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With over a decade of nursing experience, Sarafina is a certified case manager whose specialties include patient care and infection prevention. Health care is her passion, and she enjoys helping students navigate the rigors of pre-health education so that they can one day join the field.
Quinn
Holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing and is an active Family Practice Nurse Practitioner. She also has specific advanced practice nursing experience in surgery, clinical research, public health, and primary care. Quinn is passionate about sharing knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and instilling values of empathy and compassion in pre-health students.
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? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted? 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.
