New York University
Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.

New York University

Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology

Alexandra Seidenstein
Eddie Stern
Tommy Lee

Instructors: Alexandra Seidenstein

64,015 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(506 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 53 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(506 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 53 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Identify the role, structure, and function of human physiological systems

  • Identify the the conditions and presentation of normal and abnormal functioning of human physiological systems

  • Examine underlying physiological mechanisms that connect healthy functioning to yoga practice

  • Practice yoga that targets therapy, prevention, and overall wellness

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

63 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 14 modules in this course

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding to the workings of the trillions of cells that make up our body. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the cell, energy production and signaling network of our cells. This gives us the ability to understand how cells work, and their purpose to understand cell stress and related pathologies. The yoga component of this module introduces the basics to the practice to allows us to begin building healthier cell programming and reducing cellular stress.

What's included

4 videos3 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

This module defines the basics of genetics in exploration of contributing factors to healthy chromosomes and genetic regulation. By explaining the role that stress can have on cells and chromosomal wellbeing, we provide a foundation for understanding how epigenetics can be affected by repetition and being to help to promote new regulatory factors.

What's included

7 videos5 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module we break down a scientific article, so that we can better understand the components of a peer reviewed research paper. In understanding the sections of the paper, what they contribute to the scientific paper and discovery. In addition, the reader should be able to identify major conclusions and results from this research paper, and future studies.

What's included

8 readings2 assignments

In this module we will explore the basic components of the Nervous system from a cellular to a physiological level. Particularly, we will focus on the components of the nervous system that are aided by yoga and mindfulness modalities. The yoga aspect of the module will focus on supporting proper posture and minimizing back pain.

What's included

10 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

This module presents an overview of the respiratory system including both the molecular functioning as well as the overall mechanisms of breathing. In understanding how and why we breath, students will have a deeper understanding of the role that breathing has in stress reduction, physiological well being and overall health. The yoga component of this lesson will focus on different breathing techniques that can be utilized to optimize wellness.

What's included

5 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the cardiovascular system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the system, as well as the mechanisms behind muscle contraction. In order to understand associated pathologies, blood pressure is also highlighted in the class. The module features an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins, who discusses the role that yoga and meditation can have on cardiovascular pathology such as hypertension. The yoga component of this module focuses on movement to increase circulation and increase your heart rate.

What's included

6 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding and introduction to the lymphatic and immune systems. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the lymphatic system; vessels, glands and lymph components. In addition, an overview of the immune system focuses on the primary component. These two interconnected systems are highlighted in order to understand lymph circulation as well as pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammation. The yoga component of this module focuses on postures that have sweeping movement to increase lymphatic circulation, and ones that promote a calm and healthy immune system.

What's included

5 videos3 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

This module’s focus is to provide a basic understanding of the musculoskeletal system on both a physiological or macro level, as well as a micro level. In doing so, we will build an understanding of how yoga and meditation can help provide the foundation for a strong and health musculoskeletal system. In addition, this module features an interview with Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Seidenstein, who will provide insight into how yoga can help treat and prevent orthopedic injury.

What's included

8 videos5 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding and introduction to the renal system and highlight other excretory systems. The lecture provides an overview of the functioning components of the renal system, the nephrons. The ability to understand how nephrons work, and their purpose to understand pathologies, such as high blood pressure. The yoga component of this module focuses on forward and back bends that have the ability to promote kidney health.

What's included

4 videos3 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

This module focuses on the overall purpose and structure of the digestive system organs, and the role of their accessory organs in digestion. We will explore yoga practices that can aid in promoting healthy digestion through movement. In addition, an overview of some pathologies associated with the digestive system, and how yoga can help enhance treatment.

What's included

3 videos4 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

The focus of this module is to provide a basic understanding of the endocrine and the reproductive system. The lecture provides an overview of the main components of the endocrine system; hormones, glands and tissues/organs that are affected. In order to understand associated pathologies, specific hormones are highlighted in the class. In addition, the module goes over impact of long term stress with an in depth description of the HPA Axis. The yoga component of this module focuses on relaxing movement to decrease stress and promote a healthy endocrine system.

What's included

6 videos4 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

The focus of this module is to provide a physiological understanding of the stress response. The lecture provides an overview of stress as controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis. This gives us the ability to understand how stress can impact our bodies on a cellular, as well as, systems level and discuss related pathologies. This module is enhanced by an interview with Dr. Marshall Hagins who discusses the impact of stress on general health as well as pain. The yoga component of this module introduces breathing and meditation techniques to decrease chronic stress, and improve our overall health.

What's included

5 videos3 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this module we will integrate everything we have learned in the previous modules to enhance our overall health and wellness. The focus of this module is on practicing a short but complete practice, that can be done on a daily or weekly basis. This yoga practice was designed as part of a hypertension and yoga study, where it was able to reduce hypertension. Being able to integrate this complete practice into your daily lives is a perfect practical summary of everything that has been practiced.

What's included

1 video4 readings4 assignments

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.9 (239 ratings)
Alexandra Seidenstein
New York University
1 Course64,015 learners
Eddie Stern
New York University
1 Course64,015 learners
Tommy Lee
New York University
1 Course64,015 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Basic Science

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 506

4.8

506 reviews

  • 5 stars

    85.79%

  • 4 stars

    11.83%

  • 3 stars

    0.98%

  • 2 stars

    0.19%

  • 1 star

    1.18%

TS
5

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

SG
5

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2024

DV
5

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

New to Basic Science? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions