Anatomy and Physiology 50A: Course Structure, Learning Outcomes, and Schedule

Course Overview

Anatomy and Physiology 50A (BIO 50A) is the first course in a two-part sequence introducing the foundational concepts of human anatomy and physiology. The course is designed for students pursuing careers in health sciences, such as nursing, dental hygiene, and physical therapy. It covers the structure and function of the human body from the molecular to the organ system level, with a focus on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

Key Course Information

• Instructor: Dr. Baroon

• Lecture Times: Friday and Saturday, 4:45pm – 5:50pm

• Lab Times: Friday and Saturday, 6:00pm – 9:10pm

• Location: HUM 322 (Lecture), HUM 323 (Lab)

• Contact: [e-mail]

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Classify anatomical terminology for identification and description of the human body.

• Relate basic chemistry principles to physiological processes at various biological levels.

• Connect cellular structure and function, emphasizing homeostasis.

• Differentiation of tissues by histological features and their functional correlations.

• Describe anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

• Analyze homeostatic regulation in the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems.

• Explain skeletal development, remodeling, and repair.

• Describe neuromuscular junction anatomy and events.

• Connect neuron anatomy to action potential generation.

• Describe nervous system roles in sensory reception, integration, and output.

• Explain neuronal communication mechanisms.

• Identify major structures of the central nervous system.

Required Course Materials

• Textbook: Marieb Human Anatomy and Physiology, 12th ed. (or 10th/11th ed.)

• Online Access: Pearson MyLab and Mastering (via Canvas)

• Lab Manual: Anatomy and Physiology 50B Laboratory Manual and Lecture notes (Canvas)

• Other: Computer with internet, scantrons, pencils, and optional anatomy atlases

Course Policies

• Attendance: Mandatory for all lectures and labs. Missing class may result in being dropped.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating results in course failure and disciplinary action.

• Special Needs: Accommodations available through the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC).

• Religious Observances: Requests for accommodations must be made in writing by the second week.

• Cell Phones: Must be silenced/off during class; no use during exams.

Grading and Assessment

• Lecture (60%) and Lab (40%) contribute to the final grade.

• Grade Scale:

Points	Percentage	Grade
1260 – 1400	90-100%	A
1120 – 1259	80-89.9%	B
980 – 1119	70-79.9%	C
840 – 979	60-69.9%	D
< 840	< 60%	F

• Assessment Breakdown:

Assessment	Points
5 Sectional Lecture Exams (80 pts each)	400
5 Sectional Lab Exams (70 pts each)	350
Comprehensive Final Exam	100
Pearson HW Assignments	250
Canvas Quizzes	150
Lab Assignments	150
Total	1400

• Exams: Closed book/notes, individual, timed (1 hour). No make-ups except by prior arrangement.

• Quizzes: In-class or online, closed book/notes, no make-ups for absences or lateness.

• Homework: Due by 11:30AM on exam days; no late submissions.

• No extra credit assignments.

Course Schedule Overview

The course follows a logical progression through the major topics of human anatomy and physiology, closely matching the standard A&P textbook chapter sequence:

Week	Lecture Topic	Lab Topic
1	The Human Body: An Orientation (Ch. 1)	Language of Anatomy, Microscopy
2	Chemistry Comes Alive (Ch. 2)	Macromolecules, Cellular Structures
3	Cells: The Living Units (Ch. 3)	Cellular Structures, Transport, Cell Cycle
4	Histology (Ch. 4)	Histology
5	Integumentary System (Ch. 5)	Integumentary System
6-7	Skeletal System (Ch. 6-7)	Skeletal System
8	Joints (Ch. 8)	Skeletal System
9-11	Muscular System (Ch. 9-10)	Muscular System
12-14	Neurophysiology, CNS (Ch. 11-12, 13.3)	Neuron Structures, Brain, Spinal Cord
15-16	Exams and Final Review	Exams and Final Review

Additional info: The schedule includes regular quizzes, homework, and exams, with a strong emphasis on both lecture and laboratory learning. The course content aligns with the standard sequence of topics in college-level anatomy and physiology, covering all foundational systems and processes.

Study and Success Tips

• Plan to study 2-3 hours for every hour of class time (minimum 18 hours/week).

• Utilize all available resources: textbook, online materials, lab manuals, and atlases.

• Stay current with assignments and quizzes; late work is not accepted.

• Engage actively in both lecture and lab sessions for best results.