Anatomy & Physiology I – Course Structure, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Guide

Anatomy & Physiology I – Fall 2025

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing basic chemistry, body fluids, and the structure and function of the muscular and circulatory systems. It is designed for students pursuing careers in health and life sciences.

• Course Code: BIO 230-711C (Lecture), BIO 230-709B (Lab)

• Credits: 4 credits (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

• Prerequisites: MAT 15, MAT 20, MAT 20 or equiv., AND ESL 91/93, ENG 91/93 or higher

• Instructor: Prof. Zvi Orkin

Required Materials

• Lab Manual: Laboratory Manual for Human Anatomy & Physiology: A Hands-on Approach, Main Version, 1st edition (Melissa L. Greene, Robin L. Robison, Lisa C. Strong). ISBN: 9780137359421 (2021 update). Note: Must be the Main/Hand Version, hard-copy (PEARSON format). Bring to every Lab class.

• Software/eText: Modified Mastering A&P keyed to the Frederick Martini textbook, Visual Anatomy and Physiology, 3rd edition (Frederic H. Martini, William C. Ober, Judi L. Nath, Edwin F. Bartholomew, Kevin Petti). Published by Pearson Education. Note: Must buy Mastering A&P, which is a digital homework system. Instructions for purchase are provided in Brightspace.

Course Description

The course introduces students to basic chemistry, body fluids, and the structure and function of the muscular and circulatory systems. Students will learn to describe the structure and function of these systems and their interconnection.

Discipline-Specific Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

1. Comprehend and use terms and texts, take notes, analyze, and synthesize the material.

2. Apply the scientific method to laboratory investigations.

3. Acquire, interpret, and present information in a cohesive and logical fashion.

4. Evaluate scientific research and data by information analysis and reasoning.

5. Critically interpret and synthesize laboratory results, including microscopy and dissection.

6. Enhance their writing ability and critical thinking skills by preparing lab reports.

Required Common Core Learning Outcomes and Assessments

Pathways Learning Outcomes	Assessments
1. Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of a life or physical science.	Assessment via lecture and lab exams, weekly homework, writing assignments, and/or lab reports.
2. Apply the scientific method to explore natural phenomena, including hypothesis development, observation, experimentation, measurement, data analysis, and data presentation.	Assessment via specific exam questions, structured lab reports, and assignments on hypothesis development, observation, experimentation, measurement, data analysis, and presentation.
3. Use the tools of a scientific discipline to carry out collaborative laboratory investigations.	Assessment of weekly collaborative (2-4 students) laboratory investigations via submitted lab reports, lab exams, and lab practicals.
4. Gather, analyze, and interpret data and present it in an effective written laboratory or field work report.	Assessment via submitted lab reports, follow-up questions in class and on lab exams.
5. Identify and apply research ethics and unbiased assessment in gathering and reporting scientific data.	Assessment via submitted lab reports and writing assignments based on live or video scientific presentations.

Grading Policy

Grade Components

• Lecture (75%):

  • 5 Lecture Exams (48%): 4 in-person exams (4 x 10.5% = 42%), 1 online exam (1 x 6% = 6%)

  • Mastering A&P (Martini) Homework (20%)

  • In-Class Activities, Writing Assignments, etc. (7%)

  • Participation: Attendance and engagement required for online lecture activities and exams

  • Extra Credit (2%): Such assignments, if available, will be no more than +2%

• Laboratory (25%):

  • Lab Exam (12%): In-person lab exam, given in two parts

  • In-Class Activities, including Lab Reports, Writing Assignments, etc. (8%)

  • Participation (5%): Attendance and engagement required for lab activities and practicals

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage	GPA
A	92-100%	4.0
A-	90-91%	3.7
B+	87-89%	3.3
B	83-86%	3.0
B-	80-82%	2.7
C+	77-79%	2.3
C	70-76%	2.0
D	60-69%	1.0
F	Below 60%	0

Attendance & Participation

• Attendance is required for both lecture and lab sessions. Excessive absences or lateness may result in grade penalties.

• Students must sign in at the beginning and end of each in-person class/lab.

• Online attendance is tracked via Zoom login and participation.

• Students are expected to actively participate in all assigned activities, including group work, quizzes, and writing assignments.

• Absences due to illness, change of program, or extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis.

Contact Policy & Communication

• All emails should include a subject line stating "BIO 230 STUDENT" and your full name, as well as relevant details (class section, etc.).

• Office hours are available both in-person and online; appointments may be required.

• Students are responsible for checking announcements and updates via Brightspace and email.

Academic Integrity

• Students must adhere to the Hostos College Academic Bulletin regarding academic honesty.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Lecture Exams	Assess knowledge of major topics: chemistry, cells, tissues, skeleton, muscles, cardiovascular system
Lab Exams	Assess practical skills: microscopy, specimen identification, short answer, fill-in, and practical tasks
Homework	Online assignments via Mastering A&P
Writing Assignments	Lab reports, essays, and collaborative projects
Participation	Attendance, engagement in class/lab, and completion of assigned activities

Additional Info

• Scientific Method: Students will learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present findings.

• Lab Skills: Emphasis on microscopy, specimen handling, and collaborative investigation.

• Writing & Communication: Students will prepare lab reports and scientific presentations, enhancing critical thinking and communication skills.

Additional info: This guide summarizes the course structure, requirements, and learning outcomes for Anatomy & Physiology I, based on the provided syllabus and policy documents.