Anatomy and Physiology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I

This course provides an interactive, student-centered approach to the study of the human body. Students will explore the identification and function of cells, tissues, and organ systems, as well as the interrelationships among these systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the internal and external structure of the human body and the physiological processes that sustain life.

• Key Focus: Structure and function of major organ systems

• Approach: Case studies, simulation modules, laboratory assignments, and interactive learning

• Target Audience: Students in health sciences, biomedical, or health professional careers

Course Learning Objectives

Core Competencies

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the locations of major organs and organ systems in the human body.

2. Explain mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.

3. Describe the interdependency and interactions of organ systems.

4. Explain the organization of organs and systems and the maintenance of homeostasis.

5. Identify causes and effects of homeostatic imbalances.

6. Examine surface parts of an organism to determine position, relations, function, and structure through lab activities.

Course Structure and Schedule

Weekly Topics and Assessments

The course is organized by weekly topics, each with specific objectives, readings, activities, and assessments. Below is a summary of the schedule:

Date	Topics	Readings	Activities	Assessment
Aug. 21	Course Introduction	Syllabus	Discussion	None
Aug. 26, 28	Body Orientation, Chemistry	Ch. 1, Ch. 2	Discussion	Quiz 1
Sept. 4	Cells	Ch. 3	Case Study	Quiz 2
Sept. 9, 11	Tissues	Ch. 4	No Lab	Exam 1
Sept. 16, 18	Integumentary System, Bones	Ch. 5, Ch. 6	Case Study	Quiz 3, Quiz 4
Sept. 23, 25	The Skeleton	Ch. 7	Case Study	Quiz 5, Quiz 6
Sept. 30	Joints	Ch. 8	Lab Midterm	Quiz 7
Oct. 9	Muscles	Ch. 9	Case Study	Quiz 8
Oct. 14, 16	Muscles, Muscular System	Ch. 9, Ch. 10	Case Study	Quiz 9
Oct. 21, 23	Muscular System	Ch. 10	Case Study	Quiz 10
Oct. 28, 30	Immune System	Ch. 21	No Lab	Exam 3
Nov. 4, 6	Respiratory System	Ch. 22	Discussion	Quiz 11
Nov. 11, 13	Urinary System	Ch. 25	Discussion	Quiz 12
Nov. 18, 20	Lab Final Exam	N/A	Lab Final Exam	Exam 4
Nov. 25	Final Exam Review	N/A	Review	Final Exam

Exam Chapter Breakdown:

• Exam 1: Chapters 1-3

• Exam 2: Chapters 4-7

• Exam 3: Chapters 8-10

• Exam 4: Chapters 21-25

• Final Exam: Cumulative

Assessment and Grading

Grading Components

Description	Due Date	% of Grade
Exams	See course schedule	40%
Case Studies and Discussions	TBA	15%
Attendance	Weekly	5%
Chapter Readings and Quizzes	Weekly/Chapter	10%
Laboratory Assignments	TBA	20%
Final Exam (Cumulative)	See exam schedule	10%

Grading Scale:

Grade	Range (%)
A	94 – 100
A-	90 – 93.9
B+	87 – 89.9
B	83 – 86.9
B-	80 – 82.9
C+	76 – 79.9
C	70 – 75.9
D+	63 – 69.9
D	60 – 62.9
F	0 – 59.9

Course Materials

Required Textbook

• Marieb & Hoehn, Human Anatomy and Physiology (2018, 11th Edition)

• ISBN-13: 978-0134580999, ISBN-10: 0134580990

• Pearson Mastering A&P platform

Supplemental Resources

• GetBodySmart.com: Interactive anatomy tutorials

• Khan Academy: Video lectures on anatomy and physiology

• Human Body 3D Models: Visualize anatomical structures

• Other online resources for quizzes and practice problems

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is 5% of the final grade and is required for all class sessions.

• Students are responsible for all information presented in class, even if absent.

• Excused absences require documentation (e.g., medical, family emergency).

Assignments and Late Work

• All assignments are due on Wednesdays at 11:59 PM unless otherwise specified.

• Late assignments submitted within 24 hours receive a 10% deduction; after 24 hours, assignments are not accepted.

Quizzes and Exams

• Quizzes are administered weekly or at the end of each chapter.

• Exams include case-based scenarios, multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions.

• Final exam is cumulative and must be completed on time.

Laboratory Assignments

• Lab sessions include clinical case studies and anatomical model identification.

• Lab exams are conducted in-person.

Academic Integrity

• Students are expected to follow standards of honesty and integrity.

• Plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action.

Communication and Technology

Canvas and Pearson Mastering A&P

• Canvas is the main platform for course materials, grades, and announcements.

• Pearson Mastering A&P is used for readings, quizzes, and practice problems.

Contact and Support

• Instructor: Dr. Frances Neal (Science Center 284, [e-mail])

• Office Hours: Wednesdays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM or by appointment

• Technology Service Desk: For technical issues with Canvas or Pearson

Key Terms and Concepts

• Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

• Physiology: The study of the function of the body’s structural machinery.

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

• Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function.

• Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.

Example: Homeostasis

Definition: Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment. For example, the regulation of body temperature, blood glucose levels, and pH are all homeostatic processes.

Formula:

$\text{Homeostatic Control Mechanism:} \\ \text{Stimulus} \rightarrow \text{Receptor} \rightarrow \text{Control Center} \rightarrow \text{Effector} \rightarrow \text{Response}$

Application: If body temperature rises, receptors in the skin detect the change, the hypothalamus (control center) processes the information, and effectors (sweat glands) respond by increasing sweat production to cool the body.

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use supplemental online resources for additional practice and visualization.

• GroupMe may be used for class communication, but all official communication should be via email.

• Cell phones and electronic devices are only allowed for class-related activities.