Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Syllabus, Lab Schedule, and Core Concepts

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational understanding of the basic structure and function of the human body, focusing on cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. It integrates principles of homeostasis, disease prevention, and the roles of microorganisms in human health. The course is designed for students pursuing health care certification programs.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 8th Edition, Elaine N. Marieb & Pamela B. Jackson. ISBN: 9780137375523

• Lab Manual: Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual, 8th Edition, Marieb & Jackson. ISBN: 9780137577611

Course Structure and Grading

• Lecture: 3 hours/week

• Lab: 3 hours/week

• Tests: 50% of final grade

• Quizzes/Attendance (Lab and Lecture): 20%

• Lab: 30% (includes activities, worksheets, and 1 lab report)

GCC Grading Policy

Letter	Numerical	GPA
A	93-100	4.0
A-	90-92	3.7
B+	87-89	3.3
B	83-86	3.0
B-	80-82	2.7
C+	77-79	2.3
C	73-76	2.0
C-	70-72	1.7
D+	67-69	1.3
D	63-66	1.0
F	0-62	0.0

Course Outline

Week	Topic
1	Ch 1: Organization and General Body Plan; Ch 2: Basic Chemistry
2	Ch 2 and Ch 3: Cells and Tissues
3	Ch 4: Skin and Membranes; Ch 5: Skeletal System + Review
4	Test #1: Chapters 1, 2, 3; Ch 5: Skeletal System and Muscular System
5	Ch 7: Nervous System
6	Ch 9: Endocrine System
7	Test #2: Chapters 4, 5, 6; Ch 16: Reproductive System
8	Ch 10, 11, 13: Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
9	Test #3: Chapters 7, 9, 16
10	Ch 14: Respiratory System; Ch 13: Worksheet
11	Test #4: Chapters 10, 11, 13; Lab Report Due
12	Ch 15: Urinary System; Ch 12: Lymph System and Immunity
13	Final: Chapters 14, 15, 12, Microbiology and Human Disease

Lab Schedule (Selected Weeks)

Date	Lab Exercises
9/11	Lab Safety, Syllabus, and Policies
9/18	Using the Microscope; Cheek Cell Staining; Classification of Tissues
9/25	The Integumentary System
10/2	Overview of the Skeleton; The Appendicular Skeleton; Demonstrate examples of synovial joints
10/9	Microscope Anatomy and Organization of Skeletal Muscles; Gross Anatomy of the Muscular System
10/16	Gross Anatomy of the Brain; Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves; Human Reflex Physiology
10/23	The Special Senses; Anatomy of the Endocrine Glands
10/30	Blood; Anatomy of the Heart; Anatomy of Blood Vessels
11/6	Anatomy of the Respiratory System
11/13	Functional Anatomy of the Digestive System
11/20	Functional Anatomy of the Urinary System; Organ Systems Overview; Environmental Sampling
12/4	Environmental Sampling, Part 2; GlGerm

Student Learning Outcomes

• Define and use basic medical terminology related to human anatomy and physiology.

• Describe the organization of the human body from the cellular to the system level.

• Identify the structure and function of major tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• Explain the principles of homeostasis and their importance in health and disease.

• Discuss the role of microorganisms in human health and disease.

• Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to laboratory investigations and real-world scenarios.

Major Units and Key Concepts

UNIT I: Introduction to the Human Body - Organization and General Plan

• Key Terms: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology

• Levels of Organization: Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment

• Example: Regulation of body temperature via negative feedback mechanisms

UNIT II: Tissues, Glands, and Membranes - The Skin

• Tissue: A group of similar cells performing a specific function

• Types of Tissues: Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous

• Glands: Structures that secrete substances (endocrine vs. exocrine)

• Membranes: Mucous, Serous, Cutaneous, Synovial

• Skin Functions: Protection, sensation, temperature regulation, excretion, synthesis of vitamin D

• Accessory Structures: Hair, nails, glands

UNIT III: Movement and Support

• Skeletal System: Provides support, protection, and movement; stores minerals; produces blood cells

• Muscular System: Produces movement, maintains posture, generates heat

• Joints: Sites where two or more bones meet; classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial

• Example: The knee joint is a synovial joint allowing flexion and extension

UNIT IV: Coordination and Control

• Nervous System: Fast-acting control system; responds to internal and external changes

• Endocrine System: Glands secrete hormones that regulate processes such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism

• Neuron: Basic unit of the nervous system; transmits electrical impulses

• Example: Reflex arc as a basic unit of neural function

UNIT V: Special Senses and Hormonal Regulation

• Special Senses: Vision, hearing, taste, smell, equilibrium

• Hormonal Regulation: Hormones act as chemical messengers to regulate body functions

UNIT VI: Circulation and Body Defense

• Cardiovascular System: Heart and blood vessels transport nutrients, gases, wastes

• Lymphatic System: Returns fluid to blood, defends against pathogens

• Immune Response: Body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders

UNIT VII: Energy Supply and Use

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions in the body

• ATP: Main energy currency of the cell

• Example Equation:

$\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{ATP}$

UNIT VIII: Microbiology Concepts

• Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa

• Role in Health: Some are beneficial (normal flora), others cause disease (pathogens)

• Prevention: Hygiene, vaccination, antibiotics

Academic Policies and Support

• Attendance: Maximum of 3 unexcused absences per semester

• Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated

• Accessibility: Students with disabilities should contact the Student Accessibility Services Office

• Diversity and Inclusion: The School of Math and Science is committed to supporting all students

Summary Table: Major Organ Systems and Functions

System	Main Functions
Integumentary	Protection, temperature regulation, sensation
Skeletal	Support, movement, protection, blood cell production
Muscular	Movement, posture, heat production
Nervous	Control, coordination, response to stimuli
Endocrine	Hormone production, regulation of metabolism
Cardiovascular	Transport of nutrients, gases, wastes
Lymphatic	Fluid balance, immune defense
Respiratory	Gas exchange (O2/CO2)
Digestive	Breakdown and absorption of nutrients
Urinary	Excretion of wastes, fluid and electrolyte balance
Reproductive	Production of offspring

Additional Info

• Concepts of homeostasis, chemistry, and system interrelationships are integrated throughout the course.

• Lab activities reinforce lecture content and develop practical skills in observation, measurement, and analysis.