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Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Syllabus and Study Guide

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Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

This course provides a laboratory-based exploration of the structure and function of the human body. Students will investigate the characteristics of cells, tissues, basic chemistry of life, membranes, organs, and organ systems. Laboratory exercises include the use of microscopes, slides, models, and dissection to reinforce concepts introduced in lectures.

  • Course Number & Title: Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (BIO 11000-W84 Lab)

  • Semester: Fall 2025

  • Lab Hours: 2 hours and 45 minutes per week

  • Prerequisites: ENG 10100 or higher placement

  • Instructor: Dr. Renel Raymond, M.D.

Course Learning Outcomes

Expected Proficiencies

Upon successful completion, students will be proficient in the learning outcomes listed in the full syllabus. These outcomes include the ability to identify and describe anatomical structures, explain physiological processes, and apply laboratory techniques to study the human body.

  • Identify major cell types, tissues, and organ systems.

  • Demonstrate correct use of laboratory equipment, including microscopes.

  • Apply scientific method and critical thinking to laboratory investigations.

  • Interpret data and communicate findings effectively.

Course Materials

Required Resources

  • Visible Body Courseware: Interactive anatomy apps required for assignments and quizzes.

  • D2L Brightspace: Learning management system for course content, assignments, and communication.

  • Technical Requirements: Windows 7/8/10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or later, reliable internet connection, and recommended use of a mouse for app navigation.

Students must purchase the Visible Body Courseware apps as directed by the instructor or bookstore. Technical support is available through Visible Body and the college IT helpdesk.

Course Requirements

Laboratory Assessments

  • Practical Exams: Two practical exams, each worth 30% of the final grade. Exams involve identification of anatomical structures, use of laboratory techniques, and application of knowledge to practical scenarios. Each exam is timed (30 seconds per question).

  • Quizzes: Regular quizzes based on lab activities and assignments, worth 33.4% of the final grade.

  • Attendance: Required for all lab sessions. Absences may impact grades and must be communicated to the instructor.

  • Participation: Active participation in lab exercises, discussions, and group work is expected.

Evaluation Methods

Grading Breakdown

Assessment

Percentage

Practical Exams

66.6%

Quizzes

33.4%

The final grade is determined by averaging the two practical exam scores with the quiz average. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

Grading Scale

  • To pass the course, students must earn a grade of C or better in both the lecture and laboratory components.

  • Failure to earn a C in either component will result in failure of the course.

  • Final lab grades are submitted to the lecture instructor for inclusion in the overall course grade.

Class Schedule

Weekly Topics

Week

Topic

1

Scientific Method, Metric System, Interpreting Graphs

2

Anatomical Terminology, Directional Terms, Body Cavities & Organ Systems

3

The Cell: Plasma Membrane, Organelles, and Microscope Use

4

Mitosis

5

Tissues 1: Epithelium

6

Tissues 2: Connective Tissue

7

Tissues 3: Muscle Tissue and Integumentary System

8

Practical 1 (Friday, October 26)

9

Axial Skeleton

10

Appendicular Skeleton & Joints

11

Superficial Skeletal Muscles

12

Nervous System part 1: Nervous Tissue; The Spinal Cord

13

College Closed (Thanksgiving)

14

Nervous System part 2: Spinal Nerves and Reflexes

15

Nervous System part 3: The Brain, Cranial Nerves, Sheep Brain Dissection

16

Practical 2 (Friday, December 21)

Academic Policies

Attendance and Participation

  • Attendance is mandatory for all face-to-face and synchronous sessions.

  • Unexcused absences are not allowed; missing more than two labs may result in a penalty.

  • Late arrivals or early departures of more than 15 minutes count as absences.

  • Arrangements for make-up work must be made in advance for excused absences.

Academic Integrity

  • Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

  • Examples of violations: copying work, using unauthorized materials, falsifying data, and submitting work not your own.

  • Refer to the SUNY Rockland Student Handbook for detailed policies.

Support Services

Student Resources

  • Accessibility Services: Accommodations for students with documented needs.

  • Academic Success Center: Tutoring and academic support.

  • Testing and Tutoring Center: Assistance with test preparation and study skills.

  • Technical Support: Help with D2L, Visible Body, and other course technologies.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Scientific Method

  • Definition: A systematic approach to inquiry involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

  • Steps: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Collection, Conclusion.

  • Example: Testing the effect of temperature on enzyme activity.

Metric System

  • Definition: A decimal-based system of measurement used in science.

  • Units: Meter (m), Liter (L), Gram (g), etc.

  • Example: Measuring cell size in micrometers (μm).

Anatomical Terminology

  • Directional Terms: Superior, Inferior, Anterior, Posterior, Medial, Lateral, Proximal, Distal.

  • Body Cavities: Cranial, Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic.

  • Organ Systems: Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, etc.

Cell Structure

  • Plasma Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier controlling entry and exit of substances.

  • Organelles: Specialized structures within cells (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).

  • Microscope Use: Essential for observing cells and tissues.

Mitosis

  • Definition: Process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

  • Phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis.

  • Equation: (where n = number of chromosomes)

Tissues

  • Epithelium: Covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

  • Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects organs.

  • Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement.

  • Integumentary System: Skin and associated structures.

Skeletal System

  • Axial Skeleton: Skull, vertebral column, rib cage.

  • Appendicular Skeleton: Limbs and girdles.

  • Joints: Articulations between bones.

Muscular System

  • Superficial Skeletal Muscles: Muscles located near the surface, responsible for movement and posture.

Nervous System

  • Nervous Tissue: Specialized for communication via electrical and chemical signals.

  • Spinal Cord: Main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system.

  • Spinal Nerves and Reflexes: Involved in rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli.

  • Brain and Cranial Nerves: Control center for the body; cranial nerves manage sensory and motor functions.

  • Sheep Brain Dissection: Laboratory exercise to study brain anatomy.

Additional info: For more detailed learning outcomes and weekly objectives, refer to the full syllabus or consult your instructor.

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