Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory

This course is the first laboratory component of a two-semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology. The laboratory complements the lecture by providing hands-on experiences such as specimen dissections, model examinations, and physiological experiments. The course emphasizes anatomical terminology, the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, special senses, skeletal system, and muscular system.

• Instructor: Dr. Elaine A O'Donnell DPM

• Contact: Email and phone provided in syllabus

• Laboratory Location: 214 Dawson

• Required Materials: Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Manual (Marieb & Smith, 13th edition)

Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop and demonstrate laboratory skills to effectively communicate information related to anatomy and physiology.

• Identify anatomical structures and explain physiological functions of body systems.

• Demonstrate laboratory procedures used to examine anatomical structures and evaluate physiological functions.

• Recognize and explain the principles of homeostasis and use feedback loops to control physiological systems.

• Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to real-world situations, including clinical cases and health/lifestyle decisions.

• Interpret and explain data from anatomical images and graphs of physiological data.

General Education Learning Objectives

• Key Literacies: Ability to identify, interpret, create, communicate, and compute using materials in various media and contexts.

• Critical and Analytical Thinking: Intellectual discipline in conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information.

Course Structure and Grading

Assessment Components

• Pre-lab CANVAS Quizzes: 8 quizzes, 5 points each (40 points total)

• In-lab Practical Quizzes: 6 quizzes, 5 points each (30 points total)

• Laboratory Exams: 4 exams, 90 points each (360 points total)

• Class Participation: 3 sessions, 15 points each (45 points total)

• Lab Notebooks: 3, 20 points each (60 points total)

• Presentation: 1, 50 points

• Total: 575 points

Grading Scale: Standard letter grades (A = 90%+, B = 80%+, C = 70%+, D = 60%+). No rounding up of grades.

Participation and Requirements

• Active participation and adherence to university requirements are expected.

• Group work and in-class activities are part of the course.

Quizzes and Exams

• Pre-lab quizzes: Based on assigned readings and posted materials.

• Practical quizzes: Based on anatomical specimens and models.

• Laboratory exams: Cumulative, covering both anatomy and physiology. No make-up quizzes; make-up exams only under strict conditions.

Lab Notebooks

• Students must record diagrams, observations, and answers to laboratory questions.

• Notebooks are graded at the beginning of each lab exam for each unit.

• Points and grading criteria are provided in the syllabus and lab handouts.

Extra Credit

• Extra credit opportunities may be available on lecture and lab exams.

• Requests for personal opportunities for extra credit are not accepted.

Academic Integrity and Policies

Academic Integrity

• All work must be your own unless otherwise indicated.

• Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration.

• Penalties may include a failing grade for the assignment or the course.

Attendance and Make-Up Policy

• No make-up quizzes are allowed.

• Make-up exams are only permitted with documentation and instructor approval.

• All make-up exams will be scheduled on the Friday before the final exam; no exceptions.

Canvas and Online Resources

• Course materials, announcements, and quizzes are posted on Canvas.

• Students are responsible for checking Canvas regularly.

Student Support and Safety

Disability Services

• Students with documented disabilities should contact the campus disability coordinator for accommodations.

Health and Safety

• Penn State follows CDC-recommended health and safety precautions.

• Emergency procedures and evacuation plans are in place for all students and staff.

Counseling and Psychological Services

• Confidential services are available for students facing personal or psychological challenges.

Campus Closings and Cancellations

• Information about campus closures or delays is available via PSU Alerts and the campus website.

Study Suggestions

• Review material before and after each lab session.

• Use the laboratory manual and Canvas resources for study aids.

• Participate actively in all laboratory activities and discussions.

Example Table: Grading Breakdown

Assessment	Number	Points Each	Total Points
Pre-lab CANVAS Quizzes	8	5	40
In-lab Practical Quizzes	6	5	30
Laboratory Exams	4	90	360
Class Participation	3	15	45
Lab Notebooks	3	20	60
Presentation	1	50	50
Total			575

Key Terms and Definitions

• 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.

• Feedback Loop: A biological mechanism whereby the output of a system feeds back to regulate itself, often maintaining homeostasis.

• Dissection: The process of carefully cutting apart body structures to study their relationships.

Example: Homeostasis Feedback Loop

• Negative Feedback Example: Regulation of body temperature. When body temperature rises, mechanisms such as sweating are activated to cool the body, restoring normal temperature.

• Positive Feedback Example: Blood clotting. When a vessel is damaged, platelets adhere and release chemicals that attract more platelets, rapidly forming a clot.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course expectations, grading, and support resources for students enrolled in Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory.

• Students are encouraged to use all available resources, including the laboratory manual, Canvas, and university support services, to succeed in the course.