Anatomy & Physiology I: Syllabus and Core Study Notes

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the major concepts and homeostatic mechanisms necessary for understanding normal human physiology. Topics include cellular membrane function, feedback mechanisms, and the analysis of organ systems. Laboratory activities support the theoretical concepts and introduce selected disease processes.

• Credits: 4

• Prerequisites: "C" in BIOL 201

• Recommended: "C" or better in BIOL 99, BIOL 110, or CHEM 100

General Education Learning Outcomes

Communication

Students will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills through critical reading, writing, and oral communication. They will be able to distinguish fact from opinion and understand the need for research and evidence.

• Key Point: Ability to communicate ideas clearly and appropriately in academic and professional contexts.

Critical Thinking/Analytical Reasoning/Creativity

Students will analyze and evaluate information from multiple perspectives, draw conclusions, and solve problems.

• Key Point: Ability to interpret data, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.

Personal & Cultural Engagement

Students will explore civic, intercultural, and ethical issues, making connections between their knowledge and actions.

• Key Point: Ability to identify and address social problems impacting communities.

Student Learning Objectives

Homeostasis and Fluid Compartments

Students will evaluate the general mechanisms that maintain homeostasis among fluid compartments of the body.

• Define the major fluid compartments: extracellular fluid (ECF), intracellular fluid, interstitial fluid, plasma.

• Describe the barrier that separates fluid compartments.

• Construct a table of plasma, interstitial fluid, and intracellular fluid solute concentrations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-, proteins).

• Describe the role of negative feedback in homeostasis.

• Identify the components of a negative feedback system: sensor, effector, homeostatic range, set point.

• Describe the feedback function of a specific variable that moves above or below set point (e.g., body temperature).

• Predict the relationship between homeostasis and disease states.

• Analyze a sample data set to distinguish homeostasis from disease.

Key Terms: Homeostasis, negative feedback, sensor, effector, set point, disease.

Membrane Transport Mechanisms

Students will contrast mechanisms of solute and water movement across biological membranes.

• Define the following transport mechanisms:

  • Simple diffusion

  • Facilitated diffusion

  • Carrier-mediated diffusion

  • Osmosis

  • Active transport

• Describe the role of membrane proteins in transport.

• Predict the effect of changes in solute concentration on water movement.

• Classify solutions as hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic.

• Analyze data to determine the direction of water movement across a membrane.

Key Terms: Diffusion, osmosis, tonicity, membrane proteins, active transport.

Table: Types of Membrane Transport

Transport Type	Energy Required?	Example
Simple Diffusion	No	O2 movement across alveolar membrane
Facilitated Diffusion	No	Glucose transport via GLUT proteins
Osmosis	No	Water movement across cell membrane
Active Transport	Yes	Na+/K+ ATPase pump

Nervous System: Electrical Events and Membrane Potentials

Students will predict changes in cellular electrical phenomena if specific plasma electrolytes are abnormal.

• Describe the following:

  • Resting membrane potential

  • Action potential

  • Graded potential

• Diagram the following electrical events:

  • Depolarization

  • Repolarization

  • Hyperpolarization

• Relate the following transport proteins to resting potential voltage:

  • Na+ channels

  • K+ channels

  • ATPase (pump)

• Identify the sequence of electrical events in an action potential.

• Describe how voltage-gated channels operate during action potentials.

• Summarize how ions are shifted to create action potentials.

• Distinguish between absolute and relative refractory periods.

Key Terms: Resting membrane potential, action potential, depolarization, repolarization, refractory period.

Equation: Nernst Equation for Membrane Potential

The Nernst equation calculates the equilibrium potential for a particular ion:

$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{outside}}{[ion]_{inside}} \right)$

Where: Eion = equilibrium potential for the ion R = universal gas constant T = temperature (Kelvin) z = charge of the ion F = Faraday's constant [ion]outside = concentration of ion outside the cell [ion]inside = concentration of ion inside the cell

Grading Information

KCC Institutional Grading Chart

Percentage	Grade	GPA
100.00-93.00	A	4.00
92.99-90.00	A-	3.67
89.99-87.00	B+	3.33
86.99-83.00	B	3.00
82.99-80.00	B-	2.67
79.99-77.00	C+	2.33
76.99-73.00	C	2.00
72.99-70.00	C-	1.67
69.99-67.00	D+	1.33
66.99-63.00	D	1.00
62.99-60.00	D-	0.67
59.99-00.00	F	0.00

Institutional Guidelines and Policies

• Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to ethical conduct and avoid plagiarism.

• Attendance: Regular attendance is required for success.

• Code of Conduct: Professional behavior is expected.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with verified disabilities.

• Drop/Add: Procedures for course changes are outlined in the college catalog.

• Use of Technology: Students are responsible for appropriate use of college technology and resources.

• Safe and Successful Campus Environment: The college is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Textbooks

• Mastering A&P with Pearson eText for Human Anatomy & Physiology

• Human Anatomy & Physiology, 3rd edition by Amerman

Summary

This syllabus outlines the foundational concepts, learning objectives, and institutional policies for a college-level Anatomy & Physiology I course. Students are expected to master the mechanisms of homeostasis, membrane transport, and nervous system electrical events, while adhering to academic integrity and professional conduct.