BIO 120: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology – Syllabus Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

This course introduces students to the principles of mammalian form and function, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms of major physiological processes. It covers the structure and function of the 11 organ systems of the human body, integrating laboratory exercises to reinforce theoretical knowledge.

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

• Physiology: The study of the function of body parts and how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

• Major Processes Covered: Muscle contraction, neural transmission, signal transduction.

Course Outcomes

Learning Objectives

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

• Identify and explain the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of the human body.

• Illustrate the highly connected pathways of all systems of the body by participating in a class project that demonstrates these connections.

• Critically analyze current issues in human health and medicine, and demonstrate application of that knowledge to their own bodies and life experiences.

Course Structure

Weekly Modules and Topics

The course is organized into weekly modules, each focusing on specific organ systems and related physiological concepts. Assignments and quizzes reinforce learning objectives.

Module	Topics and Assignments
One	Human Body Orientation, Cells, and Tissues; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 1, 3); Discussion: Getting Started; MasteringA&P Lab: Module One Homework & Quiz; Review: Final Project
Two	The Integumentary System; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 4, 5); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Two Homework & Quiz; Milestone One: Organ System Assessment
Three	The Muscular System; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 6); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Three Homework & Quiz; Discussion: What is Inspiring You?
Four	Nervous System and Special Senses; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 7, 8); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Four Homework & Quiz; Milestone Two: Disease Assessment
Five	The Cardiovascular, Blood, and Lymphatic Systems; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 10, 11, 12); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Five Homework & Quiz; Milestone Three: Peer Review
Six	The Respiratory System; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 13); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Six Homework & Quiz; Milestone Four: PowerPoint Presentation Draft
Seven	The Digestive and Urinary Systems; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 14, 15); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Seven Homework & Quiz; Final Project: Organ System Investigation Presentation
Eight	The Endocrine System and the Reproductive System; Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (Ch. 9, 16); MasteringA&P Lab: Module Eight Homework & Quiz; Discussion: The Best of Research

Grading and Assessment

Grade Distribution

Grades are based on homework, quizzes, discussions, milestones, and a final project. The following table summarizes the grade distribution:

Assignment Category	Number of Graded Items	Point Value per Item	Total Points
MasteringA&P Lab Homework	8	20	160
MasteringA&P Lab Quizzes	8	30	240
Discussions	8	30	240
Final Project	1	70	70
Milestone One	1	70	70
Milestone Two	1	70	70
Milestone Three (Peer Review)	1	70	70
Final Submission	1	360	360
Total Course Points			1,000

Textbook and Resources

Required Textbook

• Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb, Susan Keller (Pearson, 12th Edition, ISBN: 978-0-13-790737-3)

• Access code for MasteringA&P Lab is required.

Key Academic Policies

Participation and Accessibility

• Active participation is required from the first week of the course.

• Accommodations are available for students with disabilities through the Accessibility Center (OAC).

• Late assignments may incur penalties unless prior arrangements are made.

Academic Integrity and AI Usage

• Students must adhere to the university's academic integrity policy.

• AI tools may be used for limited assistance, but not as a replacement for human creativity or critical thinking.

Course Topics Overview

Major Organ Systems Covered

• Integumentary System: Protects the body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.

• Muscular System: Facilitates movement, maintains posture, and produces heat.

• Nervous System: Controls and coordinates body activities by transmitting signals.

• Cardiovascular System: Transports nutrients, gases, and wastes; maintains blood pressure.

• Lymphatic System: Defends against infection and disease; returns tissue fluids to the bloodstream.

• Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

• Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.

• Urinary System: Removes waste products from the blood and regulates water balance.

• Endocrine System: Regulates body functions through hormones.

• Reproductive System: Enables reproduction and influences secondary sexual characteristics.

Example: Muscle Contraction

• Definition: Muscle contraction is the process by which muscle fibers generate tension through the action of actin and myosin filaments.

• Key Equation: The sliding filament theory describes the mechanism: $\text{Force} = \text{Number of Cross-Bridges} \times \text{Force per Cross-Bridge}$

• Application: Understanding muscle contraction is essential for analyzing movement and diagnosing neuromuscular disorders.

Example: Neural Transmission

• Definition: Neural transmission is the process by which nerve impulses are conducted along neurons.

• Key Equation: The Nernst equation calculates membrane potential: $E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[\text{ion outside}]}{[\text{ion inside}]} \right)$

• Application: Essential for understanding sensory perception, reflexes, and neurological diseases.

Additional Info

• Additional info: The syllabus emphasizes the integration of anatomy and physiology concepts with real-world health and medicine issues, preparing students for further study or careers in health sciences.