BIO 201: Anatomy & Physiology I – Course Structure, Policies, and Success Strategies

Course Overview and Structure

Introduction to BIO 201

This course, taught by Dr. Sandy Zetlan (Dr. Z), is a 16-week, online Anatomy & Physiology I class designed for college students. The course emphasizes foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, with a focus on tissues, bones, muscles, and related systems. Success in this course requires prior experience in biology and strong study habits.

Prerequisites

• High School Biology: Grade C or better within the last 5 years

• College Biology: Completion of BIO 156 or BIO 181, or an equivalent 100-level cell biology course

• Note: Students without previous college-level cell biology have a significantly lower chance of success due to underdeveloped study techniques. It is recommended to take BIO 156 or BIO 181 first if needed.

Important Dates

• Tuition Refund Deadline: Tuesday, Sept 2 – Last day to withdraw for a full refund.

• Guaranteed Withdrawal Deadline: Monday, Oct 12 – Last day to withdraw without instructor signature. Instructor may allow withdrawal later if you are completing quizzes and assignments.

Course Expectations and Workload

Weekly Commitment

• Lecture Videos: Expect 5 hours of class videos per week, as required by the college.

• Additional Study: Minimum of 5 hours per week outside of class for assignments, quizzes, and exam preparation.

• Total Time: Schedule at least 10 hours per week for this course.

How to Succeed

• Read all announcements, grading comments, and emails from your instructor.

• Stay organized and keep up with weekly assignments and quizzes.

• Engage with all course materials, including videos and online resources.

Online Exam Procedures

• Exam Format: All exams are online, closed-book, and proctored using RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER, which records video of the exam session.

• Environment Check: Students must show the area around and behind their computer before starting the exam. Failure to do so results in a zero.

• Desktop Camera Issues: If using a desktop with a built-in camera, students must arrange to use a laptop, take exams on campus, or purchase a movable camera.

• Academic Integrity: Any appearance of using unauthorized materials will result in investigation and possible penalties, including a zero on the exam, grade reduction, or withdrawal from the course.

Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams

Lecture and Lab Videos

• Instructor-recorded videos cover lecture and lab content.

• Lab assignments simulate hands-on work with histology, bones, and muscles.

• Students must purchase a small plastic skeleton by Week 6 for bone identification practice.

• Life-sized bones and tutoring are available at the Estrella Hall Student Success Center.

Exams

• Frequency: One exam per week (9 lecture exams, 7 lab exams).

• Format: All exams are closed-book and proctored.

• Retake Policy: One exam may be retaken during Week 15 to replace a missed or low score.

• No Cumulative Final: There is no comprehensive final exam.

• Missed Exams: A missed exam counts as zero unless retaken as allowed.

Quizzes and Assignments

• Quizzes: Open-book, can be retaken any time to improve scores. Best taken after watching lecture videos.

• Assignments: Written, drawn, or video assignments due weekly. Submit by Friday for feedback and resubmit by Monday for a higher grade. Late assignments lose 10% per week.

• Working Ahead: Students may work ahead by at least one module, unless modules are locked by the instructor.

Course Start and Participation

• First Steps: Complete Module 0 and two quizzes on Day 1. Begin Lecture Module 1 in Week 1.

• Attendance Policy: Missing Module 0 quizzes may result in being dropped as a "no show." Consistent participation is required; missing more than one exam or two assignments without contacting the instructor may result in being dropped.

Course Materials and Technology

Required Materials

• Computer and Internet: Reliable computer with webcam and high-speed internet. Loaner laptops available through the school.

• Browser: Google Chrome recommended for accessing Canvas and MyLabMastering websites.

• Online Textbook: Access to Pearson MyLab website and online textbook (free for first two weeks, then purchase required).

• Plastic Skeleton: 16.5-inch anatomically correct model needed by Week 6.

• Non-drying Clay: Required by Week 10 for assignments (any color except white).

Technology Tips

• Enable cookies and disable pop-up blockers in your browser.

• Backup all files in at least two locations (e.g., USB drive, cloud storage).

• Have an alternate computer or internet location available in case of emergencies.

Grading and Assessment

Grading Breakdown

• Lecture and Lab Exams, Lab PPT Assignments: 70% of total grade

• Lecture Quizzes: 15% of total grade

• Lab Quizzes, Discussions, Other Assignments: 15% of total grade

• Grading Scale: >90% = A, >80% = B, >70% = C, 60% = D,

Extra Credit Opportunities

• Email instructor during first week for extra credit points (see Module 0).

• Sign up for a 10-minute WEBEX meeting with the instructor for extra credit.

• Earn extra credit in each of the four special senses units (Taste/Smell, Hearing/Balance, Vision 1, Vision 2).

Assessment Policies

• All exams are closed-book and proctored with LockDown Browser.

• Exams graded and posted within three days.

• Quizzes and assignments are open-book, due each Monday at 11:59 pm.

• Quizzes can be retaken any time to improve grades.

• Assignments submitted by Friday receive feedback for resubmission by Monday.

Academic Integrity and Policies

Academic Integrity

• All students are expected to uphold honesty and integrity in academic work.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and excessive absences are considered academic misconduct and may result in disciplinary action.

• Refer to the Student Handbook, Section 23.11, for more details.

Disability and Support Services

• Students needing accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center immediately.

• Free tutoring and academic support are available on campus and online.

Communication and Netiquette

• Check your Maricopa Gmail account daily for official communications.

• Set Canvas notifications for immediate or daily updates.

• Follow proper netiquette in all online communications and discussions.

Title IX and Non-Discrimination

• Sexual harassment and discrimination are not tolerated. Report any incidents to the Title IX Coordinator.

Disclaimer

• The syllabus and schedule are subject to change. Students are responsible for keeping up with all announcements and revisions.

Learning Outcomes and Competencies

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply anatomical terminology to locate and describe body structures, sections, regions, and positions.

• Describe the hierarchy of body organization and general functions of all organ systems.

• Define homeostasis and provide examples for integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

• Identify and describe the structure and function of major tissue types.

• Describe the histology, anatomy, physiology, regulation, pathologies, and repair mechanisms of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

• Explain the relationships between skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

• Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety and procedures.

• Perform laboratory activities using appropriate equipment, specimens, and simulations.

Additional info: These notes summarize the course structure, policies, and expectations for BIO 201: Anatomy & Physiology I, as outlined in the provided syllabus. For detailed content on anatomy and physiology topics, refer to the course modules and textbook.