BIO 211: Anatomy & Physiology I – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course, BIO 211: Anatomy & Physiology I, provides an integrative approach to understanding the structure and function of the human body. The syllabus outlines course objectives, required materials, grading policies, and a tentative lecture schedule, serving as a foundational guide for students enrolled in the course.

Course Objectives

• Relationship Between Form and Function: Develop an understanding of how anatomical structures relate to their physiological functions in the human body.

• Complexity of Human Systems: Understand the complexity of the human body and how organ systems interact to maintain homeostasis and normal function.

• Application of Concepts: Apply core concepts to analyze both normal and abnormal (disease) states, especially those resulting from deviations from homeostasis.

• Critical Thinking: Use analytical skills to interpret clinical scenarios and case studies.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Anatomy & Physiology: An Integrative Approach by O'Loughlin, Bidle & McKinley, 2025 Release (McGraw-Hill, electronic).

• Connect Access: Required for assignments and study materials. Includes online homework and resources.

Grading and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

Component	Percentage
Lecture Assignments	15%
Unit Exams (4 total, 17% each)	68%
Cumulative Final Exam	17%
Total	100%

• Assignments: May include group work, case studies, worksheets, and online quizzes. Each assignment has a specific due date and late submissions are penalized by a 25% grade deduction per day.

• Exams: Four unit exams and one cumulative final exam, primarily objective (multiple choice, true/false, matching) with some short answer/fill-in-the-blank questions.

• No Extra Credit: There are no extra credit opportunities or curved grades in this course.

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is expected at all classes and is part of your final grade.

• Absences are only excused for acceptable reasons (e.g., illness with documentation, advance notice to instructor).

• Missed exams require documentation and may be made up at the instructor's discretion.

• This is an in-person course; remote attendance is not permitted.

Course Schedule

The following is a tentative schedule of topics and exams. Each week covers specific chapters and systems in human anatomy and physiology.

Week	Dates	Topics	Notes
1	Aug 26-28	Intro, Tissue and Membranes (CH 1, 4, 5)
2	Sep 2-4	Tissue and Membranes cont'd, Cell Metabolism (CH 2, 3), Integumentary System intro (CH 6)
3	Sep 9-11	Integumentary System (CH 6) and review	Exam 1 (9/11)
4	Sep 16-18	Skeletal System (CH 7)
5	Sep 23-25	Skeletal System cont'd, Muscular System (CH 10)
6	Sep 30	Skeletal System (CH 10)
7	Oct 7-9	Muscular System cont'd and review	Exam 2 (10/09)
8	Oct 14-16	Nervous System (CH 12)
9	Oct 21-23	Nervous System cont'd (CH 13-15)
10	Oct 28-30	Nervous System cont'd and review
11	Nov 4-6	Exam 3 (11/4), Senses (CH 16)
12	Nov 11-13	Senses (CH 16), Endocrine System (CH 17)
13	Nov 18-20	Endocrine System cont'd and review
14	Nov 24-28	Thanksgiving Recess	No classes
15	Dec 2-4	Exam 4 (12/2), Catch up/Review	Exam on Thursday
16	Dec 8	Final Exam week (Dec 9-13)	Schedule by Registrar

Tips for Success

• Come to class prepared and ready to participate.

• Read assigned textbook material before class.

• Review and expand your notes daily; write down questions for the next class.

• Utilize Connect to assist your studying, not as a replacement for your own notes.

• Be proactive: ask questions, attend office hours, form study groups, and use available resources.

• Visit the Learning Commons for additional support and study strategies.

Key Definitions and Concepts

• 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 changes in external conditions.

• Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function.

• Case Study: An in-depth analysis of a real-life situation or scenario to apply theoretical knowledge.

Important Dates

• Aug 25: Classes begin

• Sep 1: Labor Day (no classes)

• Oct 2: University holiday (no class)

• Oct 31: Last day to withdraw with grade of "W"

• Nov 24-29: Thanksgiving Break (no classes)

• Dec 8: Study Day (no classes, no final exams)

Additional Information

• All course policies, grading, and academic integrity guidelines are detailed in the Unified Syllabus on Blackboard.

• Changes to the syllabus may occur at the instructor’s discretion.