Skip to main content
Back

BIOL 120C: Human Anatomy & Physiology Syllabus and Study Guide

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Course Overview

Course Description

This course provides a brief summary of human anatomical structure and physiological systems, designed to give students the knowledge and perspective necessary to work in their chosen fields. Prerequisite: High school biology recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes

Core Competencies

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

  • Apply the scientific method to biological questions and problems.

  • Demonstrate proper laboratory techniques and skills in anatomy and physiology.

  • Define cell theory and describe the structures and main functions of cells.

  • Compare and contrast organic and inorganic molecules as they relate to the structure and function of living things.

  • Explain the organization of body systems, anatomical features, and functional processes in health and disease.

  • Describe the complementary nature of structure and function, homeostasis and homeostatic mechanisms, and interactions of the human body with its environment.

Course Materials and Resources

Textbooks and Software

  • Required Textbook: Johnson, Human Biology: Concepts and Current Issues with Modified Mastering Biology and eText. Pearson, ISBN: 9780137377311.

  • Required Lab Manual: Johnson, Laboratory Manual for Human Biology: Concepts and Current Issues, 8th ed. Pearson, ISBN: 9780133828144. Lab manual is only available as a hard copy.

  • Required Software: MasteringBiology (access code included with textbook purchase).

Textbook, manual, and software are also available online at cfoliot unless specified by your instructor.

Instructional Approach

Teaching Methods

  • Lecture presentations (PowerPoint)

  • Animations and interactive simulations

  • Group discussion boards

  • Homework on MasteringBiology

  • Lab activities: Observations of models and specimens

Assessment of Learning

Assignment/Assessment Descriptions

  • Weekly participation in discussion boards (graded)

  • Lab quizzes and exams

  • Lecture quizzes and final exam

  • Article reviews

  • MasteringBiology homework

Grading Criteria and Grade Calculation

Grades are based on a combination of assignments, quizzes, exams, and participation. The following table summarizes the grade breakdown:

Assessment

Percent of Final Grade

Lecture Quizzes

15%

Lecture Final Exam

10%

Article Reviews

15%

MasteringBiology Homework

10%

Discussion Board Participation

15%

Lab Quizzes

15%

Lab Exams

15%

Total

100%

Note: Students must obtain a passing grade (below 60) in both lecture and lab in order to receive a passing grade for the course.

Grade Scale

Letter Grade

Percent Range

A

90-100

B+

87-89

B

80-86

C+

77-79

C

70-76

D+

67-69

D

60-66

F

0-59

Course Schedule Overview

Weekly Topics and Assignments

The following table summarizes the weekly topics, chapters, and major assignments for BIOL 120C: Human Anatomy & Physiology.

Week

Topic

Chapters

Assignments

Lab Exercise

1

Introduction, Scientific Method, Health & Disease

Ch. 1

Course Website Overview, MasteringBiology Discussion Board 1

Microscopy Lab

2

Chemistry

Ch. 2

Lab Quiz 1, HW for Chapter 2

Introduction to Human Body

3

Cytology & DNA

Ch. 3-4

Lecture Exam 1, Lab Quiz 2, HW for Chapters 3, 4

Cell Structure

4

Homeostasis and Cancer

Ch. 5

Lab Quiz 3, HW for Chapter 5

Integumentary System

5

Skeletal System

Ch. 6

Lab Quiz 4, HW for Chapter 6

Skeletal System

6

Muscular System

Ch. 7

Lab Quiz 5, HW for Chapter 7

Muscular System

7

Nervous System

Ch. 8

Lab Quiz 6, HW for Chapter 8

Nervous System

8

Senses

Ch. 9

Lab Quiz 7, HW for Chapter 9

Senses

9

Blood

Ch. 10

Lab Quiz 8, HW for Chapter 10

Blood

10

Heart & Blood Vessels

Ch. 11

Lab Quiz 9, HW for Chapter 11

Heart & BVs

11

Immune System

Ch. 12

Lab Quiz 10, HW for Chapter 12

Immune System

12

Respiratory System

Ch. 13

Lab Quiz 11, HW for Chapter 13

Respiratory System

13

Digestive System

Ch. 14

Lab Quiz 12, HW for Chapter 14

Digestive System

14

Urinary System

Ch. 15

Lab Quiz 13, HW for Chapter 15

Urinary System

15

Reproductive System

Ch. 16

Lab Quiz 14, HW for Chapter 16

Reproductive System

16

Final Exam

Ch. 1-16

Lecture Final Exam

Comprehensive Review

Course Policies and Notices

Key Policies

  • Faculty Email Response Time: Typically within 48 hours, except holidays.

  • Posting of Grades: Grades posted on Canvas and official grades on Student Information System.

  • Study and Time Spent Outside of Class: Expect several hours per week for study, assignments, and lab work.

  • Late Assignment Policy: Late assignments penalized 10% per day; not accepted after 10 days or after last day of term.

  • Attendance Policy: Participation in all scheduled activities required; more than four days of absence requires instructor notification and documentation.

  • Plagiarism/Cheating Policy: Academic honesty is required; violations may result in disciplinary action.

  • Spelling Policy: Points deducted for misspelled answers on exams and assignments.

Additional Info

  • Prerequisite: High school biology recommended.

  • Contact: Faculty email and office hours by appointment.

  • Technical Support: Canvas Student Guide and help resources available.

Pearson Logo

Study Prep