BIOL 2401: Human Anatomy & Physiology I – Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Introduction

Overview of Human Anatomy & Physiology I

This course is the first of a two-course sequence designed for students considering a career in the health professions. It provides a foundational understanding of the structure and function of the human body, focusing on major organ systems and their physiological processes.

• Credit Hours: 3

• Format: Online via Blackboard

• Instructor: Dr. Sandhya N. Baviskar

• Prerequisites: Introductory Biology and Chemistry courses (see syllabus for details)

Main Topics Covered

• Muscular System

• Skeletal System

• Nervous System

• Immune System

• Circulatory System

• Gastrointestinal System

• Reproductive System

Course Objectives

Learning Goals

By the end of the semester, students should be able to:

• Identify, describe, and explain gross and microscopic features of cells, tissues, and organs involved in each system.

• Understand the anatomical features of organs or tissues and their roles in physiological function.

• Explain processes and functions at both the cellular and organ system levels.

Textbook and Resources

Required Textbook

• Title: Human Anatomy: Modified Mastering A&P Access

• Author: Elaine N. Marieb

• Publisher: Pearson

• ISBN: 9780135242539

Access to Mastering A&P is required for online assignments and resources.

Blackboard Resources

• Course content, assignments, and quizzes are posted in the "Content" tab.

• Each unit has its own folder with lecture videos, readings, and assignments.

• Quizzes and exams are found in the "Tests and Quizzes" folder.

• Assignments, including drawing assignments, are in the "Assignments" folder.

Assessment and Grading

Exams, Quizzes, and Assignments

• Exams: Five online exams (100 points each), each with 50 multiple-choice questions.

• Drawing Assignments: Four assignments (25 points each) requiring students to draw and label anatomical structures.

• Quizzes: Eleven bonus quizzes (each worth 5 points) to reinforce learning.

• Final Grade: Out of 600 points. The final grade is based on the average percentage of all assessments.

Grading Table

Assessment Type	Number	Points Each	Total Points
Exams	5	100	500
Drawing Assignments	4	25	100
Bonus Quizzes	11	5	55 (bonus)

Technology Requirements

Minimum Technical Requirements

• Desktop, laptop, or Chromebook (tablets/phones not recommended)

• Webcam and microphone (built-in or external)

• Reliable internet connection (minimum 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload)

• Operating system: Windows 7 or newer, Mac OS X 10.10 or newer

• Browser: Pop-up blocker disabled; latest version of Google Chrome required

Proctoring and Exam Security

SmarterProctoring

• All exams are proctored remotely using SmarterProctoring.

• Students must schedule their exam sessions in advance and provide a government-issued ID for verification.

• Quiet, private location required; no other people or prohibited materials allowed.

• Late scheduling or cancellations may incur a fee.

LockDown Browser

• Required for all online quizzes and exams.

• Prevents access to other applications or websites during the exam.

• Must be installed and tested before the first assessment.

Study Strategies for Success

Recommended Study Methods

1. Read the textbook and review lecture videos for each unit.

2. Take notes and highlight key concepts.

3. Complete all assignments and quizzes on time.

4. Review and repeat material multiple times before exams.

5. Utilize Mastering A&P and drawing assignments for active learning.

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.

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

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Example: Homeostasis

Homeostasis is a central concept in physiology. For example, the body maintains a stable internal temperature (around 37°C) through mechanisms such as sweating and shivering.

Formulas and Equations

• Body Mass Index (BMI):

$BMI = \frac{\text{weight (kg)}}{\text{height (m)}^2}$

• Osmosis (Osmotic Pressure):

$\Pi = iMRT$

Where $\Pi$ is osmotic pressure, $i$ is the van 't Hoff factor, $M$ is molarity, $R$ is the gas constant, and $T$ is temperature in Kelvin.

Additional Information

• Students are expected to check Blackboard regularly for updates and assignments.

• Contact the instructor via email for office hours or questions.

• Technical support is available for SmarterProctoring and LockDown Browser.

Additional info: Some details about the specific content of each unit (e.g., detailed system anatomy) are not included in the syllabus but will be provided in the course materials on Blackboard.