Biology 20: 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

Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology

This course provides a systematic study of the microscopic and macroscopic structures of the human body, focusing on both cellular and organ system levels. Emphasis is placed on cell structures, tissues, organs, and organ systems, including the cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and nervous systems. The course is designed for students pursuing careers in biology, general education, kinesiology, and health-related fields.

Microscopic Anatomy: Study of cells and tissues using microscopes.
Macroscopic Anatomy: Study of organs and organ systems visible to the naked eye.
Applications: Preparation for careers in health sciences, biology, and related disciplines.

Student Learning Outcomes

Core Competencies in Anatomy & Physiology

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

Structure and Function: Compare the structure and function of living organisms, focusing on the relationships between the physical form of biological systems and their operational processes.
Scientific Terminology: Use appropriate scientific/clinical terminology to communicate laboratory ideas and concepts.
Laboratory Safety Protocols: Demonstrate the ability to follow safety guidelines and protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
Laboratory Equipment Usage: Demonstrate the ability to operate various laboratory instruments such as microscopes, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, and balances.
Holistic Analysis: Investigate issues or problems holistically by examining context, content, cultural context, and/or relationships.
Data Interpretation: Accurately interpret and present information in quantitative or mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, maps).

Required Texts & Materials

Textbooks and Lab Resources

Lecture Text: Human Anatomy by Marieb, Elaine N., Brady, Patricia M., and Jon Mallatt. 2020. Ninth Edition.
Lab Text: Dissection Guide & Atlas to the Rabbit by Smith, David G. and Michael P. Schenk. 2019. Second Edition.
Recommended: The Anatomy Coloring Book by Kapit, Wynn and Lawrence M. Elson. 2013. Fourth Edition.
Lab Notebook: College-ruled composition notebook for all lab work.
Scantron 882-E: For lecture quizzes and exams.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Lab coat, gloves, goggles, long pants, closed-toe shoes.

Grading Policy

Assessment Components and Point Distribution

Grades are based on a combination of exams, quizzes, lab activities, and participation. The following table summarizes the grading components:

Assessment	Points
Lecture Exams (4 x 75 pts)	300
Lecture Quizzes (4 x 20 pts)	80
Reading Quizzes (5 x 5 pts)	25
In-Class Activities & Take-Home Assignments	100
Practical Quizzes (3 x 40 pts)	120
Lab Practicums (2 x 30 pts)	60
Lab Quizzes (10 x 5 pts)	50
Lab Notebook	70
Total	905

Note: The lowest score in each major assessment category will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Grading Scale

Letter Grades and Performance Criteria

Letter Grade	Percentage Range	Description
A+	97–100%	Exceptional accuracy in concepts, terminology, lab safety, equipment use, analysis, and data interpretation.
A	93–96%	Strong mastery; precise and consistent performance across all areas.
A-	90–92%	Strong accuracy; minor errors in application or detail.
B+	87–89%	Nearly all outcomes with proficiency; minor lapses in detail.
B	83–86%	Solid understanding; reliable lab skills, may lack depth.
B-	80–82%	Essential outcomes met inconsistently; accuracy gaps.
C+	77–79%	Essential outcomes met; developing skills, noticeable gaps.
C	70–76%	Minimum outcomes met; foundational understanding.
D+	67–69%	Some outcomes met; limited accuracy.
D	64–66%	Few outcomes met; substantial improvement needed.
D-	61–63%	Minimal progress; lacks consistency and engagement.
F	0–60%	Most outcomes not met; insufficient understanding and effort.

Assessment Types

Exams, Quizzes, and Assignments

Lecture Exams: Multiple choice, diagram labeling, fill-in-the-blank, and short essays covering all discussed material.
Lecture Quizzes: Short check-ins on recent topics to prepare for exams.
Reading Quizzes: Low-stakes quizzes on textbook readings.
In-Class Activities & Take-Home Assignments: Hands-on or applied exercises, presentations, and group work.
Lab Practicums: Hands-on tests with anatomical models and specimens (e.g., organs, rabbits).
Lab Quizzes: Practice quizzes for lab skills.
Lab Notebook: Personal record of lab work, including hand-labeled diagrams and specimen photos.

Laboratory Safety and Protocols

Safe Practices in Anatomy Labs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear lab coat, gloves, goggles, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Lab Safety Masks: May be worn but are not required.
Biohazard Waste: Separate regular trash from biohazard waste; dispose of chemical waste in designated containers.
Handling Specimens: Handle preserved specimens and models with care and mindfulness.

Professionalism and Courtesy

Classroom and Lab Expectations

Arrive on time and attend only your assigned lab section.
Silence cell phones and smart devices during class.
Limit side conversations to maintain focus.
Return all tools and equipment after use.
No food or drinks in the lab for safety reasons.

Academic Integrity Policy

Ethical Standards in Anatomy & Physiology

All quizzes and exams are closed-note; smart devices are not permitted during assessments.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for assignments, quizzes, or exams is not permitted unless explicitly authorized.
Violations result in immediate collection of the assignment, a zero for the first offense, and possible reporting to the Dean for repeated offenses.

Study Strategies

Effective Time Management

Plan to study two to three hours outside of class for every hour spent in lecture.
Set a regular study schedule to manage material and reduce stress during exams.

Drop Policy for Exams & Quizzes

Flexibility for Unexpected Events

Lowest score in each major assessment category will be dropped at semester's end.
No make-up exams or quizzes; use the drop policy for missed or low scores.
Save the drop for emergencies rather than using it early in the semester.

Campus Resources

Support Services for Anatomy & Physiology Students

STEM Academic Career Community
Success Centers (Fontana, Rancho, Chino)
Library and tutoring services
PRISM Center for inclusion and support
Disability Programs & Services
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS)

Key Terms and Concepts

Definitions and Examples

Anatomy: The study of the structure of organisms and their parts.
Physiology: The study of the function of living organisms and their parts.
Microscopic Anatomy: Examination of structures not visible to the naked eye, such as cells and tissues.
Macroscopic Anatomy: Examination of structures visible without magnification, such as organs and organ systems.
Lab Safety: Practices and protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe laboratory environment.
Data Interpretation: The process of analyzing and presenting scientific data in various forms, including graphs and tables.

Example: Data Interpretation in Anatomy

Students may be asked to interpret data from physiological experiments, such as measuring heart rate before and after exercise. Data can be presented in tables or graphs, and students should be able to analyze trends and draw conclusions.

Condition	Heart Rate (bpm)
Resting	72
After Exercise	110

Additional info: Students should be able to explain physiological changes using scientific terminology and relate them to anatomical structures.