HSCI 101: Anatomy & Physiology I – Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

HSCI 101: Anatomy & Physiology I is an introductory course in human anatomy and physiology, designed for students in the health sciences. The course covers the structure and function of the human body, focusing on major organ systems, tissues, and cellular processes. Both lecture and laboratory components are included to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Course Information

• Credit Hours: 5

• Pre-requisites & Co-requisites: None

• Main Instructor: Dr. Anne M. Nixon Dower

• Laboratory Instructors: Dr. Chris Dalsegala, Dr. Micah Weitzer, Dr. Steve Vits

• Contact: Email (see syllabus for details)

Course Description

This course provides a general study of the structures and physiology of the human body. Fundamental concepts of microscopic tissue, muscle, and organ structure are introduced. The lecture portion covers the human body from the cellular level to the organ system level, including tissues, the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Laboratory sessions reinforce lecture material through hands-on activities and simulations.

Catalogue Description

• Focuses on the structure and function of the human body.

• Emphasizes the relationship between structure and function at multiple levels (cellular, tissue, organ, system).

• Includes laboratory experiences to reinforce lecture content.

Expected Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify the anatomical organization of the human body and list the organ systems.

2. Describe the structure and function of epithelial tissues and connective tissues.

3. Identify and list the features of major organ systems in the human body.

4. Explain the basic principles of skin and discuss cell types and functions within the skin.

5. Identify the anatomical features of the axial and appendicular skeleton.

6. Define, describe, and diagram membrane potentials, graded potentials, and nervous action potentials.

7. Describe the basic structure and function of nerve and neuromuscular cells.

8. Describe the microscopic structure of muscle cells and relate structure to sliding filament theory and the excitation-contraction coupling mechanism of muscle contraction.

9. Identify the location and function of selected skeletal muscles for the axial and appendicular skeleton.

Major Topics and Weekly Schedule

Lecture Topics

• Week 1: Introduction, The Human Body: An Orientation

• Week 2: Chemistry Comes Alive, Cells: The Living Units

• Week 3: Cells: The Living Units, Tissue: The Living Fabric

• Week 4: Tissue: The Living Fabric, Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4)

• Week 5: The Integumentary System, Bones and Skeletal Tissue

• Week 6: The Skeleton (Axial and Appendicular)

• Week 7: No Class (Election Day), Exam 2 (Chapters 5-9)

• Week 8: Joints, Fundamental of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

• Week 9: Fundamental of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue, Muscles and Muscle Tissue

• Week 10: The Muscular System (Axial and Appendicular Muscles)

• Finals Week: Final Exam (Chapters 9-11)

Laboratory Topics

• Lab 1: Anatomical Terminology

• Lab 2: Tissues of the Human Body

• Lab 3: The Axial Skeleton

• Lab 4: The Appendicular Skeleton

• Lab 5: Muscle Anatomy & Physiology

Assessment and Grading

Course Grade Determination

Assessment	Weight	Frequency
Lecture Quizzes	15%	10 total
Exam 1	20%	Week 4
Exam 2	20%	Week 7
Exam 3 (Final)	25%	Final Exam Week
Laboratory Pre-Lab Quizzes	2.5%	One per lab session (5 total)
Laboratory In-Class Worksheets	15%	One per lab session (5 total)
Laboratory Post-Lab Quizzes	15%	One per lab session (5 total)
Off-Week Lab Assignment	5%	Five total
Total	100%

Grading Rubric

Grade	Range (%)
A	97-100
A-	93-96
B+	90-92
B	87-89
B-	83-86
C+	80-82
C	77-79
C-	73-76
D+	70-72
D	67-69
F	66 & below

Note: Grades are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Required Textbook

• Marieb Human Anatomy and Physiology, 12th Edition + Mastering A&P

• Available in digital or print format with Mastering A&P access.

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 external changes.

• Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.

• Tissue: Groups of similar cells that perform a common function.

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

Sample Equations and Scientific Principles

• Membrane Potential: The voltage difference across a cell membrane, important for nerve and muscle function.

• Resting Membrane Potential Equation:

$V_m = V_{inside} - V_{outside}$

• Sliding Filament Theory: Explains muscle contraction based on the sliding of actin and myosin filaments.

Course Policies and Resources

• LockDown Browser: Required for all examinations to ensure academic integrity.

• Attendance: Students are responsible for attending all lectures and labs.

• Academic Integrity: All course materials are the intellectual property of Drexel University and the course instructors.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

Recommended Study Strategies

• Read assigned textbook chapters before each lecture.

• Complete all quizzes and assignments on time.

• Participate actively in laboratory sessions.

• Review lecture and lab materials regularly to reinforce learning.

Additional Info

• All students must wear scrubs and bring a change of shoes for laboratory sessions.

• Off-week lab assignments are due on Fridays by 11:59 PM as scheduled.