Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 109) - Structured Study Notes

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology

This course provides an overview of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the study of the structure and function of the human body. It covers the major organ systems and their roles in maintaining homeostasis and overall health. The course is designed for students preparing for allied health professions and those seeking foundational knowledge in biology.

• Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

• Physiology: The study of the function of body parts and how they work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

• Major Organ Systems: Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.

• Applications: Preparation for careers such as Radiology Technician, Physical Therapist, Veterinary Technician, and Medical Laboratory Technician.

Additional info: The course is not a substitute for BIOL 110, 220, or 221 and does not satisfy the Anatomy & Physiology prerequisite for the Nursing Program.

Course Goals and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

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

• Identify the major human body systems and their organs.

• Describe the organization of the human body at molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system levels.

• Explain homeostasis and its importance in maintaining internal stability.

• Describe the functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

• Explain how the nervous and endocrine systems allow communication between parts of the body.

• Apply knowledge of major nutritional needs of the body to digestive system function.

• Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the human body as similar in all racial and cultural groups, including examples of disease prevalence between various groups.

• Determine the impact that physiological and anatomical changes will have on the human body.

• Use instruments or other technology to measure physical parameters (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory volumes, urine constituents).

• Compare results of physiological testing to published standards to predict medical conditions or treatments.

• Find, evaluate, and use sources of information, distinguishing scientific from non-scientific sources.

• Utilize appropriate academic resources to analyze ethical and moral issues related to medical treatments and procedures.

Major Topics

Topics Covered

The following major topics are included in the course:

• Introductory Chemistry

• Cell Structure and Function

• Tissue Organization

• Integumentary System

• Osteology and Articulation

• Muscular System

• Nervous System

  • Central nervous system

  • Peripheral nervous system

  • Special senses

• Endocrine System

• Circulatory System

• Respiratory System

• Lymphatic System

• Digestive System

• Urinary System

• Reproductive Systems

  • Male

  • Female

• Global topics in human anatomy and physiology

Academic Integrity

Definition and Policy

Academic integrity is a core institutional value, requiring students to act honestly, responsibly, and ethically. Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized sharing of course materials. The use of commercial sites to upload or share course materials is strictly prohibited.

• Examples of Violations: Cheating on exams, plagiarism, unauthorized distribution of instructional materials.

• Consequences: Violations may result in sanctions according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Netiquette Statement

Online Communication Guidelines

Netiquette refers to the rules of etiquette for communicating online. Students are expected to communicate with professionalism, courtesy, and kindness in all online interactions, including emails, discussion boards, and virtual meetings.

• Principles: Respect, professionalism, ethics, courtesy, and kindness.

• Application: Applies to all virtual communication methods, including synchronous lectures and online forums.

Evaluation and Grading

Assessment Methods

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of lecture-based and lab-based assessments. The grading system is as follows:

Component	Percentage of Grade	Description
Lecture Exams	25%	Multiple choice, fill in the blank, essay questions (minimum 3 exams)
Lecture Quizzes	5%	Short quizzes given in class (minimum 6 quizzes)
Written Assignment (Poster)	10%	Poster assignment on disease mechanisms and treatments
Comprehensive Final Exam	20%	Final exam covering all lecture topics
Lab Practicals	30%	Three lab practical exams (minimum 3)
Lab Quizzes & Prelab Homework	10%	Lab quizzes and notebook checks (minimum 5)

Total Percent: 100%

How to Calculate Your Grade

• Add all the percentage grades you earned per category.

• Divide the grade by the number of grades in that category.

• Multiply your average by the weighted percentage assigned to each category.

• Sum all weighted percentages to obtain your overall grade.

Example: If you score 90% on lecture exams (25%), 80% on quizzes (5%), 85% on the poster (10%), 88% on the final (20%), 92% on lab practicals (30%), and 95% on lab quizzes/homework (10%), your overall grade would be calculated by multiplying each score by its weight and summing the results.

Required Materials

Textbooks and Equipment

• Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, Eighth Edition, Martini & Bartholomew (with Mastering A&P Access Code)

• Human Biology Laboratory Workbook, Version 4, by Mateja (Open Educational Resource)

• Chemical splash goggles (lab safety glasses)

Additional info: Students may opt out of the inclusive access program for the textbook within the first week, but must have access to the required materials by the first day of classes.

Course Structure and Schedule

Class Meetings

• Lecture: DN1 (T/R): 19:40 – 21:05, CRBL 231

• Laboratory: DN1 Tuesday & Thursday (T/R): 18:00 – 19:25, CRBL 102

Out-of-Class Work Expectations

• This is a four-credit course taught in a fourteen-week semester.

• Students are expected to complete at least eight hours of work per week outside of class, including reading, class preparation, homework, studying, etc.

Key Terms and Concepts

Definitions

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

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

• Tissue: A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

• Organ: A structure composed of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

• Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet physiological needs of the body.

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis can be represented by the following general equation:

$\text{Homeostasis} = \text{Receptor} \rightarrow \text{Control Center} \rightarrow \text{Effector}$

This equation illustrates the feedback mechanism where receptors detect changes, the control center processes the information, and effectors carry out the response to maintain stability.

Summary Table: Major Organ Systems and Functions

Organ System	Main Function	Key Organs
Integumentary	Protection, temperature regulation	Skin, hair, nails
Skeletal	Support, movement, protection	Bones, joints
Muscular	Movement, heat production	Skeletal muscles
Nervous	Control, communication	Brain, spinal cord, nerves
Endocrine	Regulation, hormone production	Glands (pituitary, thyroid, etc.)
Cardiovascular	Transport of nutrients and gases	Heart, blood vessels
Lymphatic	Immunity, fluid balance	Lymph nodes, lymph vessels
Respiratory	Gas exchange	Lungs, trachea
Digestive	Breakdown and absorption of food	Stomach, intestines
Urinary	Excretion of wastes, water balance	Kidneys, bladder
Reproductive	Production of offspring	Ovaries, testes

Conclusion

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing the structure and function of the major organ systems, the principles of homeostasis, and the application of scientific and ethical reasoning in health-related contexts. Students are expected to engage actively in both lecture and laboratory components, develop critical thinking skills, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios in allied health and biological sciences.