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Human Anatomy & Physiology I (Biology 223) Syllabus and Study Guide

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Course Overview

Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology I

This course provides a detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of human cells and tissues, as well as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. It is designed for health science majors and includes both lecture and laboratory components. Students will learn the structure and function of major body systems, with a focus on clinical relevance and foundational terminology.

  • Course Code: Biology 223

  • Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in Biology 189

  • Required Text: Human Anatomy & Physiology, 3rd Edition by Amerman (ISBN: 0135271666)

Course Outcomes

Learning Objectives

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

  • Apply descriptive, anatomical, physiological, and directional terminology to the human body and its organization.

  • Correlate the structure of tissues with their functions and locations.

  • Analyze the components of the integumentary system and their functions.

  • Describe the structure, function, and interactions of the skeletal system, including joints and articulations.

  • Summarize the structure, function, and interactions of skeletal muscles.

  • Describe the structure, functions, and interactions of all components of the nervous system and sensory organs.

Additional info: Detailed objectives will be provided for each covered textbook chapter.

Course Structure and Policies

Lecture and Laboratory Organization

The course consists of both lecture and laboratory sections. Students must enroll in both. Once enrolled, switching between sections is not permitted. All communication is conducted via the official CSN email system.

  • Lecture Location: North Las Vegas Campus, N216

  • Class Meetings: Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (lecture); Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30 pm – 5:50 pm (lab)

  • Class Sessions: 2006

Student Responsibilities

  • Attend all scheduled classes and labs.

  • Prepare for class by reading assigned material.

  • Bring required materials (e.g., pencils, NSHE number, scantron) to exams.

  • Check Canvas and email regularly for updates and assignments.

  • Follow all safety procedures in the classroom and laboratory.

Assessment and Grading

Exams and Quizzes

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of exams, quizzes, and laboratory assessments.

  • Five Semester Exams: Each worth 90 points.

  • Online Syllabus Quiz: Must be completed at the start of the semester.

  • Chapter Practice Questions: Eleven online quizzes, with the four lowest grades dropped.

  • Lab Quizzes: Ten online quizzes, with the lowest grade dropped.

  • Lab Practicals: Two practical exams, each worth 50 points.

  • Pre-Assessment Quiz: Available at the start of the semester, worth 5 points.

  • Post-Assessment Quiz: Available at the end of the semester, worth 10 points (based on correct answers).

Grading Breakdown

Assessment Type

Number

Points Each

Total Points

Semester Exams

5

90

450

Lab Quizzes

10

10

100

Lab Practicals

2

50

100

Pre-Assessment Quiz

1

5

5

Post-Assessment Quiz

1

10

10

Chapter Practice Quizzes

11 (4 dropped)

Varies

Varies

Additional info: Only your lowest lab quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. The final lab grade will be combined with your lecture grade to determine your final course grade.

Academic Integrity and Safety

Academic Honesty

Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited. Violations may result in grade reductions, probation, or expulsion. All assignments must be completed independently unless otherwise specified.

Safety Procedures

  • Follow all posted safety procedures in the classroom and laboratory.

  • Do not use the laboratory for personal fitness or extra exercises.

  • Leave all personal belongings outside the lab when entering.

Student Resources

Support Services

  • CSN Libraries: Support for research and assignments.

  • Student Services: Academic advising, counseling, and disability resources.

  • Online resources: Canvas, Mastering A&P, and publisher e-books.

Key Terms and Concepts

Definitions

  • 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.

  • Integumentary System: The organ system that includes skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

  • Skeletal System: The framework of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body.

  • Muscular System: The organ system responsible for movement, posture, and heat production.

  • Nervous System: The organ system that coordinates body activities through electrical and chemical signals.

Example: Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standard reference posture in which the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This position is used as a basis for describing locations and directions on the human body.

Formulas and Equations

Relevant Equations

  • Body Mass Index (BMI):

  • Osmosis (for cell physiology):

Additional info: These equations are commonly used in physiology to assess health and understand cellular processes.

Summary Table: Major Body Systems Covered

System

Main Structures

Main Functions

Integumentary

Skin, hair, nails, glands

Protection, temperature regulation, sensation

Skeletal

Bones, cartilage, ligaments

Support, movement, protection, mineral storage

Muscular

Skeletal muscles, tendons

Movement, posture, heat production

Nervous

Brain, spinal cord, nerves

Coordination, communication, response to stimuli

Conclusion

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Human Anatomy & Physiology I course, including its structure, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and key academic policies. Students are expected to engage actively in both lecture and laboratory components, adhere to safety and integrity standards, and utilize available resources for academic success.

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