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Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Overview and Study Guide

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Course Introduction

Overview of Human Anatomy & Physiology I

This course is the first in a two-semester sequence covering human anatomy and physiology, designed for students in nursing and allied health fields. It emphasizes a systems approach, integrating structure and function from the microscopic (histology) to the macroscopic (gross anatomy) level. Key topics include cell chemistry, tissue organization, and the anatomy and physiology of the skin, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems.

  • Course Code: BIOL 2401

  • Instructor: Dr. Cristina Herrera

  • Textbook: HUMAN ANATOMY+PHYS.-MOD. MSTR ACCESS, Pearson, 3rd Edition

  • Format: Hybrid (Online lectures, in-person labs)

Course Structure and Grading

Assessment Components

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of lecture exams, lab practicals, quizzes, and a cumulative final exam. The grading system ensures that both theoretical knowledge and practical skills are assessed.

Assessment

Points Each

Number

Total Points

Class Weighting

Lecture Exams

120

4

480

56%

Lab Practical Exams

25

4

100

12%

Cumulative Final

175

1

175

21%

Online Quizzes

10

10

100

12%

TOTAL

855

100%

  • Grading Scale: A = 90–100%, B = 80–89%, C = 70–79%, D = 60–69%, F = 0–59%

Major Topics and Weekly Schedule

Key Topics Covered

The course is organized into weekly modules, each focusing on specific anatomical and physiological systems. Below is a summary of the main topics and their academic context.

  • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology: Definitions, levels of organization, and the concept of homeostasis.

  • Tissues: Classification and functions of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

  • Integumentary System: Structure and function of skin, hair, and glands.

  • Skeletal System: Bone structure, formation (hematopoiesis), remodeling, and joint classification.

  • Muscular System: Muscle anatomy, contraction mechanisms, and energetics.

  • Nervous System: Neuron structure, membrane potential, synapses, central and peripheral nervous system organization.

  • Special Senses: Sensory anatomy including vision, hearing, taste, and smell.

Sample Weekly Schedule

Week

Date

Lecture Topic

Readings

Quiz Due

Lab Topic

1

8/21

Intro to Anatomy and Homeostasis

Ch. 1, 4.1–4.7

On campus: Syllabus, Intro to Human Body, Epithelial and Connective Tissues

2

8/28

Integumentary System

Ch. 5, 5.4–5.5

Skin Lab

3

9/2

Skeletal System: Structure, Hematopoiesis, Bone Remodeling

Ch. 6.1–6.2, 6.8

Quiz 2

Lab Practical 1: Orientation, terminology, tissues, joints

4

9/9

Muscular Anatomy, Muscle Contraction

Ch. 10.1–10.3

Quiz 4

Appendicular Skeleton

5

9/23

Action Potentials, Synapses

Ch. 11.4

Quiz 6

Neuron Lab

6

9/30

Neurotransmitters, Sensory Anatomy

Ch. 14.1–14.3

Quiz 8

Spinal cord lab, Sensory anatomy: Eye

7

10/7

Review for Final Exam

Ch. 15.1–15.3

Quiz 10

Lab Practical 4: Nervous System & Special Senses

Key Academic Concepts

Definitions and Examples

  • 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.

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

  • Histology: The study of tissues at the microscopic level.

  • Gross Anatomy: The study of structures visible to the naked eye.

Important Formulas and Equations

  • Membrane Potential: The voltage difference across a cell membrane, essential for nerve impulse transmission.

  • Muscle Contraction (Sliding Filament Theory): Describes how actin and myosin filaments slide past each other to produce muscle contraction.

Class Participation and Study Expectations

Effective Study Strategies

  • Attend all lectures and labs; active participation is required.

  • Spend a minimum of 2 hours outside of class for every hour in class.

  • Preview lecture material and complete assigned readings before class.

  • Review questions at the end of each chapter and after each lecture.

  • Form study groups to enhance learning and retention.

Policies and Academic Integrity

Key Policies

  • Academic Dishonesty: Cheating or plagiarism will result in disciplinary action, including possible withdrawal from the course.

  • Make-Up Exams: Make-up exams are only allowed under specific circumstances and must be scheduled with the instructor.

  • Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones must be turned off during exams and labs.

  • Attendance: Regular attendance is required for success in this course.

Additional Info

  • Lab practicals focus on identification and application of anatomical structures.

  • Online quizzes reinforce lecture material and prepare students for exams.

  • Final exam is comprehensive, covering all material from both lecture and lab.

Additional info: The course schedule and policies are designed to support student success in mastering foundational concepts in human anatomy and physiology, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application.

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