BackHuman Anatomy and Physiology I – Syllabus and Study Guide
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Course Overview
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure and function of the human body, focusing on major organ systems. It is designed for students in the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences and fulfills core science requirements. Topics include the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive, and endocrine systems, as well as cell biology, histology, and physiology. Clinical applications are integrated throughout the course.
Course Code: HSCI.1010 – 104
Semester: Fall 2025
Meeting Times: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00–12:15pm
Location: HSS 130
Instructor: Karen Hammerstone
Course Structure and Requirements
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. Students are expected to engage with all topics from the beginning as they are presented.
Course Components
Lecture: Includes use of projected visuals and interactive case studies.
Laboratory: HSCI.1030 (Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory) is a co-requisite, providing hands-on, discovery-based learning.
Assignments: Reading assignments, homework, and case study assignments are required to reinforce lecture material.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for students in the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, as well as those fulfilling general science requirements. It is suitable for students in any major or minor in the college.
Communication and Resources
Instructor Contact
Email: Karen_Hammerstone@uml.edu
Open Hours: Mondays 11–12 pm, Thursdays 1–2 pm, Fridays 11–1 pm (WEE 2128)
Phone: (978) 934-4671
Electronic Resources
Lecture notes and grades are posted on the UML learning management system.
Textbook options include OpenStax and McGraw Hill platforms.
Course Topics and Schedule
Main Topics Covered
Sciences of Anatomy & Physiology
Cell Biology
Histology
Organ Systems: Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Urinary, Digestive, Reproductive, Endocrine
Clinical Applications
Exam Schedule and Content
There are four unit exams and a cumulative final exam. Exams include multiple choice and matching questions.
Exam | Date | Topics | Textbook Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|
Exam 1 | Thursday, September 25 | Sciences of A&P, Biology of the Cell | 1 & 4 |
Exam 2 | Thursday, October 9 | Tissues & Organ System Integration | 5 & 6 |
Exam 3 | Thursday, October 30 | Skeletal System | 7, 8, 9 |
Exam 4 | Tuesday, November 20 | Muscular System | 10 & 11 |
Cumulative Final | TBD | Comprehensive, including Nervous System | All including 12, 13, 14 |
Assignments and Grading
Homework Assignments
Assigned via Canvas; due by 11:59 PM the night before the corresponding exam.
Extensions are not granted under any circumstances.
Homework counts as 10% of your final grade.
Case Study Assignments
Completed during scheduled class time.
Each assignment is worth 2 points; late policy applies.
Case studies reinforce understanding of chapter content.
Grading System
Four unit exams: 55% of grade
Final exam: 25% of grade
Homework: 10% of grade
Case studies: 10% of grade
Lowest exam and homework grades are dropped
Numeric Grade | Letter Grade | GPA |
|---|---|---|
93–100 | A | 4.0 |
90–92 | A- | 3.7 |
87–89 | B+ | 3.3 |
83–86 | B | 3.0 |
80–82 | B- | 2.7 |
77–79 | C+ | 2.3 |
73–76 | C | 2.0 |
70–72 | C- | 1.7 |
67–69 | D+ | 1.3 |
65–66 | D | 1.0 |
64–0 | F | 0.0 |
Course Policies
Attendance and Participation
Regular attendance is expected and essential for success.
Active participation in class discussions and case studies is encouraged.
Makeup Exams and Incompletes
Makeup exams are not administered unless prior notification and documentation are provided.
Incomplete grades are only given for legitimate reasons and require instructor approval.
Classroom Community Standards
Respect for diversity, including race, ethnicity, culture, political and social views, religion, and language.
Respectful communication and behavior are required at all times.
Student Support and Resources
Academic and Personal Support
Instructor: Available for questions and support during office hours and by email.
Disability Services: Provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Counseling Services: Offers intervention, assessment, and therapy.
UMatter2: Initiative to support student well-being.
Center for Learning and Academic Support Services (CLASS): Tutoring and academic support.
College Advising: Advising for first and second year students.
Behavior Policy
Expectations in Class and Otherwise
High standards for interactions between students and faculty.
Disruptive behavior, including interference with freedom of speech or movement, is not tolerated.
Communication skills are emphasized, including tone, body language, and choice of words.
Textbook Options
Option 1 (Free): OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology (online textbook)
Option 2 (Paid): Anatomy & Physiology: An Integrative Approach, 4th Edition, by McKinley, O'Loughlin, and Bidle
Option 3 (Software): Anatomy & Physiology Revealed, Connect platform
Summary Table: Course Components and Weighting
Component | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
Unit Exams | 55 |
Final Exam | 25 |
Homework | 10 |
Case Studies | 10 |
Key Equations
Semester Average Calculation:
Additional Info
Students are encouraged to use all available support resources and participate actively in class.
All policies and grading are strictly enforced; no extra credit is permitted.