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Human 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.

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