Syllabus and Course Structure: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (NUR 0012)

Course Overview

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course provides a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure and function of the human body. It is designed for first-year nursing students and covers essential topics such as cell physiology, histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. The course emphasizes the relationship between anatomical structure and physiological function, as well as the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis.

Course Objectives

• Cell Structure and Function: Identify the structure and function of cells and cell membranes.

• Histology: Recognize the histological composition of the body and their functions.

• Skeletal System: Identify all bones of the body, their associated processes, and the chemical composition of bone.

• Muscular System: Identify major muscle groups, selected individual muscles, and the physiology of muscle contraction.

• Electrical Properties: Describe the electrical properties of muscle and nerve cells.

• Nervous System: Identify selected components of the central and peripheral nervous systems and discuss their normal functions.

• Autonomic Nervous System: Identify the structures and functions of the autonomic nervous system.

Course Topics and Weekly Outline

The following outline provides a week-by-week breakdown of the main topics and corresponding textbook chapters. Note that not all topics may be covered due to time constraints.

Week/Date	Topic	Chapter(s)	Notes
M 5/18	Introduction, Syllabus, Major Themes of A&P, pH, Organic Molecules, Cells: Membrane & Transport	1, 2, 3	Overview and foundational concepts
W 5/20	Tissues: The Living Fabric, Integumentary System	4, 5	Histology and skin
W 5/27	Bones and Skeletal Tissue	6	Case Study 1 available
TH 5/28	Exam 1	1-6	Via Zoom & Examsoft
M 6/1	Joints	8
W 6/3	Muscle Physiology	9
M 6/8	Skeletal Muscles	10	Case Study 2 available
W 6/10	Nerve Physiology	11
TH 6/11	Exam 2	8,9,10,11	Via Zoom & Examsoft
M 6/15	Central Nervous System	12
W 6/17	Central & Peripheral Nervous System	12, 13	Case Study 3 available
M 6/22	Peripheral & Autonomic Nervous System	13, 14
W 6/23	Autonomic Nervous System	12-14	MAP due
TH 6/24	Exam 3	12-14	Via Zoom & Examsoft

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

Assessment	Percent
Exam 1	25%
Exam 2	25%
Exam 3	25%
Case Studies (3)	5%
Mastering Homework Assignments	20%
Total	100%

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A+	97-100
A	94-96
A-	90-93
B+	87-89
B	84-86
B-	80-83
C+	77-79
C	74-76
C-	70-73
D+	67-69
D	64-66
D-	60-63
F	Below 60

Rounding Policy: 73.5 rounds to 74 (C); 73.4 rounds to 73 (C-). Passing Grades: C is passing for Nursing; D- is passing for other schools.

Assessment Details

• Exams: Three non-cumulative written exams (multiple choice, diagrams, short essay). Missed exams require essay/case scenario makeups.

• Case Studies: Online clinical scenarios with deadlines; late penalties apply.

• Mastering A&P: Online homework platform with weekly assignments and deadlines; late submissions lose 10% per day.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Human Anatomy and Physiology, 12th Edition, Elaine N. Marieb & Katja Hoehn (Pearson, 2024).

• Inclusive Access: Digital course materials provided via Canvas; opt-out available.

Study and Success Strategies

• Review notes promptly after lectures and clarify unclear areas using textbooks and peers.

• Participate in study sessions and seek help from the instructor as needed.

• Engage in active studying: rewrite notes, make flashcards, summarize key concepts.

• Handwritten notes are encouraged for better retention.

• Track assignment and exam dates; manage your own progress and grades.

Policies and Conduct

• Disability Services: Contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services for accommodations.

• Academic Integrity: Adherence to the University of Pittsburgh's policy is required.

• Copyright: Students retain copyright on their academic work.

• Recording: Permission required for recording lectures; recordings are for private study only.

• Classroom Conduct: Professionalism and respect are expected in all communications.

Additional Info

• Lectures will be recorded and made available for review.

• Collaboration is encouraged, but all submitted work must be individual.

• Canvas is ADA compliant for accessibility.

Additional info: This syllabus aligns with the standard content and structure of a college-level Human Anatomy and Physiology I course, covering the chapters and topics listed in the provided reference outline.