Syllabus and Study Guide: Anatomy & Physiology I (Fall 2024)

Anatomy & Physiology I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational exploration of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure and function of the human body. Students will learn key biological and chemical concepts, develop scientific reasoning, and integrate knowledge across major physiological systems.

• Credits: 4

• Lecture: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 8:00am – 9:40am

• Laboratory: Fridays, 11:45am – 2:45pm

• Instructor: William C. Hutchins, Ph.D.

• Required Textbook: Marieb & Hoehn, Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.)

• Recommended: Colored pencils, markers, pens, notecards, and a logical pad

Course Description and Goals

The course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of human anatomy and physiology. It begins with an introduction to basic biological and chemical concepts, then progresses to the study of human body systems and their physiological processes. The course emphasizes integration of anatomical structure with physiological function and prepares students for advanced study in health sciences.

• Goal: Develop an understanding of the human body at molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ system levels.

• Application: Apply scientific reasoning to analyze and solve problems related to human health.

Grading and Assessment

• Lecture Exams: 400 points (lowest score dropped)

• Lab Quizzes: 250 points (lowest score dropped)

• Participation/Attendance: 50 points

• Cumulative Final Exam: 300 points

Grade	Points
A	940 – 1000
A-	900 – 939
B+	870 – 899
B	840 – 869
B-	800 – 839
C+	770 – 799
C	740 – 769
C-	700 – 739
D+	670 – 699
D	640 – 669
F	0 – 639

Assessment Details

• Lecture Exams: Cover material from lectures and textbook. The lowest score is dropped. If an exam is missed without at least two days' notice, the score will be dropped.

• Lab Quizzes: Administered during lab periods, lowest score dropped. Quizzes cover lab exercises and anatomical identification.

• Final Exam: Cumulative, includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Worth 300 points.

• Participation: Includes attendance and engagement in class and lab activities.

Academic Integrity and Behavior

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to Carthage College policies regarding academic misconduct. Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Copying textbook answers

• Turning in someone else's work as your own

• Copying words or ideas without citation

• Failing to put quotations in quotation marks

• Giving incorrect information about sources

• Changing words but copying sentence structure without giving credit

Proper citation and academic honesty are required for all assignments.

Major Student Learning Outcomes & Methods

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Outcome 1: Use appropriate terminology when describing structures and functions.

• Outcome 2: Describe common anatomical features and substructures.

• Outcome 3: Explain physiological functions and processes of body systems.

• Outcome 4: Discuss the relationship between anatomy and physiology.

• Outcome 5: Demonstrate critical thinking and scientific inquiry in laboratory settings.

• Outcome 6: Accurately identify and present anatomical and physiological data.

• Outcome 7: Integrate concepts of structure and function in laboratory exercises.

Course Schedule

Week	Lecture Topics
1 (Aug 28)	Orientation, Overview
2 (Sept 2 – 4)	Introductory Biology, Chemistry Concepts, Cell Cycle/Cell Membrane
3 (Sept 9 – 11)	Cell Cycle/Cell Membrane (cont.)
4 (Sept 16 – 18)	Exam 1, Human Body Orientation, Homeostasis
5 (Sept 23 – 25)	The Integumentary System
6 (Sept 30 – Oct 2)	Bones and Skeletal Tissues
7 (Oct 7 – 9)	Bones and Skeletal Tissues (cont.)
8 (Oct 14 – 16)	Exam 2, Bones, Skeletal Tissues, Joints
9 (Oct 21 – 23)	Muscles & Muscular Tissue
10 (Oct 28 – 30)	Muscular Tissue (cont.), Fundamentals of the Nervous System
11 (Nov 4 – 6)	Nervous System (cont.), Central Nervous System
12 (Nov 11 – 13)	Peripheral Nervous System, Exam 3
13 (Nov 18 – 20)	Autonomic Nervous System
14 (Nov 25 – 27)	Thanksgiving Break
15 (Dec 2 – 4)	Endocrine System

Final Exam: Friday, December 13th, 2024, 8:00 to 10:00, Room 263

Key Academic Skills Developed

• Use effective oral and written communication

• Apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking

• Collaborate with others and respect diversity

• Demonstrate responsibility and professionalism

• Utilize technology for research and communication

Important Dates

• Aug. 26: Returning & transfer students arrive

• Aug. 27: Classes begin

• Sept. 1: Labor Day (no classes)

• Oct. 13: 2nd 7-week courses start

• Nov. 24 – 28: Thanksgiving recess

• Dec. 10 – 12: Final exams

Attendance Policy

Attendance is essential for success in this course. Missing significant numbers of lectures or labs will likely result in poor performance.

Special Learning Needs

Students with special needs should contact the instructor and the Advising Center for accommodations.

Summary Table: Major Topics Covered

Topic	Description
Introductory Biology & Chemistry	Basic principles of biology and chemistry relevant to human physiology
Cell Structure & Function	Cell cycle, cell membrane, and cellular processes
Homeostasis	Mechanisms maintaining internal stability
Integumentary System	Structure and function of skin, hair, nails
Skeletal System	Bones, joints, and skeletal tissues
Muscular System	Muscle tissue types and physiology
Nervous System	Central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems
Endocrine System	Hormones and regulatory mechanisms

Key Terms and Concepts

• 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.

• Cell Membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

• Organ System: A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function.

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis involves feedback mechanisms, often described by the following equation:

$\text{Response} = \text{Stimulus} + \text{Receptor} + \text{Control Center} + \text{Effector}$

This equation summarizes the process by which the body detects and responds to changes in its environment.

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use colored pencils and markers for anatomical diagrams.

• Lab practicals are not subject to makeup, except for documented emergencies.