Syllabus Overview: Anatomy & Physiology I (Fall 2025, UTRGV)

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, requirements, and policies for Anatomy and Physiology I (2401) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The course covers foundational topics in human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the structure and function of the human body, and is designed for students pursuing health science-related majors.

Instructor & Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. J. de León, Ph.D.

• Email: Provided in syllabus

• Office Hours: Face-to-face and virtual options available

Course Modality & Communication

• Modality: Traditional face-to-face lectures with occasional interactive sessions and online resources.

• Communication: Students must use their official UTRGV email accounts for correspondence.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th edition, 2025)

• Online Access: MyLab & Mastering (Pearson) with eText and course assignments

• Clicker: QT2 (Turning Technologies) for in-class participation

Course Description & Objectives

This course provides an in-depth study of the structure and function of major organ systems, emphasizing the integration of anatomical and physiological concepts. It is the first part of a two-semester sequence.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the structure and function of major organ systems

• Explain the interrelationships between structure and function

• Apply anatomical and physiological terminology

• Describe mechanisms of homeostasis

• Identify causes and effects of homeostatic imbalances

• Describe modern technology and tools used in anatomy and physiology

Major Topics Covered

• The Human Body: An Orientation

• Chemistry Comes Alive

• Cells: The Living Units

• Tissue: The Living Fabric

• The Integumentary System

• Bones and Skeletal Tissues

• The Skeleton

• Joints

• Muscles and Muscle Tissue

• The Muscular System

• Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

• The Central Nervous System

• The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity

• The Autonomic Nervous System

• The Special Senses (not included in all exams)

Assessment & Grading

• Exams: 4 Unit Exams + 1 Comprehensive Final (total of 5 exams)

• Quizzes: Per chapter, posted in MyLab & Mastering

• Homework: Online assignments via MyLab & Mastering

• Participation: In-class clicker responses

• Attendance: Required; excessive absences may result in being dropped from the course

Grading Scale:

• A: 90-100%

• B: 80-89%

• C: 70-79%

• D: 60-69%

• F: 59% and below

Course Schedule (Selected Weeks)

Week	Date	Topic	Chapter
1	Sept 1	Labor Day, no class	-
2	Sept 3, 8, 10	Human Body	1
3	Sept 15, 17	Chemistry	2
4	Sept 22, 24	Cells	3
5	Sept 29	Exam I	1, 2, 3 (part)
6	Oct 1, 6, 8	Tissues	4
7	Oct 13, 15	Integumentary System	5
8	Oct 20	Exam II	3 (part), 4, 5 (part)
9	Oct 22, 27, 29	Bones & Skeletal Tissues	6
10	Nov 3, 5	Bones & Skeletal Tissues, Skeleton	6, 7
11	Nov 10, 12	Joints, Muscle Tissue	8, 9
12	Nov 17	Exam III	5 (part), 6, 7, 8 (part)
13	Nov 19, 24	Muscular System, Fundamentals of Nervous System	10, 11
14	Dec 1, 3	Central & Peripheral Nervous System	12, 13
15	Dec 8	Exam IV	9 (part), 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
16	Dec 15	Final Exam	Comprehensive

Additional info: Homework and quizzes are due the day before each Unit Exam by 11:59 pm.

Policies & Student Support

• Attendance: Mandatory; excessive absences may result in being dropped.

• Academic Integrity: Strictly enforced; violations may result in disciplinary action.

• Student Accessibility Services: Accommodations available for students with documented disabilities.

• Pregnancy/Parenting Accommodations: Available upon request.

• Support Services: Tutoring, writing center, counseling, and other resources listed in the syllabus.

Additional Course Information

• Face Coverings: Recommended in classroom and public settings.

• Course Drops: Students may drop the course without penalty by the posted deadline.

• Campus Carry: Firearms not permitted in science labs.

• Letters of Recommendation: Instructor provides letters only for students who earn an 'A' and participate actively.