Course Introduction

Overview of Anatomy & 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 students pursuing health-related fields and covers major body systems, their components, and physiological processes.

• Course Code: BIO 2630

• Credits: 4

• Lecture Times: M/W 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM

• Lab Times: M/W 7:30 PM – 8:50 PM

• Instructor: Rachel Arasmith Gray, MS

Course Objectives

Learning Goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the human body by mastering anatomical terminology, recognizing relationships between structure and function, and analyzing physiological processes.

• Correlate structure and function in body systems.

• Use anatomical and physiological terms appropriately.

• Recognize relationships between molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.

• Identify major anatomical structures in body systems.

• Describe development of tissues and organs.

• Distinguish between parasympathetic and sympathetic effects on body systems.

• Describe the sequence of physiological processes.

Course Materials

Required Texts and Resources

All course materials are accessed through D2L (online platform). Students will use the following resources:

• Textbook: Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition, Elaine N. Marieb (Pearson)

• Online homework/quiz platform: Mastering A&P

• Additional resources: Scantrons (form 882-E), library models and slides

Models available for study include:

• Microscope slides

• Histology slides

• Articulated/disarticulated skeletons

• Muscle and brain models

• Spinal cord and sensory receptor models

• Eye and ear models

Assessment Structure

Lecture and Lab Assignments

Student performance is evaluated through exams, quizzes, homework, and lab practicals. The grading breakdown is as follows:

Exam and Lab Practical Schedule

Key Dates and Content Coverage

• Lecture Exams:

  • Exam 1: Chapters 1-3

  • Exam 2: Chapters 4-6

  • Exam 3: Chapters 8, 9, 10*

  • Exam 4: Chapters 11 and 12

  • Exam 5: Chapters 13, 14, 15 (optional cumulative final)

  *Chapter 7 is covered as part of the Bone Lab Practical. Chapter 10 (most of it) is covered as part of the Muscle Lab Practical.

• Lab Practicals:

  • Bones (100 pts)

  • Skeletal Muscles (50 pts)

  • Muscle (50 pts)

  • Central and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) (25 pts)

Policies and Procedures

Attendance and Laboratory Requirements

Attendance is mandatory for both lecture and lab. Students must attend at least 70% of lab sessions and complete all required assignments to pass the course. Proper lab attire is required, and food or drink is prohibited in the laboratory.

• Labs are conducted on-campus; weekly attendance is expected.

• Missed labs may result in grade penalties unless excused for valid reasons.

• Lab assignments must be completed and submitted on time.

• Online work (MAP) is required for homework and quizzes.

Major Topics Covered

Core Content Areas

The course covers the following major topics, each with specific learning objectives:

• Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

  • Definition of anatomy (study of structure) and physiology (study of function).

  • Levels of organization: molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, system.

  • Homeostasis: maintaining internal stability.

• Histology

  • Microscopic study of tissues.

  • Types of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous.

• Skeletal System

  • Bone structure and function.

  • Types of bones and joints.

  • Articulated and disarticulated skeletons.

• Muscular System

  • Muscle anatomy and physiology.

  • Major muscle groups and their functions.

• Nervous System

  • Central and peripheral nervous system structure.

  • Neurons and synapses.

  • Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic vs. parasympathetic.

• Sensory Systems

  • Eye and ear anatomy.

  • Sensory receptor function.

Key Terms and Concepts

Definitions and Examples

• 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.

• Histology: The study of tissues at the microscopic level.

• Neuron: A nerve cell; the basic unit of the nervous system.

• Synapse: The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

• Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions; includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Formulas and Equations

Relevant Equations in Physiology

• Homeostasis Equation:

• Basic Nerve Impulse Transmission:

Study Tips and Resources

Effective Strategies for Success

• Attend all lectures and labs; participation is crucial for understanding material.

• Utilize models and slides in the library for hands-on study.

• Complete all online assignments and quizzes on time.

• Review textbook chapters and lecture notes regularly.

• Formulate and answer practice questions to reinforce learning.

Additional info: This guide summarizes the course syllabus and major content areas for BIO 2630: Anatomy & Physiology I, including assessment structure, policies, and key academic concepts. For detailed study, refer to the textbook and online resources provided by the instructor.