Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO-233)

This course covers the foundational principles and underlying concepts of anatomy and physiology, including chemistry, cell biology, histology, articulations, bones, muscles, and the nervous system. It is designed as the first part of a two-semester sequence for students pursuing careers in health-related fields.

• Lecture Hours: 3 hours per week

• Lab Hours: 2 hours per week

• Required Textbooks:

  • Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology (Pearson + eText), Martini, Nath, Bartholomew, 12th Edition

  • Anatomy 1 Lab Manual, Gregory Karapetian, SK Scientific, 3rd Edition

• Prerequisites: Completion of introductory biology and English courses with a grade of C or better, or equivalent waiver.

Course Topics and Schedule

Main Topics Covered

The following topics are covered in both lecture and lab sessions throughout the semester. Each topic is designed to build foundational knowledge for understanding the structure and function of the human body.

• Chemistry of Anatomy and Physiology

• Cell Biology

• Histology

• Articulations (Joints)

• Bones and Skeletal System

• Muscle Tissue and Muscular System

• Nervous System

• Central Nervous System (Brain and Spinal Cord)

• Somatic Nervous System

• Autonomic Nervous System

Lecture Schedule Highlights

• Introduction & Chemistry: Overview of chemical principles relevant to anatomy and physiology.

• Bones: Axial and appendicular skeleton, joints.

• Muscle Tissue: Structure and function of muscle cells and tissues.

• Nervous System: Organization, central and peripheral components, sensory and motor pathways.

• Exams: Four lecture exams are scheduled throughout the semester.

Lab Schedule Highlights

• Safety and Lab Introduction

• Anatomical Position & Directional Terms

• Bone Identification (Intro & Skull)

• Axial and Appendicular Skeleton

• Muscle Practical (Axial & Appendicular Muscles)

• Origin/Insertion/Action of Muscles

• Nervous System Practical

Grading and Assessment

Grading Scale and Points Distribution

Grades are based on a combination of lecture exams and lab practicals. The total possible points for the course is 625.

Assessment Policies

• Missed Assessments: Students must contact the instructor immediately if unable to attend due to illness or other valid reasons. Documentation may be required.

• Make-up Exams: Only allowed under specific circumstances (e.g., hospitalization, death in immediate family, positive COVID test).

• Lab Practicals: No make-up for missed lab practicals except for documented emergencies. Arriving late may result in deduction of points or inability to participate.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance: Regular attendance is required for both lectures and labs. Sign-in sheets are used to track participation.

• Never Attended Designation: Students who do not actively participate by the designated date will be marked as 'Never Attended' and may be dropped from the course.

Withdrawal/Drop/Incomplete Policies

• Official Withdrawal: Must be completed through the registrar by the published deadline to avoid a failing grade.

• Incomplete: May be granted if the student maintains a passing grade and provides documentation of extenuating circumstances.

Core Learning Objectives

Key Learning Outcomes

• Explain the chemistry and organization of cells and tissues.

• Describe the structure and function of bones, muscles, and the nervous system.

• Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical terminology and directional terms.

• Distinguish between levels of organization (cell, tissue, organ, system).

• Identify and describe major anatomical structures using lab practicals.

• Apply critical thinking to solve problems related to human anatomy and physiology.

Required Materials

Textbooks and Lab Manual

• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology (Pearson + eText), Martini, Nath, Bartholomew, 12th Edition

• Anatomy 1 Lab Manual, Gregory Karapetian, SK Scientific, 3rd Edition

Example: Levels of Organization in Anatomy & Physiology

• Cell: The basic unit of life; e.g., muscle cell, neuron.

• Tissue: Groups of similar cells performing a common function; e.g., epithelial tissue, muscle tissue.

• Organ: Structures composed of two or more tissue types; e.g., heart, brain.

• Organ System: Groups of organs working together; e.g., skeletal system, nervous system.

Example: Anatomical Position and Directional Terms

• Anatomical Position: The body is standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward.

• Directional Terms: Used to describe locations of structures (e.g., superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral).

Additional Info

• General Education Categories: The course fulfills science and critical thinking requirements.

• Support Services: Students have access to helpdesk, media center, assisted learning services, learning lab, writing center, and library resources.