Course Overview

Introduction

This course, Human Anatomy and Physiology Basic (BIOL-2404), is a one-semester survey of the structure and function of the human body. It covers the organization of the body from the chemical and cellular levels through tissues, organs, and systems, integrating both lecture and laboratory components. The course is delivered asynchronously online, requiring independent study and engagement with digital resources.

Course Content and Chapter Structure

Main Topics

• Ch. 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

• Ch. 2: The Chemical Level of Organization

• Ch. 3: Cell Structure & Function

• Ch. 4: The Tissue Level of Organization (Histology)

• Ch. 5: The Integumentary System

• Ch. 6: The Skeletal System

• Ch. 7: The Muscular System

• Ch. 8: The Nervous System

• Ch. 9: The General & Special Senses

• Ch. 10: The Endocrine System

• Ch. 11: The Blood

• Ch. 12: The Heart

• Ch. 13: Blood Vessels and Circulation

• Ch. 14: Lymphatic System and Immunity

• Ch. 15: The Respiratory System

• Ch. 16: The Digestive System

• Ch. 17: Metabolism & Energetics

• Ch. 18: The Urinary System

• Ch. 19: The Reproductive System

• Ch. 20: Development & Inheritance

Brief Chapter Summaries

• Ch. 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology – Overview of body organization, major themes, and principles.

• Ch. 2: Chemical Level – Basic chemistry as it relates to living matter.

• Ch. 3: Cell Structure & Function – Structure and function of human cells, types, and cellular processes.

• Ch. 4: Histology – Study of tissues, their types, characteristics, and functions.

• Ch. 5: Integumentary System – Structure and function of skin, hair, nails, and glands.

• Ch. 6: Skeletal System – Axial and appendicular skeleton, bone structure, and function.

• Ch. 7: Muscular System – Structure and function of skeletal muscle, movement, and support.

• Ch. 8: Nervous System – Structure and function of the CNS and PNS, neural control.

• Ch. 9: Senses – General and special senses, sensory receptors, and pathways.

• Ch. 10: Endocrine System – Endocrine organs, hormones, and physiological regulation.

• Ch. 11: Blood – Composition, functions, and clinical significance of blood.

• Ch. 12: Heart – Cardiac anatomy, physiology, and electrical/mechanical coordination.

• Ch. 13: Blood Vessels & Circulation – Vascular anatomy, blood pressure, and flow regulation.

• Ch. 14: Lymphatic & Immunity – Lymphatic structures, immune responses, and disorders.

• Ch. 15: Respiratory System – Anatomy and physiology of breathing and gas exchange.

• Ch. 16: Digestive System – Structure and function of the digestive tract and accessory organs.

• Ch. 17: Metabolism & Energetics – Cellular metabolism, energy production, and homeostasis.

• Ch. 18: Urinary System – Kidney function, urine formation, and fluid/electrolyte balance.

• Ch. 19: Reproductive System – Male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology.

• Ch. 20: Development & Inheritance – Fertilization, prenatal development, and genetics.

Course Structure and Assessment

Lecture and Lab Components

• Lecture (65% of total grade): Includes exams, quizzes, mastering assignments, and discussion boards.

• Lab (35% of total grade): Includes lab exams, quizzes, mastering assignments, and lab reports/assignments.

Assessment Breakdown

Grading Scale

Course Policies and Expectations

Participation and Engagement

• Active participation in all online activities is required.

• Assignments, quizzes, and exams must be completed by posted deadlines.

• Students are responsible for managing their own study schedules and keeping up with course materials.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and collusion are strictly prohibited.

• Use of generative AI tools for assignments is not allowed and will be treated as academic dishonesty.

• All work must be original and in the student's own words.

Technology Requirements

• Desktop or laptop computer (not a mobile device or tablet)

• Webcam and microphone for proctored exams

• Chrome browser required for online platforms

Attendance and Withdrawal

• Online attendance is tracked via assignment and quiz completion.

• Failure to participate may result in a failing grade.

• Official withdrawal must be completed by posted deadlines to avoid an "F" grade.

Weekly Course Calendar (Sample)

Additional info: The full calendar includes all chapters and major exams, with assignments due weekly. See Canvas for exact dates.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe the anatomy of tissues, organs, and systems in the context of structural organization.

• Explain physiological processes of body organs and systems.

• Address basic chemical concepts as they relate to living matter.

• Discuss eukaryotic cell structure and metabolic processes.

• Explain homeostatic processes for each body system.

• Understand general disease concepts in relation to homeostasis.

• Use proper medical terminology to explain concepts accurately.

Institutional and Course Policies

• Strict adherence to academic honesty and integrity is required.

• Accommodations are available for students with disabilities through the ACCESS office.

• Attendance, participation, and timely communication are essential for success.

• All assignments must be submitted through Canvas and Pearson Mastering A&P.

• Extensions are only granted for documented emergencies; late work policies are strictly enforced.

Key Definitions and Concepts

• Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

• Physiology: The study of the function of the body’s structural machinery.

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

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

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions that occur within the body to maintain life.

• Cell: The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism.

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis often involves negative feedback loops, which can be represented as:

where is a proportionality constant.

Additional Resources

• Textbook: Martini & Bartholomew, Pearson, 8th Edition

• Online platforms: Canvas, Pearson Mastering A&P

• Support: College tutoring, writing center, library, and technical support

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and content coverage for a college-level Anatomy & Physiology course. For detailed chapter content, refer to the textbook and weekly modules in Canvas.