Course Overview

Introduction to BIO137: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab

BIO137 is a foundational course in human anatomy and physiology, designed for college students pursuing studies in health sciences and related fields. The course integrates both lecture and laboratory components, emphasizing the interrelationship of structure and function across human body systems. The first semester covers basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

• Credits: 3 (lecture) + 1 (lab)

• Prerequisites: Placement exam scores or instructor consent

• Delivery: Online via Blackboard

Course Learning Outcomes

Key Competencies Developed

• Explain basic inorganic and organic chemistry principles as they apply to physiological processes.

• Describe basic cell structure and physiology.

• Describe the structure and function of major tissue types.

• Recognize the complementarity of structure and function.

• Describe basic metabolic processes of organ systems.

• Explain interrelationships between organ systems and physiological processes.

• Explain major homeostatic mechanisms in response to environmental changes.

• Explain physiological and anatomical mechanisms of common dysfunctions.

Course Structure and Topics

Lecture Modules

The course is divided into five main lecture modules, each focusing on specific chapters and topics:

• Module 1: Introduction to Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry

• Module 2: Cell Biology and Tissues

• Module 3: Integumentary and Skeletal Systems

• Module 4: Nervous and Muscle Tissue

• Module 5: Nervous and Sensory Systems

Each module includes video lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, and exams. The final exam is cumulative, covering all modules.

Laboratory Modules

The laboratory component is organized into five lab modules, each containing two lab exercises. Students complete worksheets, quizzes, and practical exams for each module.

• Lab Exercises 1-2: Introduction to Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry

• Lab Exercises 3-4: Microscopy, Cell Anatomy, and Histology

• Lab Exercises 5-6: Axial and Appendicular Skeleton, Articulations

• Lab Exercises 7-8: Excitable Tissue, Muscle Anatomy, Neuromuscular Physiology

• Lab Exercises 9-10: Nervous System Anatomy, Autonomic Nervous System, Special Senses

Grading and Assessment

Lecture Graded Components

• START HERE Syllabus Assignment: 20 points

• Discussion Post: 5 points

• Homework Assignments: 5 assignments at 30 points each

• Lecture Module Quizzes: 5 quizzes at 25 points each

• Lecture Module Exams: 5 exams at 50 points each

• Cumulative Final Exam: 200 points

Lab Graded Components

• Lab Exercise Worksheets: 10 at 7 points each

• Lab Unit Quizzes: 5 at 6 points each

• Lab Practical Exams: 5 at 30 points each

Grading Scale

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Lecture attendance is tracked via video viewing.

• Lab attendance is based on timely completion of lab exercises and practical exams.

• Missing 20% or more of lab assignments results in automatic course failure.

Technology Requirements

• Reliable internet access

• Computer or laptop (mobile devices not sufficient)

• Webcam and microphone

• Respondus Lockdown Browser for proctored assessments

Academic Integrity

• Strict adherence to the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct

• All assessments are closed-note and closed-resource unless otherwise specified

• Violations may result in a zero for the assessment or further disciplinary action

Course Schedule Overview

Major Topics by Week

• Weeks 1-3: Introduction, Chemistry, Levels of Organization, Homeostasis

• Weeks 4-6: Cell Biology, Membrane Transport, Organelles, Histology

• Weeks 7-9: Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Bone Physiology

• Weeks 10-12: Nervous System, Muscle Tissue, Muscle Contraction

• Weeks 13-15: Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous System, Special Senses

• Weeks 16-17: Final Exam and Lab Practical Exams

Student Support and Resources

• Student Accessibility Services for accommodations

• IT and Blackboard support for technical issues

• Academic resources including tutoring, counseling, and student success services

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 changes in external conditions.

• Levels of Organization: Chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, organismal.

• Histology: The study of tissues.

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions that occur within body cells.

Example: Homeostatic Control Mechanism

• Stimulus: Produces change in variable

• Receptor: Detects change

• Input: Information sent along afferent pathway to control center

• Output: Information sent along efferent pathway to effector

• Response: Effector feeds back to reduce the effect of stimulus and returns variable to homeostatic level

Course Materials

• Textbook: Marieb’s Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th edition, Pearson Publishing) – eText included in course fee

• Lab Manual: BIO137 Online Lab Manual (provided in Blackboard)

Important Policies

• Strict deadlines for assignments; late work is not accepted without an excused absence and documentation

• Make-up opportunities are available for excused absences only

• Withdrawal policies follow institutional guidelines

• Dual-pass policy: Must pass both lecture and lab components to pass the course

Contact and Support

• Instructor: Shannon Bracey, MSN, APRN (contact via Blackboard messages)

• Division Contacts: Biology Co-Coordinators and Assistant Dean (see syllabus for details)

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the BIO137 course, including structure, expectations, and resources. For detailed content on each body system, refer to the course textbook and lab manual as outlined in the weekly schedule.