BIOL 2401 Laboratory Syllabus: Structure, Policies, and Assessment Overview

Course Overview

Course Information

This laboratory course, BIOL 2401-CCC, focuses on the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology in a hands-on environment. Students will use microscopes and tools to examine tissues and organs, and will engage in activities designed to build practical and theoretical knowledge of the human body.

• Lab Section: BIOL 2401-CCC

• Lab Room: ESCNE 1.246

• Meeting Time: Fridays, 4:35–7:15 pm

• Modality: Traditional Face-to-Face (TR)

Laboratory Instructor Information

• Name: Akane J. Benitez

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office: ESCNE 2.326

• Office Hours: Wednesdays, 11–12 pm

Course Structure and Objectives

Course Description

The laboratory is designed to complement lecture material by providing practical experience in anatomy and physiology. Students will:

• Apply appropriate safety and ethical standards.

• Locate and identify anatomical structures.

• Use laboratory equipment such as microscopes and dissection tools.

• Work collaboratively in group settings.

• Demonstrate results using scientific methods.

• Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills.

• Integrate, synthesize, and summarize information for decision-making and predictions.

Prerequisites

• This course has no prerequisites.

Course Modality

Traditional face-to-face format, with in-person lab activities and group work.

Learning Objectives

THECB Common Core Curriculum Learning Objectives

This course fulfills the natural science and technology component of the university core curriculum. The following objectives are addressed:

• Critical Thinking: Analyze and evaluate information, solve problems, and draw conclusions.

• Communication Skills: Adapt communication for audience and purpose, using appropriate language and conventions.

• Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Interpret, analyze, and present empirical data.

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively to solve problems and complete projects.

Learning Objective	UTRGV Student Learning Outcome Statement	Activities/Assignments that Address Objective
Critical Thinking	Students will demonstrate comprehension of a variety of written texts and other information sources by analyzing and evaluating the logic, validity, and relevance of the information in them to a diversity of challenging problems, to arrive at well-reasoned conclusions, and to develop and explore new questions.	Weekly Pre-lab: group lab activities, quizzes, Model Presentation, Mid-Term, Final, and Model Presentation
Communication Skills	Students will demonstrate the ability to adapt their communication to a particular context, audience, and purpose using language, genre conventions, and sources appropriate for a specific discipline and/or communication task.	Weekly group lab activities, quizzes, post-lab quizzes, Model Presentation, Mid-Term, and Final
Empirical and Quantitative Skills	Students will be able to make and communicate informed conclusions and judgments based on the interpretation, calculation, and analysis of empirical and quantitative data.	Weekly Pre-lab: group lab activities, quizzes, post-lab quizzes, Model Presentation, Mid-Term, and Final
Teamwork	Students will collaborate effectively with others to solve problems and complete projects while demonstrating respect for a diversity of perspectives.	Weekly group lab activities, Model Presentation

Required Materials

Textbook/Resource Material

• Title: Exploring Anatomy and Physiology in the Laboratory for BIOL 2401 at UTRGV

• ISBN: 9781778767724

• Author: Erin C. Amerman

• Publisher: Top Hat

• Price: $41.25

This is a modified e-text with integrated assignments and quizzes that require purchasing an access code. Access codes may be purchased at the bookstore or directly from a laptop or personal computer.

Technology

• Electronic devices are required for pre-lab and post-lab assignments (laptop, tablet, or smartphone).

• Zoom may be used for remote communication if necessary.

Lab Materials

• Electronic device for Top Hat content

• Printed pages, pencils, colored pencils, and pen

• Lab coat and eye protection

The School of Integrative Biology and Chemical Sciences will supply dissection instruments (scalpels, scissors, forceps) and gloves.

Safety Requirements

• Completion of UT Systems Safety training is required.

• Lab coat and eye protection must be worn.

• No food or drink is allowed in the lab.

• Proper attire is required (long pants/skirts, closed-toe shoes).

• State law requires each student to wear a lab coat and eye protection when handling biological agents immersed in chemical solutions.

Assessment and Grading Policy

Major Assignment/Category Weights

Major Assignment/Category	Weight
Lab Practical Exam 1	20%
Lab Practical Exam 2	20%
Model Presentation (in class)	7.5%
Research Article Summary (written)	7.5%
Post Lab Quizzes	15%
Participation/Quiz (Out)	10%
Pre Lab Activities (Online)	10%
Lab Grade	10%

Grading Details

• Lab practical exams and quizzes are scheduled throughout the semester.

• Pre-lab and post-lab activities are completed online.

• Participation is graded based on attendance, punctuality, preparedness, and cooperation.

• Model presentations and research article summaries are required.

Laboratory Schedule

BIOL 2401 Tentative Laboratory Schedule (Fall 2025)

Week/Dates	Pre-Lab Activities	In-Lab Activities	Post-Lab Activities
September 2-8	Safety Contract Quiz, Pre-lab: Introduction to Anatomical Terms, Pre-lab: Mastering the Microscope, BSRM training through UT Systems	Introduction/Syllabus, Unit 1 Introduction to Anatomical Terms, Unit 3 Introduction to the Microscope, Group Presentations assigned	Post-Lab Quiz 1
September 9-15	Pre-lab: Cytology, Osmosis and Diffusion	Unit 4 Cytology, Group 1 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 2
September 16-22	Pre-lab: Histology, Pre-lab: Integumentary System	Unit 5 Histology, Unit 6 Integumentary System, Group 2 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 3
September 23-29	Pre-lab: Introduction to Skeletal System, Pre-lab: Skeletal System	Unit 7 Introduction to the Skeletal System, Unit 8 Skeletal System	Post-Lab Quiz 4
September 30-October 6	Pre-lab: Articulations	Unit 9 Articulations, Group 4 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 5
October 7-13	Review study guide	Practical Mid-term Exam (20%)	Study for mid-term exam
October 14-20	Pre-lab: Microscopic Muscle Tissue, Pre-lab: The Muscular System	Unit 11 Microscopic Muscle Tissue, Unit 10 The Muscular System, Group 5 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 7
October 21-27	Review: Cat Muscle Dissection	Cat Dissection Guide: Muscular System, End of Class Quiz 8 (Cat muscles)	Post-Lab Quiz 8
October 28-November 3	Pre-lab: Introduction to the nervous system, Pre-lab: Central Nervous System	Unit 12 Introduction to the Nervous System, Unit 13 Central Nervous System (Sheep brain dissection), Group 6 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 10
November 11-17	Pre-lab: Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System	Unit 14 Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System, Unit 15 General and Special sense – Vision (Sheep eye dissection), Group 7 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 11
November 18-24	Pre-lab: General and special senses – Hearing, Olfaction & Taste	Unit 15 General and Special senses – Hearing and Olfaction & Taste, Group 8 Presentation	Post-Lab Quiz 12
November 25-28	Thanksgiving Break	No Labs	Study for lab Final exam
December 1-5	Review study guide	Practical Final Exam (20%)	Study for lab Final exam

Policies and Support

Attendance and Absence Policy

• Attendance is required for all scheduled labs.

• Absences require documentation (doctor's note, etc.).

• Make-up work is only allowed for excused absences.

Recording Policy

• Recording of lab instructors is not permitted without explicit permission.

Academic Integrity

• All forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited and subject to university disciplinary action.

Student Support Resources

• Technical support is available for online assignments and Top Hat access.

• Student concerns should be addressed to the instructor or appropriate university office.

• Accessibility services are available for students with disabilities.

• Sexual misconduct and mandatory reporting policies are in effect.

Important Dates

• Course drops and other university deadlines are listed in the official academic calendar.

Summary

This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the BIOL 2401 laboratory course, including its structure, objectives, required materials, assessment methods, and policies. Students are expected to engage in hands-on activities, group work, and online assignments to develop a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology.