Course Syllabus

Spring 2024 | BIO-2011-VJ01 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Sylvia Puglisi
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Danielle Lafleur Brooks

General Education Requirements

VSCS Natural Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This is the first semester of a two-semester course which examines the structure and functions of the human body. Topics include fundamental principles of cell and tissue structure, gross anatomical and physiological organization, electrochemical communication systems and muscle physiology. This is a laboratory course that involves hands-on or simulated laboratory experiences. Prior learning in basic algebra, and chemistry or biology are recommended.

Essential Objectives

1. Describe cellular structure and communication as it relates to the use of organic and inorganic molecules, enzymes, membrane transport mechanisms, cell reproduction, and protein synthesis.
2. Demonstrate the use of anatomical terms for planes, directions, and locations as related to systems of the human body and describe the gross and microscopic anatomical organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
3. Identify and describe the histological characteristics of connective, epithelial, nervous and muscle tissues and explain how the physiological roles of each ensure homeostasis.
4. Analyze the integumentary system for its role and structure in the human body.
5. Discuss the gross and microscopic anatomy of the skeletal system and identify the functions and role of joints and articulations.
6. Discuss the gross and microscopic anatomy of the muscular system and the physiology of muscular contraction.
7. Describe the pathway and mechanisms by which skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems interact.
8. Describe the structure and function of the peripheral and central nervous systems, including how electrical signals are generated and communicated throughout the human body.
9. Describe diseased states and how they impact different organ systems.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, evaluating and applying quantitative data and information.
11. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss the impacts of diversity and inclusion on scientific research and practice.
Lab Objectives:
1. Apply knowledge of the scientific method to:
a. formulate and evaluate real-world scientific questions;
b. ethically plan and implement accurate data collection;
c. analyze and evaluate data;
d. generate conclusions based on analysis and justify claims with evidence;
e. integrate the related work of other scientists; and
f. propose ideas for further inquiry.
2. Communicate findings in a format appropriate to the discipline and type of investigation, such as a laboratory notebook, laboratory report, observational study, field investigation report, poster, or presentation using appropriate evidence to support these findings.
3. Understand the structure and purpose of peer-reviewed publications.
4. Complete labs in the following areas: introduction to anatomy, cellular function, tissues (with an emphasis on skin), the skeletal system, the muscular system, and the nervous system (including the brain and integration of the nervous system).
5. Evaluate scientific information for validity, accuracy, reliability, and methodology.
6. Identify and follow lab safety techniques that are aligned with CCV’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, Lab Safety Agreements, and chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Methods

• Lecture and discussion(in-class) -- for developing knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and applying its principles to clinical and forensic casework.
  
  
• Laboratory activities & dissections (in-class, notes submitted on Canvas) -- for visualization of anatomy, development of experimental and microscopy technique, and application of physiology concepts.
  
  
• Learning quizzes (online, on Canvas) -- for learning and practicing vocabulary and core skills.
  
  
• Lab practical exams(in-class) -- for summative assessment of mastery.

Evaluation Criteria

This course uses a weighted categories system to assign final grades

• 30% Practice Quizzes
  • These on-Canvas assignments are intended as a learning tool. Notes may be submitted in lieu of some quizzes if they contain all needed material.
• 40% Lab Problem Sets
  • These in-class learning activities are formative assessments that allow me to watch your learning develop. Students submit notes (briefly) on Canvas.
• 30% Lab Practical Exams
  • These in-class tests are on 3 scheduled days in class.
  • Tests require anatomical labeling of models, dissections, microscope slides, and conceptual application to short-answer problems.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Attendance, participation, and engagement with the lessons is key to your success--and it is also much appreciated by your instructor and your fellow students!

To maximize your enjoyment and grade in this class, I recommend you:

• Attend class regularly, on-time and for the full session. Let me know if you will not be able to attend, and take action to check Canvas and complete the laboratory problem set as well as you are able.
  
  
• Commit time to study outside of class. Mastery of vocabulary and concepts will require more time and more tools than I can give you.
  
  
• Listen and contribute in class during discussion and learning activities. Actively listening to your classmates, volunteering your ideas, and sharing questions benefits us all. Also, this is your chance to ask questions and get the tools you need to learn!
  
  
• Conduct yourself ethically and thoughtfully as a learner and classmate, including rules on plagiarism and exams. Specific issues pertinent to A&P:
  • Our course involves dissection -- treat your tools, workspace, classmates, and dissection subjects with respect. Cleanliness, carefulness, and seriousness are paramount.
  • Discussion in class may involve medical conditions and bodily differences. Talk about illness and human bodies thoughtfully, as if any of your classmates might have a condition we are mentioning.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Practice quizzes are assigned due dates on Canvas that are appropriate to keep pace with the unit; however, late work is accepted with no grade penalty.

Laboratory problem sets are assigned due dates on Canvas that are appropriate to keep pace with the unit. Late work is accepted with no grade penalty; however, expect a significant grading delay due to the grading work required. Some parts of the in-person laboratory activities may no longer be available if a class is missed, so communicate with me if make-up lab time is needed.

Lab practical exams are taken in-class as scheduled. Let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend such a session and we can schedule a make-up, preferably within a week of the missed exam so as not to delay student grading.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity