Course Syllabus

Fall 2024 | BIO-1140-VO02 - Human Biology

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Joseph Dionne
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 course is a survey of human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the organization and structure of the major body systems, including muscular, skeletal, nervous, circulatory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive. Emphasis placed on the integration of bodily processes and the impact of technology on human biology.

Essential Objectives

1. Describe the structure and function of a cell and understand the major processes involved in its physiology.
2. Understand the anatomy and physiology of how the nervous and endocrine systems control body functions.
3. Describe the processes of development and reproduction at the cellular and structural levels and be able to discuss the role of genetics in this system.
4. Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, and respiratory systems.
5. Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the digestive and urinary systems.
6. Understand the specific and interrelated functions of the major body systems.
7. Identify the placement of the major bones and muscles of the body and understand their basic physiology.
8. Understand the structure and function of the human sensory organs.
9. Explain how technology affects human biology and discuss the ethical issues associated with this topic.
10. Utilize the scientific method to evaluate well-researched evidence in the area of human biology.
11. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, evaluating, and applying quantitative data and information.
12. 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.

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 is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

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

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

• Virtual Lectures
• Videos
• Articles
• Weekly Discussion Forums
• COVID Reflection Journal
• Weekly Module Quizzes (1 attempt)
• Disease Project
• Cumulative Mid-term exam
• Cumulative Final Exam

Evaluation Criteria

Disease Project/ Presentation: 25% of final grade

Module Quizzes (13): 20% of final grade (lowest score dropped)

Participation/Assignments/Discussion Forums: 25% of final grade

Midterm Exam: 15% of final grade

Final Exam: 15% of final grade

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

Everything you need for this course is provided to you by the instructor.I will be providing a free internet version of the text at the start of the term. This saves you approximately $150 from the previous text used and allows you to access it easily throughout the term and print it if you wish.

Please read the repsective chapter(s) prior to engaging in each week’s online activities as this will allow you to be better prepared for class discussion and learning. Please take your time to view all available lecture slides and listen to all videos provided. These are part of your online “lecture” in addition to the posted readings. All assignments and activities are required, unless otherwise labeled.

I am always available via CCV e-mail. I check this several times per day, including the weekend. I make every effort to respond to e-mails within 24 hours. All messages will be sent to your CCV e-mail account for security purposes.

This is a 100% online course. You must complete all required assignments, activities, quizzes, etc. by their weekly due dates. Each week will begin at 12:00 am on Tuesday and end at 11:59 PM the following Monday at 11:59 PM. You will have a minimum of one week to complete all assignments, with the exception of the discussion forum posts (more details to come).

All written assignments must be typed and turned in by 11:59 pm on the day they are due (Monday) via Canvas. No written assignment used in a previous or concurrent course will be accepted.

Assignments will only be posted using Microsoft Office Products and as pdfs as CCV provides these on all computers on campus. If you do not have Microsoft office on your personal computer, you will need to download it or make time to use the computers on campus to complete assignments in this course. As a student, you have access to download Microsoft Office products at little to no cost. Assignments must be submitted using Microsoft Office products, in a PDF, in a RTF or copy and paste into the drop box. I do not have access to a Mac and am unable to accept assignments using Mac products.

Disease Project/Presentation: More information to follow. This will be our major project which will require your attention throughout the term.

Attendance/Online Discussions/ Online Assignments: More information to follow on the weeks when each activity is due. Please make the course Canvas page your friend and visit it often. Assignments and activities will be completed virtually via Canvas. All online assignments and quizzes must be completed by the due date (11:59 pm on Monday). Online participation is NOT optional and failure to complete a week’s online activities will result in an absence and loss of respective points. All discussion forums requiring you to respond to other students’ posts must be completed by the following days and times each week: Post your initial response to the discussion prompts by 11:59 pm Thursday and reply to other students by 11:59 pm Monday each week. Doing so allows your classmates ample time to read your thoughts and respond by the end of the week. Please plan carefully, as only the Monday due date for the discussion forums will populate on the “To Do” list.

Discussion Forums:

You will participate in weekly discussion forums. All discussion forums requiring you to respond to other students’ posts must be completed by the following days and times each week: Post your response to the discussion prompts by 11:59 pm Thursday and reply to a minimum of two other students by 11:59 pm Monday each week. Please note, Canvas only allows one due date, so only the Monday due date will populate in the To Do List each week but please do not forget about posting your initial response by Thursday at 11:59 pm. All prompts must be completed on time to earn full credit. The following is the breakdown of points to be earned for each weekly discussion forum:

·Initial response posted by Thursday at 11:59 pm with all prompts covered completely (3 points)

o If posted after Sunday 11:59 pm subtract 1 point

o If post is missing key prompt information, subtract 1 point

·Two replies to fellow students posted by Monday at 11:59 pm with all prompts covered completely (2 points)

o Subtract 1 point if a reply is not present or is missing key aspects of the prompt

= 5 points total each week

Midterm and Final Exams:

Description: Exams will have a mixture of Multiple Choice and True/False questions. They will include all previous module materials. Both exams will be 2 hours and 30 minutes in length and consist of 100 questions each. Exams will only be available from Tuesday at 12:00 am to Monday at 11:59 pm the week of the exam (for security purposes). You will have one attempt per exam, and they cannot be made up. Exams are closed notes and you are not allowed to use your notes or websites while taking the exam. You will need to download the Lockdown software to ensure you are not accessing additional websites or AI during the exams. Please plan accordingly.

Purpose: The exams in this course are timed for security purposes and to provide you with practice taking timed, closed-notes exams. Many of you plan on continuing your education with a 4-year STEM degree or a nursing/healthcare degree, and the standard for these programs is the timed, closed-notes exam. Thus, this course seeks to prepare you for such assessments. These exams provide you the opportunity to display strong critical thinking skills throughout the term.

Quizzes:

Description: Quizzes are not cumulative and only include the materials from the respective module. Quizzes will have a mixture of Multiple Choice and True/False questions. Quizzes cannot be made up under any circumstance. Quizzes will always be administered online through Canvas. All quizzes will be 30 minutes in length and compose of 20 questions each. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the term.Quizzes will only be available from Tuesday at 12:00 am to Monday at 11:59 pm the week of the quiz (for security purposes). You will have one attempt per quiz, and they cannot be made up. Quizzes are closed notes and you are not allowed to use your notes or websites while taking the quiz. You will need to download the Lockdown software to ensure you are not accessing additional websites or AI during the quizzes. Please plan accordingly.

Purpose: Past students recommended providing a weekly quiz assists in guiding the study of the substantial content covered in this course. Quizzes serve as a gauge of your understanding as you prepare for the midterm and final exams. Quizzes also provide practice in answering timed questions on Canvas prior to taking each exam.

Online/Zoom-Class Etiquette:

Please note, that our online environment is a safe learning environment for all. Disrespectful behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. A warning may be issued for the first offense and academic action with administration will occur for any subsequent infractions.

Please give references whenever necessary. Always place answers in your own words. Never copy and paste from online sources (including ChatGPT or other AI), the text, the lecture notes or other students. Submit your own work only. Failing to do so is considered to be an infraction against the academic honor code of CCV and this course and will involve administrative action with the Dean’s office.

I ask that you provide the same respect and professionalism online as you would in traditional classroom settings.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Please note, assignments will not be accepted late, and make-up quizzes will NOT be provided. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor in the event of extenuating circumstances, such as hospitalization or natural disaster.You will have one, timed attempt for each module's final quiz.

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