Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | BIO-2011-VO04 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I

Online Class

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

Faculty

Laura Gannon-Murakami
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Ryan Joy

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 computer recommendations Support page.

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 does not include lab fees for 4-credit science courses. ***

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.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

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

To earn full participation points for the week, students should:

• Read the assigned material and demonstrate an understanding of those resources in your assignments and posts.
• Post an original response to the weekly prompt(s) before Friday at midnight (11:59 PM) and a minimum of two responses to peers before Monday at midnight (11:59 PM). You are also required to respond to any questions or thoughtful comments in your own forum. You are welcome to post early and/or more frequently, as your schedule allows, but you will not receive full credit if you do not meet these minimum requirements and/or deadlines.
• Posts should be substantive and demonstrate college-level writing. A substantive post is well-developed, a minimum 150 words, and references the reading or another appropriate source. A substantive post is NOT one or two sentences of general statements or unsupported opinion.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Late work policy:

All assignments are due each week on Monday. I know sometimes life gets a little hectic and unpredictable so you will have an automatic additional 1 week extension to complete assignments with no penalties for labs, blogs, and quizzes- but not discussions. After, there will be a 20% penalty. The discussions, though, are to be done each week.

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

Apply Now for this semester.