Course Syllabus

Fall 2026 | 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

Joseph Dionne
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Ryan Joy

General Education Requirements

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 course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Fall 2026 textbook/book details will be available on 2026-05-18. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

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

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

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.

This course is designed for you to reflect on anatomy and physiology concepts using critical and creative thinking skills. Thus, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create your discussion posts, assignments, and complete your quizzes would limit this goal. Creating and submitting your own work will allow you to better comprehend course concepts as well as learn more about yourself as a lifelong learner. Please do not use generative AI in this course. Trust in yourself; you can do this!

Methods

Virtual Lecture/ Videos
Virtual Laboratory Sessions
Quizzes/Exams
Online Discussion/Assignments
Research Project
Article Review

Evaluation Criteria

Lecture Exams (6): 40% of final grade; lowest Exam dropped

Lab Work/Lab Quizzes: 25% of final grade

Quizzes (6): 10% of final grade; lowest Quiz dropped

Online Discussion Forums: 10% of final grade

Online Assignments: 5% of final grade

Research Project: 10% of final grade

(*Please note:The lecture component of this course comprises 75% of your overall score, while Lab Activities/Assignments/Reports comprise 25% of your overall score)

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 provided a free pdf 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 chapter(s) in the course schedule 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 PowerPoint 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 an online course. Each week will begin at 12:00 am on Tuesday and end at 11:59pm the following Monday.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 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 (if possible). 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, so please save them as a pdf, etc.

Additional Instructor Pre-Assignments/Notes/Comments:

Please read the recommended chapters prior to posting in the discussion forum each week as this will allow you to be better prepared for online class discussion and learning. Please view all available PowerPoint slides.

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 (or VSC) e-mail account for security purposes.

Lecture Exams:

Description: Exams will have a mixture of Multiple Choice, True/False, and Short Answers. Any cumulative material will be discussed in advance (which is a rare occurrence). Concepts learned during lab activities may be assessed during lecture exams. All six lecture exams will be given online using Canvas. All lecture exams will be 90 minutes in length and consist of 45 questions each. The lowest lecture exam score of the term will be dropped at the last day of this course. 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. Lecture exams provide you the opportunity to display strong critical thinking skills throughout the term. There are 6 exams so that the amount of material on any one exam is not more than the others.

Quizzes:

Description: Quizzes are not cumulative. Quizzes willhave a mixture of Multiple Choice, True/False, and Short Answers. Quizzes cannot be made up under any circumstance. Quizzes will always be administered online through Canvas. All quizzes will be 20 minutes in length and compose of 10 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 quiz on non-exam weeks to assist in guiding the study of the substantial content covered in this course. Quizzes serve as a gauge of your understanding as you prepare for each unit lecture exam. Quizzes also provide practice in answering timed questions on Canvas prior to taking each unit exam.

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 two other students by 11:59 pm Sunday 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 discussion forums will not populate on the “To Do” list because of the two due dates each week. Be certain to track assignment due dates through the Course schedule and the course Canvas page. Please note assignments or projects submitted in another course cannot be submitted for credit in this course.

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 weeklydiscussion forum:

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

o If posted after Thursday 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 for each reply that is not present or is missing key aspects of the prompt

= 5 points total each week

Article Review:

Description: You will locate a peer-reviewed journal article through the college library online search engine about a topic of interest to you that relates to the field of Microbiology. You will then complete the assignment provided in Canvas as part of your Lab grade for this course.

Purpose: To expand our skills retrieving and evaluating the scientific process and conclusions from scientists in the field of Microbiology. This will provide an opportunity to use critical thinking in regards to actual experiments and research.

Lab Work/ Lab Quizzes:

Description:Most weeks will have virtual lab simulations and activities to complete via the Visible Body Labs. You will need to purchase your access codes through the bookstore. All lab activities must be completed by the due date as the labs close and lock up after the due date each week.

Purpose:This allows us to develop our lab skills via remote tools. We will expand our understanding of the scientific process and use critical thinking skills each week.

Online 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. Make-up exams will NOT be provided under any circumstances. The lowest exam grade at the end of the term will be dropped.

All written assignments must be typed and submitted via Canvas by 11:59 pm on Monday of that week. Assignments must be submitted in Microsoft Word, PDF, RTF, or online copy and paste.

Lecture Exams: Exams will have a mixture of Multiple Choice, True/False, Fill-Ins, Short Answers, and Matching. Any cumulative material will be discussed in advance. The lowest Lecture Exam grade will be dropped at the end of the term. Exams are administered through Canvas and timed at 90 miniutes each.

Quizzes: Are not cumulative. Quizzes will have a mixture of Multiple Choice, True/False, Fill-Ins, Short Answers, and Matching. Quizzes cannot be made up under any circumstances. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the term. Quizzes are administered through Canvas and timed at 20 minutes each.

Research Project and Article Review: More information will be given separately. All must be typed. No late assignments will be accepted under any circumstances.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/student-support/accessibility-services/
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.