Course Syllabus

Fall 2024 | BIO-2011-VU03 - 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

Rachel De Simone
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jen Guarino

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 uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations.

Fall 2024 textbook details will be available on 2024-05-20. 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.

BIO-2011-VU03 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

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.

Methods

This course's intention is to provide a variety of learning methods and activities to support multipe learning styles. Each person contributes to this learning community, and students are encouraged to ask questions, share their knowledge, and work together to ensure that everyone succeeds.

Learning methods will include:

• Interactive Lectures: including animations, videos, visual aids, demonstrations, group discussion, and participatory experiences.

• Laboratory Activities: including laboratory experiments, microscopic cell and tissue analysis, anatomical models, interactive demonstrations, and one dissection opportunity

• Study Guides and Homework Assignments to facilitate integration of course material

• Research and Written Reflections

• Small Group Activities and Teach Backs

Evaluation Criteria

Exams = 40%

There will be four exams in this course delivered online via Canvas. Exams will cover class and lab material and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer, and identification of cell types, tissue types, anatomical markings and structures

Lab and Homework Assignments = 30%

Homework assignments are due at the start of class and will include completion of study guide materials, including the coloring book chapters that correspond to the unit being studied that week.

Most class periods will include a lab or participatory assignment due by the end of the class period. If you are absent from class, you will not receive credit for that lab assignment.

Research Assignment = 20%

You will be asked to watch the documentary The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (access is provided from the library and embedded into Canvas) and write a 3 – 5-page paper that includes research and personal reflection. References should be cited using APA format. A rubric for this assignment is included in Canvas.

Collaborative Learning = 10%

One of the best ways to learn is to teach others. You will have the opportunity, individually and in small groups, to provide teach backs to summarize what you are learning in a creative manner and to support your peers in their learning. A rubric for these assignments is included in Canvas.

Extra Credit Project

You may earn up to two points added to your final grade by completing an optional lab experiment at home and writing a 2 - 3-page lab report. A rubric for this assignment is included in Canvas.

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

Tips for success:

1. Know your WHY. Set your own goals and consider what success means to you. What strengths do you bring to this learning community? What kind of support do you need?

2. Use your resources. Everyone at CCV wants you to succeed in ways that are meaningful to you. I am available to answer questions during and after class, and to meet outside of class by zoom as needed. I also encourage you to work with your advisor, and to familiarize yourself with the support systems available to you through the library, Canvas, tutor.com, etc. Please be proactive and ask for help early. Let’s work together to meet your goals.

3. Be prepared for class. Review Canvas before each class period so that you are clear about what textbook and study guide chapters you should review BEFORE class, and you know when assignments are due.

4. Review course material regularly. The more touchpoints you have with this material, the easier it will be for you to learn and remember. In addition to reading the textbook and preparing the study guide before class, I highly recommend that you review your class notes within 24 hours of each class. Make flashcards, draw anatomical maps, and review supplementary material regularly.

5. Know your DUE DATES. All assignments and due dates are in Canvas. Please look at the Modules page in Canvas for an overview of all readings, assignments, and labs for each unit. The to-do list on the home page and the Canvas calendar both summarize important upcoming dates.

6. Stay engaged. You will get what you put into this course. Please arrive early to class, give the class your undivided attention, and be prepared to think critically. We all learn from thinking through questions, so questions are encouraged. Students are also encouraged to help answer questions, and to problem-solve together. There will be regular partner and group work in this class so that you have the opportunity for experiential and community-based learning.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Due Dates

• All homework is due at the start of class on the assigned due date, including study guides from the coloring book. If you must miss class, you are still responsible for submitting your homework at the start of class. You can do so by electronically sharing scans of your hard copyassignments.

• Assignments with electronic submissions in Canvas are due by the date and time specified in the Canvas assignment.

• Most lab assignments are due by the end of the class period (8:40 pm). If you miss class, you will receive a 0 for the lab assignment that day.

Exceptions

Late assignments will not be accepted unless you have made prior arrangements as outlined below.

• I understand that we all have full lives, and that life can be unpredictable. Each student is allowed one 1-week extension (without explanation) to a deadline. You must request this “Life Happens Exception” in advance of the due date.

• Extenuating circumstances: If a lengthy medical problem, other emergent personal issue, or religious or spiritual observance will result in being unable to attend class or submit an assignment by a due date, please contact me in advance, or if you are incapacitated, as soon as you are able, to request a one week extension, and to discuss the resources and supports available to you.

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