Human Anatomy and Physiology I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BIOL-2401-012 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills; SCIT 1307 recommended

Course Description

A detailed study of the human organism according to levels of chemical and structural organization with special reference to cytology, histology, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and fluid and electrolyte balance.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Texts: 

1. Text:  Visual Anatomy & Physiology. First Edition. By Frederic Marti & William C. Ober.  2011.
2. Lab Manual:  Interactive Physiology 10 Lab Manual + Mastering.

Supplies

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Student Performance

After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following:

1. Describe the different organizations levels, including anatomical terms, of the body from the chemical aspect and cells through systems.
2. Describe the structure and function of the four primary tissue types.
3. Identify and describe the integumentary system including functions of this sys-tem.
4. Identify and describe the components of the skeletal system.
5. Identify and describe the types of bones and the histology of both cancellous and compact bone.
6. Describe the various bones to include markings on the surface of bones, articulations, and attachments.
7. Contrast the structure, kind of movement, and location of synarthrotic, amphiarthrotic, and diarthrotic joints.
8. Identify and describe the characteristics and functions of muscle tissue, to include the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction.
9. Describe the relationship between bones and skeletal muscle in producing body movements.
10. Describe the complete oxidation of glucose via glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and the electron transport system.
11. Distinguish between intracellular and extracellular fluid.
12. Identify and describe the organization of the nervous system and give the components of each part, to include the histological characteristics and functions of the neuroglia and neurons.
13. Describe the sequence of events involved in the generation and conduction of a nerve impulse.
14. Identify and describe the structure and functions of the spinal cord, cranial nerves, and the brain.
15. Compare and contrast the peripheral nervous system and autonomic system, including reflexes.

Purpose and goals of course:

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of a minimum of five (5) major exams and a comprehensive post examination not to exceed two hours. These will be administered either in the Science Testing Center or under the supervision of the instructor.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Class Policies:

• Electronic devices:  Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices prior to entering the classroom.  If you would like to take notes on your personal laptop in class you must seek special permission from the instructor.  Use of laptops for surfing the web, Facebook, Skype, or other networking/chat during class is not appropriate or respectful classroom behavior.
• Lecture exam protocol:  All lecture exams must be taken in the Science Testing Center, according to Biology Program policy.  Exams may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, except that tests cannot be taken during lecture or lab.     Please note that no tests will be given out during the last hour-and-a-half before the Science Testing Center closes.  The Science Testing Center is located in Warren Hall, Room 112 and it is open from 10 AM – 8 PM on Thursdays, noon – 10 PM on Fridays, and 8 AM to noon on Saturdays.  

You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.  When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.   According to Science Testing Center policy, no cell phones are allowed in the testing room.  If Testing Center staff see your cell phone out at any time, for any reason while in the testing room, you will receive an ‘F’ for the course.

• Quiz & lab practical protocol:  A student should place all book bags, purses, and other belongings at the front of the room while sitting for quizzes or lab practicals.  Desktops should be clear except for the materials needed and authorized for testing.  Do not take any exam with notecards in your pockets or on your person.  All cell phones are to be turned off and either in your bag in the front of the room or on the instructor’s bench. Do not write notes or study material, or anything that could be construed as these, on your body.  Check for such notations and remove them before the exam time.  A violation of any of these policies is considered a breach of the Student Code of Conduct. Students should feel free to ask for clarification about any question during quizzes or the lab practical.
• Cheating:  Honesty and ethical behaviors are imperatives in any career.  Therefore, cheating will not be tolerated.  Amarillo College’s “Student Code of Conduct” will apply to all work in this course.  On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract.  Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic ‘F’ in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed.”  You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.  Cheating on a test includes all of the following:
  • Copying from another student’s paper.
  • Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
  • Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.
  • Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an unadministered test.
  • The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the unadministered test.
  • Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
  • Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test.
  • The use of any testing materials that are prohibited.

If you have any questions about what constitutes your own work, definitely ask!

• Mandatory tutoring:  In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, if you make less than a 70% on any exam, you must obtain 30 minutes of tutoring from the Science Enrichment Center or from me prior to taking the next exam.  A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete this tutoring.  You will not be allowed to take the next test until the Science Testing Center receives this form.   The Science Enrichment Center is located on the first floor of Warren Hall, Room 110.  It is open Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 – 12:00 PM.  Appointments for tutoring at the Science Enrichment Center are required and can be made by calling 806.371.5536.  Mandatory tutoring is a Biology Program policy.
• Make-up policy: If you miss an exam or lab practical, you will not be able to make up or retake the exam. You are only allowed one dropped lecture exam and one dropped lab practical.  I suggest that you use these dropped exams wisely.  The final exam cannot be made up and will not be dropped.  A missed final exam will result in a zero on that exam.
• Grievance procedure: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor. If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Biology Program Coordinator (Dr. Claudie Biggers); the Mathematics, Sciences & Engineering Department Chairperson (Dr. Kathy Wetzel), the Dean of Arts & Sciences (Jerry Moller), the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Dr. Russell Lowry-Hart), and the college President (Dr. Matney), in that order.
• State law on dropping courses:  Effective with the Fall 2007 semester a new Texas law mandates that students may only drop or withdraw six (6) times in their entire college career. If you transfer to another Texas school, you do not start over; so, if you drop four classes at AC, then you only have two drops left. If you drop before the census date, then that does not count in the six drop status. As I understand the law, if you use you six drops and decided to try to drop a seventh class, you cannot do so.

Grading Criteria

• Quizzes & homework (10%) – There will be several homeworks assigned and quizzes given throughout the semester in various formats.   The lowest three homeworks and the lowest quiz will be dropped.  All other quizzes and homework grades will be averaged and will be worth 10% of your final grade.
• Lecture examinations (40%) – Five lecture exams will be given throughout the course of the semester. The lecture exams will be a combination of multiple choice, true/false, matching, identifications, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions.  The lowest lecture exam grade will be dropped.
• Practical examinations (25%) – Your lab grade for the semester will be based on four lab practical examinations.  The lowest lab practical examination grade will be dropped.
• Final examination (25%) – A comprehensive exam equal to one-fourth of the total grade for the semester. The final exam is mandatory and cannot be dropped.

Final grade determination: Grades are not curved under any circumstances.

90.0 - 100% = A          80.0 – 89.9% = B              70.0 – 79.9% = C             60.0 – 69.9% = D            <60.0 = F

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.

Calendar

Additional Information

Tips for Success:  Anatomy & Physiology I is an intensive course that requires time and commitment.  To perform well in this course, you must manage your time appropriately and have a proper study plan, beginning from the first day of class.  The following are some tips that will help you succeed:

• Make a study schedule.  To pass this course, most students need to study around 12 hours per week.  The best overall study strategy is to work consistently, in small doses.  “Cramming” for an exam is rarely successful.  I suggest that you plan out your study time at the beginning of each week.  Begin by marking down the times for each day that you have family or work commitments, as well as other non-negotiable time commitments.  Then plan out the specific days, hours, and places that you will study throughout the week.  Be sure to pick a study location that is as free from distractions as possible.  Be sure to stick to your plan as much as possible and then reward yourself at the end of the week for a job well-done.
• Read before and after class.  It’s helpful to skim through the readings from your textbook and lab manual before coming to class, jotting down questions or areas of confusion.  Use the learning objectives (posted on Blackboard in the Guided Notes files) to help you determine which portions are most important to understand.  Then, bring your books to class and mark on the text and the figures as needed.  Finally, read a second time after class, using a different color of highlighter to mark the topics that were just covered in class.  Be sure to note any topics that still confuse you, because all material covered in class is fair game for quiz and exam questions.  This second reading is critical because it will help you to connect class discussions to the textbook assignments.
• Take good notes. During class, we will discuss the most significant concepts from your readings.  At times, I will present examples that may not be given in your textbook.  You are responsible for all of this information.  Good note-taking will help you to remember which concepts were most important and why.  Additionally, the act of note-taking is itself a learning exercise that helps you to stay actively engaged in the topic and better remember class discussions.
• Ask questions.  Anatomy & Physiology I is a collaborative course.  Therefore, if you don’t understand something discussed in class, ask questions in class, ask questions of your peers, form productive study groups, or arrange to meet with me.  I welcome your questions, and if you’re struggling, it’s important to get help early.  Additionally, by asking questions, you take charge of your own learning.
• Build a foundation of knowledge, but aim high in your thinking (adapted from www.cas.lsu.edu).  While studying, keep in mind that you will need to do more than simply learn facts; you will need to think.  We will use a learning pyramid as a guide for our thinking this semester, which can be found in the first PowerPoint of the semester:
  • Level 1 = Remember, Understand & Explain: Memorize and understand information. Recognize a correct answer.  Restate in your own words.  Explain a step-by-step process (even a complicated one).  Identify an anatomical structure.
  • Level 2 = Analyze & Apply: Identify patterns in new information or anatomical structures.  Discover similarities and differences, or arrange anatomical structures or physiological processes in a logical order or in categories.  Use information to solve new problems; transfer abstract ideas from the textbook to a practical, new situation.
  • Level 3 = Evaluate & Create:  Predict the consequences of abnormal anatomical structures.  Deduce the causes of abnormal physiological functions.  Evaluate the potential effectiveness or worth of a solution or idea.  Take a position on an issue and using evidence to support that position.  Combine information from a number of different sources to form a unique product that requires creativity and originality.

Notice how each level of the pyramid builds on the foundation that precedes it.  You must learn the lower level knowledge before you can effectively think at higher levels.  In general, students who earn lower grades have not gone past the ‘Remember, understand & explain’ level.  Students who earn higher grades generally know the course material well enough to perform higher level thinking tasks.

• Study effectively.  Any biology course these days will have a lot of information, so making the most of your study time is key.  To master the course material at the lowest level you should begin by making your own study aids.  For example, make outlines and flash cards of course material as you read and review your notes.  Doing this will help you to not only remember course concepts, but also better understand how they relate to each other.  I also suggest that you study the diagrams from your readings, practice writing out and linking concepts by memory, prepare your own tables and diagrams as a study aid, create lists of questions that help you remember the material, and then practice answering those questions by memory.   Remember, all quizzes and exams are timed, so it’s important to know the material well before beginning an exam.  Additionally, good preparation before an exam can reduce the testing anxiety that many students experience.  To practice higher level thinking, complete all worksheets and problems given during class and assigned outside of class.  You should do at least one or two of these activities (in addition to your reading) each day.
• Tutoring resources:  24-hour online tutoring is available for all students of this course.  Simply, log on to the AC Online homepage and go to Institutional Resources.  Then click on the Smart Thinking Online Tutoring icon.  In-person, free, peer tutoring is also available from the Science Enrichment Center, located on the first floor of Warren Hall, Room 110 at Amarillo College’s Washington Street campus.  It is open Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM,  Friday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, & Saturday from 8 AM – noon and you are welcome to drop in at any time.  Please take advantage of these great opportunities. 
• Other resources:  Disability Services (SSC 199, 806.371.5436) will help any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements.  Please contact them as soon as possible if you think you might need their services.