Anatomy and Physiology I Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

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-2401-030 Anatomy and Physiology I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. The lab provides hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Fundamentals of  Anatomy & Physiology, by Martini, Nath and Bartholomew, Eleventh edition, Pearson Publishers

Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual, Thirteenth edition, by Elaine Marieb, Susan Mitchell and Lori Smith - OPTIONAL 

Lecture Notes-Provided in class and posted on Blackboard (Powerpoint or Microsoft word)

Supplies

Pens, Pencils, Colored Pencils,Binder/folder to organize lab handouts and notes, notebook.

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet connectivity.  There is access to computers and the internet for students at all AC campuses.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need any assistance with computer or internet access. 

For labs (every week we meet in person) you will be required to wear closed toe shoes and long pants unless instructed otherwise.

Student Performance

By the end of the semester you will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives (below) with a minimum of 70 percent competency level based on the completion of the required examinations and other work as required by the instructor.

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

1. Use anatomical terminology to identify and describe locations of major organs of each system covered.

2. Explain interrelationships among molecular, cellular, tissue and organ functions in each system.

3. Describe the interdependency and interactions of the systems.

4. Explain contributions of organs and systems to the maintenance of homeostasis.

5. Identify causes and effects of homeostatic imbalances.

6. Describe modern technology and tools used to study anatomy and physiology.

7. Apply appropriate safety and ethical standards.

8. Locate and identify anatomical structures.

9. Appropriately utilize laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, dissection tools, general lab ware, physiology data acquisition systems and virtual simulations.

10. Work collaboratively to perform experiments.

11. Demonstrate the steps involved in the scientific method.

12. Communicate results of scientific investigations, analyze data and formulate conclusions.

13. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills, including, but not limited to, inferring, integrating, synthesizing and summarizing to make decisions, recommendations and predictions.

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

Kindness and respectfulness is necessary for this course. These traits should be evident in all communications and actions in class, office hours and via email. I ask that you come to class with an open mind and positive attitude. 

EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
 

1. Participate in class activities and discussions.

2. Check blackboard regularly for announcements, quizzes, homework, lectures and other materials

3. Watch AND take notes on all lecture videos prior to class for that week. 

4. Prepare for class by completing all chapter readings before the class. 

5. Complete all assignments before the due date. Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete an assignment (we all know technology does not always corporate). You will not be able to submit an assignment after the due date. 

6. Attend and be cognitively present at all course meetings. 

7. Designate at least 20 hours of study time outside of the regularly scheduled class time (this is in addition to the time it takes to watch and take notes on the lectures). 

8. Keep up with your grades. Access to your individual assignment grades and course average can be found on blackboard. I will update grades in a timely manner. 

9. Maintain college level effort and behaviors in the class. We cover a lot of information in a short period of time. This class will require you to work hard. 

10. Come to class with an open mind, positive attitude. 

11. Have fun and learn something new! 

I am excited for this semester and I hope you are too! 

Grievance Procedure:

If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try to resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Biology Department Chairman (Dr. Richard Hobbs), the Dean of STEM (Edythe Carter), the Vice-President of student affairs  (Dr. Tamara Clunis),or the college President, (Denese Skinner), IN THAT ORDER.

Cell Phones and Technology 

Phone, laptop and other technology can support student learning, but it can also become a distraction. Research indicates that multi-tasking (texting or going online) during class time can have a negative impact on learning. Out of respect for your fellow students in this class, please refrain from using laptops or mobile phones for entertainment during class. Do not display any material on a laptop which may be distracting or offensive to your fellow students. Laptops may be used only for legitimate classroom purposes, such as taking notes, downloading course information, or working on an assigned in-class exercise. Checking social media, email, texting, games, and other online activities are not legitimate classroom purposes. Such inappropriate laptop and mobile phone use is distracting to those seated around you.

I understand that we all have different life commitments outside of the classroom. If you need to use your phone during class please do so in a way that is respectful to your classmates. If excessive texting becomes a distraction to others you may be asked to leave the classroom. If you need to take a phone call please excuse yourself from the classroom. 

Under no circumstances should you use cell phones or other technology (including smart watches) during quizzes or exams. Use of technology during an assessment will result in a grade of zero on that quiz or exam. 

Plagiarism / Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty or plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.  Students caught cheating on a quiz, exam, or lab practical will be given a grade of zero on that assignment and referred to the Dean of Student Services. Please read very carefully: If your cell phone is out or seen at any time during a quiz or exam for any reason, your assessment will be taken up immediately and you will receive a zero for that assessment. If there is a similar repeated incident from the same student, they will receive an "F" for the course. In addition, DO NOT do anything which would appear to involve cheating. This includes the prohibited use of audio devices such as headphones or earbuds during exams.  Any suspicious behavior during a test will result in a zero for the test and an "F"  in the course for a repeated incident.  

In addition, the internet or AI should not be used to formulate short answer responses. If I detect internet answers or AI generated answers on an assignment, a grade of a zero will be given for that assignment. 

Due Dates:

Class work is to be submitted no later than the scheduled completion date; please see the class calendar. Any late work (if accepted) will result in point deductions.

Grading Criteria

Grading Schema:

• A = 89.5% to 100%

• B = 79.5% to 89%

• C = 69.5% to 79%

• D = 59.5% to 69%

• F = Less than 59.5%

Weighted Grading System 

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  Attendance will be taken from the beginning to the end of the semester. Any assignments administered in class must be taken on time. Tardiness (late) is defined as one minute or more after the scheduled testing time based on the classroom clock. If classes are officially canceled lecture and lab exams will be administered during the next class meeting.   

If you are not in attendance, please notify your instructor. When you miss one class you are missing a lot of important  material. 

BAD WEATHER: 

If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered. If an exam or quiz was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam or quiz will be given the next class meeting. Be prepared. If class is canceled on the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the final exam and the questions will count as the exam and the final exam. All attendance policies will be enforced, unless Amarillo College officially cancels classes, No Exceptions. Cancellations will be announced on the radio (and sometimes tv) by 6:30 AM or 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the website. I will also email you if there is a closing.

Calendar

Additional Information

Special Notes:

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.  Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student's progress.  Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented in lecture.

EMAIL: 

I will check my email regularly. I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays. I will respond as quickly as I can, but please do not always expect an immediate response.  Remember I teach other courses.  Be patient.  Also, remember I will send emails to your Google email address. Please always use your college email for communications and regularly check this email for course updates. Please be professional in your email communications. 

MSDS: Material safety data sheets (MSDS) may be reviewed upon request.

Information Technology (IT) help: Email Info: CTLstudenthelp@actx.edu Call: 806- 371-5992

SCIENCE TUTORING and SUCCESS CENTER:  Warren Hall 110. Tutoring is available for all AC students at no additional cost. 

WARE STUDENT SERVICES:  Printing, Computer Workstations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468). 

SMART THINKING TUTORING SERVICES:  Online tutoring 24/7 Link in the AC Online.

Census date: Is the last day to drop with the course NOT appearing on the transcript. 

WITHDRAW:

A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date.  You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first. Students can either communicate via email or meet face-to-face with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process. If the instructor and the student both agree that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, then the instructor will initiate a withdrawal case for the student in the Retention Alert System (AC Connect).

Students will receive confirmation that their withdrawal request has been completed. The Registrar’s Office will process the withdrawal and notify both the student and instructor via AC email.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES: The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by the full time Biology Faculty Committee. Requests must be in writing.

Biology Laboratory Safety Rules

1.     Never work alone in the laboratory without permission and prior knowledge of the instructor.

2.     Do not engage in rowdy, playful, or unprofessional activities in the laboratory. This includes not being disrespectful of your instructor or classmates.

3.     Students should wash hands thoroughly after first entering the lab and when finished with the lab.

4.     Students should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory or during lab time without explicit permission from the instructor.

5.    Wear appropriate clothing at all times in the laboratory. Wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot, unless permission otherwise is given by the instructor.

6.     During certain labs, you will be required to wear examination gloves and safety glasses when dissecting or handling biological parts/organs, dangerous chemicals, bacterial broth cultures, or as otherwise advised by your instructor.

7.   Wear gloves when handling any microorganisms. 

8.     Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working in the lab or during lab time.. This includes not applying cosmetics, not adjusting contact lenses, and not biting your finger nails.

9.    If any chemicals or other agents splash into your eyes, immediately go to the nearest sink and flush your eyes with water.

10.  Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills, BREAKAGES, or injuries to the instructor, no matter how trivial they appear.

11.  Scalpels and other sharp objects can be used only if authorized by the instructor and only after given proper handling instructions. Use small trays to carry all sharp objects. When handling sharp objects, point their tips down and away from other people.

12. While wearing examination gloves, students must not leave the laboratory and must not touch any equipment such as microscopes, any personal items such as cell phones, or any door knobs.

13.  Wipe down tables before and after labs, making sure to remove any trash in or around your table. 

14.  Lab benches should be kept free of extraneous items while conducting experiments.  This includes unnecessary books, backpacks, cell phones, and other personal items.

15. Any pregnant or immunocompromised student must notify the instructor of the course. Pregnant students will not be allowed to do dissections or work with any body fluids without having a doctor’s note for permission. A pregnant student is required to wear safety glasses and 2 sets of examination gloves when handling any bacterial broths or cultures.

Universal Precautions for Students Working With Urine or Saliva

1.     Before lab, wash hands thoroughly and line the work area with clean paper towels.

2.     Students must wear gloves and may only handle their own body fluids.

3.     Students must wear lab aprons, safety glasses, and surgical masks.

4.     Rinse and dispose of all supplies that may have come into contact with urine or saliva in the appropriate biohazard container.

5.     Dispose of urine in the bathroom toilet and saliva in the sink.

6.     After the lab, wipe down the work area with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly.

Disposal Policies

1.     Dispose of broken glassware in the marked cardboard box container. Broken glass containers are ONLY to be used for broken glass. Always use a broom and dust-pan if asked to clean up broken glassware.

2.     Dispose of used slides in the glass, or plastic, container labeled “Used Slides”.

3.     Biohazardous wastes must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Preserved materials (e.g. cat tissues) are not considered biohazardous waste and can be disposed in the regular trash. Your instructor will inform you which disposal containers are to be used with which type of biohazardous waste (metal sharps, glass, and non-sharps).

4.   Uncontaminated gloves can be disposed of in the regular trash. Contaminated gloves must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Examination gloves used in dissections are not considered to be biohazard waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash.

Expectations

1.     Each student will leave the laboratory clean and organized for the next lab section. Leave your work area as clean, or cleaner, than you found it and return lab items to the designated locations in the drawers or cabinets. Make sure waste and trash are placed in the appropriate receptacles. Be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving for the day.

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester. The schedule/calendar is also subject to change. All changes will be announced in class or via email/blackboard announcement.