Anatomy and Physiology I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

BIOL-2401-036 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 Resources Student 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

Hours

(4 sem hrs 3 lec 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1. Textbook: Human Anatomy and Physiology, An Integrative Approach; Valerie Dean O’Loughlin, Theresa Stouter Bidle, Michael P. McKinley (ISBN: 978-1-265-39484-4)

2. Lab Book: Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Manual, An Integrative Approach. Leslie Day, Joseph Comber, Christine M. Eckel (ISBN: 978-1-265-22014-3). 

Supplies

1. Regularly available access to some type of technology hardware (ie desktop/laptop/chromebook/ipad/surface...to include all computers on campus as well)

2. Writing utensil (pen/pencil) & a grading utensil of a different color

3. A folder or notebook to manage handouts & diagrams

4. A readily available paper source (i.e. notebook, loose leaf, etc) in class

5. Colored pencils - strongly recommended but not required.

Student Performance

Learning outcomes:

1. Use anatomical terminology to identify and describe the 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

1. Technical difficulties:  If you experience technical difficulties, please immediately call AC help at 806.371.5000.  Please also immediately email your instructor and notify him/her about these difficulties.

2. Make-up policy: If you experience computer problems or miss an exam, 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 exam, provided you are in compliance with my attendance policy.  I suggest that you use these dropped exams wisely.  The final exam will NOT be dropped.  A missed exam will result in a zero on that exam, no exceptions. Zeros for missed exams are not eligible to be dropped. 

3. Mandatory tutoring:  In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any time your overall grade drops below 75%, you are required to attend a tutoring session with the Science Enrichment Center.   The Science Enrichment Center is located in the WARE building, 4th floor.  The hours of operation are M-Th 8am-8pm, F-Sat 9am-6pm.

**Appointments for tutoring can be made by calling 806.345.5536, online HERE  or using the QR codes posted around the science lab building.  Mandatory tutoring is a Biology Department policy.

1. Cyber bully:  Disorderly conduct, such as verbally abusive or intimidating emails, or the subjection of another person to inappropriate, abusive, threatening, or demeaning actions will be subject to disciplinary actions.  Students who behave in a disorderly fashion may be required to withdraw from the course.

2. 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.  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 person 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.

• If you have any questions about what constitutes your own work, definitely ask the professor.

     6. Exam Testing procedures: Unit Tests will be taken at the SASC testing center. Students must make an appointment to test!

Science Testing Center & Science Academic Success  Center: Ware Building

Science Testing Center-Enter through door adjacent to the Oschenger mall (1st Floor)

Science Academic Success Center(tutoring) is on the 4th floor. 

    7. 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 Department Chair (Dan Porter);  the Dean of Academic Transfer(Frank Sobey), the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Frank Sobey), and the College President (Denese Skinner), in that order.

    8.  During class, you are expected to refrain from using your phone unless it is absolutely necessary. IF the need does arise to take a call, please step out of the room for the call AND let the instructor know beforehand when possible.  Phone calls are a distraction to classmates and instructors alike. 

    9. Please take care of restroom needs before and after class. In the event you need to step out, you are still responsible for the information covered during your absence. It is your responsibility to get this information from a classmate.

Grading Criteria

• Homework/Lab Assignments (5%) – There will be several homework assignments throughout the semester.  All homework grades will be averaged and will be worth 5% of your final grade.  Due to potential technical difficulties, two homework grades will be dropped.

• Quizzes (5%) – There will be several quizzes for both the lecture and lab portions of the course in various formats.  All quizzes will be averaged and will be worth 5% of your final grade.  Due to potential technical difficulties, one quiz grade will be dropped.

• Lecture examinations (45%) – Five lecture exams will be given throughout the course of the semester, covering online lecture lessons and reading materials. The lecture exams will consist of a variety of question formats.  The lowest lecture exam grade will be dropped. If you do not take a lecture exam or your attendance is not greater than 75%, you forfeit the privilege of dropping a grade.

• Lab Practical examinations (25%) – Your lab grade for the semester will be based on five lab practical examinations consisting mostly (but not all) of fill-in-the-blank questions.  One lab practical examination grade will be dropped, provided both the following 2 conditions are met: a.) your attendance is greater than 75%; and b.) a total of 5 Lab Practical Exams are completed. 

• Final examination (20%) – The final exam will be 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.

89.5 - 100% = A              80 – 89.4% = B               70 – 79.4% = C                

60 – 69.4% = D              <59.5 = F

Science courses in general require at least 3 hours of study for every hour spent “in class”. Some students require more, some less, but the point here is that you need to be prepared to spend some additional time outside of class on the material in this course! Review the covered material daily. This course is 8 weeks long, and getting behind could easily be catastrophic to your grade. 

Attendance

Regular and consistent involvement with lessons, activities, and textbook materials is necessary for satisfactory achievement.

Motivation for Good Attendance = Dropped Exam Privilege

Regular attendance is essential to your success in this course! 

To encourage and reward consistent participation, students who meet the following attendance criteria will be eligible to have the one lowest regular exam grade dropped & the lowest lab practical exam grade dropped at the end of the semester:

1. No more than four unexcused absences for the entire term.

2. An absence is considered excused only with official documentation (e.g., medical note, court summons, college-sanctioned event).

3. Tardiness of more than 10 minutes counts as a half-absence; two half-absences equal one absence.

4. Attendance will be taken at the start of each class session (lab & lecture).

5. Students with more than 4 unexcused absences, excessive tardiness, or who leave early without prior approval will not qualify for the dropped exam benefit.

6. Early departures from lab or lecture without informing the professor will be construed as a tardy and handled as outlined above. 

Important: This policy is a privilege, not a right. Students who do not meet the attendance requirements will keep all grades in their final average.

**There are no individual extra credit options or assignments. Track your **Grade Progress and prepare accordingly throughout the term

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, view online lessons, and re-read.  It’s helpful to skim through the readings from your textbook and lab manual before viewing the material online, jotting down questions or areas of confusion.  Then, use your books while working through the online lesson material and mark on the text and the figures as needed.  Finally, read a second time after viewing the online material, using a different color of highlighter and paying careful attention to topics covered in the lessons.  Be sure to note any topics that still confuse you, because all online and reading materials are fair game for quiz and exam questions.

• Ask questions.  Learning is enhanced through collaboration.  Therefore, if you don’t understand something, ask questions during virtual office hours, through email, or through online or in-person tutoring resources.  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.

• 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 you should begin by making your own study aids.  For example, make outlines and flash cards of course material as you read and view the online lessons.  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 in your reading and online materials, 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 online 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.

• Tutoring  resources:  In-person tutoring is available from the Science Enrichment Center, located on the first floor of Warren Hall, Room 110 at Amarillo College’s Washington Street campus.  Call 806.345.5536. for Enrichment Center hours of operation.  Please take advantage of this great resource!