Human Anatomy & Physiology

2015-2016
Course Description
This course provides students with an understanding of the intricate
relationships between the form, function, and regulation of the human
body. Through labs, lectures, and projects students explore human
body systems with a primary focus on understanding how the body
maintains homeostasis. We discuss the impact of the environment on
health and we explore a wide variety of chronic diseases. In addition we will learn about a
variety of special topics which might include: nutrition, motor development, exercise physiology,
how the body responds to extreme environments, forensics, and/or biomechanics.
Class Website http://midlandlifescience.weebly.com/
Check regularly for class updates, weekly plans, and review.
Required Reading Materials
1. Holes Human Anatomy & Physiology, 11th ed., Shier, Butler, and Lewis
2. STIFF by Mary Roach (Second Semester)
Essential Goals and Objectives of the Course
Knowledge:
1) Understand the role of homeostasis in the human body and be able to provide examples
of how the body adapts to internal and external change
2) Have a basic knowledge of cellular function
3) Name and understand the terms that describe relative positions, sections, and regions of
the body.
4) Understand how the structure of body parts (both physical and chemical) complement the
various functions they perform by studying at least 4 body systems in depth (Options
include: Integumentary (skin, hair, and nails), Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine,
Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Immune, Reproductive)
5) Understand and describe how smaller components of the body work together to create
larger components.
6) Understand how different regions and structures of the human body collaborate to
perform complex functions.
7) Compare/contrast human anatomy with another mammal
Skills:
1) Use scientific principles and theories to build and refine standards for data collection,
posing controls, and presenting evidence.
2) Ability to demonstrate safe practices during labs
3) Basic dissection technique
4) Collect data and make measurements with precision
5) The ability to understand and analyze academic research
6) Recognition of an effective lab write- up and the ability to reproduce
7) The ability to assert ideas and positions with facts and data

Habits/ Values:
1) An understanding and respect that human life is entirely dependent on our environment
2) Gain the desire to engage in multiple forms of discussion in order to process, make sense
of, and learn from the ideas, observations, and experiences of others.
3) A willingness to reassess ones own understanding and opinions based on new evidence
and experiences
4) Choosing to use facts and data when asserting ideas
5) The initiative to seek out resources when there is a lacking in your understanding through
research and other reliable sources.
Grading
Student progress and understanding will be measured using a variety of assessments.
Grade Breakdown per semester:
Homework
Labs
Projects/ Long Written Assignments
* Weekly Quizzes
Unit Tests/ Lab Exams
Final Assessment

Percent of Total Grade

10%
15%
20%
10%
25%
20%

* Once a week you will be given a short quiz to assess your current understanding of the
material.
- All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period and should be typed, double
spaced, in size 12 font unless otherwise specified
Materials
1) A three ring binder to keep any handouts and notes (it is a good idea to keep all labs
in one place)
2) A spiral notebook or loose leaf notebook paper kept in a binder for taking notes on
readings and in class
3) Calculator- needed occasionally during labs
Labs
Labs will take place on Thursdays during our long block. Please wear close toed shoes on
lab days to protect your feet. Attendance during lab days is extremely important as some
lab work can be difficult to make up. This course is an elective science course and
dissection plays an important role in the study and understanding of Human Anatomy and
Physiology. Therefore, dissections are required; no alternative assignments will be
arranged. Possible dissections in this course include: a sheep brain, cow femur, chicken
foot, fetal pig, and a cat.

Classroom Expectations and Policies

General
1. Finish snacks outside! No eating or drinking in the classroom (except bottled water).
2. Students are expected to complete their own work. Copying another students or
professionals work is considered plagiarism, and will be dealt with as such.
3. Respect other students time in class- The classroom should remain quiet after you
complete quizzes and tests- let others finish in peace.
4. Students should be in their seats ready to work when the bell rings.
5. Class participation is encouraged, unrelated conversations are not.
Animals- Dogs are welcome during regular, 45 minute class periods (as long as they do
not divert the attention of the class). Please do not bring animals to class on designated
lab days as we are often dealing with distracting or toxic materials

Absences
1. If you know that you will be absent for a lab or class, it is imperative that you
communicate with me as soon as possible before the missed class so we can arrange an
alternative assignment or due date.
2. You have one day for each excused absence to make-up work
3. In the event that you are ill, and have an unplanned absence from class it is your
responsibility to find out what work was missed while you were away. All assignments
will be posted on the class website.
Late Policy
1. If you miss the due date for an assignment points will be deducted and study laps will
be given. Point deductions are dependent on the amount of time it takes you to complete
the assignment.
Examples: Assignment turned in before the next lap period- (15% deducted),
After 1 study lap period- (20% deducted), After 2 study lap periods- (30%
deducted), After 3 study lap periods (50% deducted).
2. If you feel that you need an extension on an assignment, please speak with me ahead of
time for approval. I am flexible, but communication is EXTREMELY important! The
following examples give an idea of how much notice I would like you to give me before
discussing an extension:
*Labs- Ask for an extension at least 2 days before the due date
*Longer Assignments (given more than one week to complete)- ask for an
extension at least 4 days before the assignment is due
A good rule of thumb is to ask for an extension when there is at least the total length of
time left before the due date. Communication is VERY important.