Spring 2010 syllabus for BIOL2401 (Human Anatomy & Physiology) at San Antonio College with Alba.

1. SAC Biology Department Syllabus
Biology 2401: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Number: BIOL2401 Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Mercedes Alba E-mail: malba7@alamo.edu
Office: CAC 345F Phone: (210) 588-1590
Office Hours: TBA
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Revised 12.14.2009
I. Catalog description
Recommendation: Students should take CHEM1405 prior to enrollment in this class. Students study the
structure and function of cells, tissues and body systems with emphasis on the integumentary, skeletal,
muscular, nervous systems, including the special senses.
II. Prerequisites, co-requisites and other requirements
Basic Skills: English: College level; Reading: College level; Math: 0303
Pre-requisites, Co-requisites: None
Tuition and Fees: http://www.alamo.edu/main/html/registration/tuition_fall.htm
There is a mandatory student activity fee of $1.00 per semester credit hour
charged to all students to cover the cost of student services. A vehicle
registration fee of $21.00 is required of all students electing to park on the
institutional campus parking lots
Other Requirements: 5 Scantron sheets (FORM NO. 882-E)
Textbook (see below)
III. Texts
Lecture: Human Anatomy and Physiology, 8th ed., 2007. Marieb, and Hoehn.
ISBN 0-8053-5910-9
Lab Manual: Anatomy and Physiology Text and Laboratory Workbook, 2nd ed., 2007. Stephen G.
Davenport. ISBN 0-96377670-1-1
IV. Method of instruction
Biology 2401 is taught by the lecture-demonstration method. The laboratory portion is an integral
part of the course.
V. Course Content
Body Plan, Organization, and Homeostasis
Describe the anatomical position
Name the body planes and sections
List the body regions and body cavities
Be able to use directional terms and basic terminology
List the levels of body organization
Briefly summarize the body systems

2. Define homeostasis and list the characteristics of the control mechanisms
Compare and give five examples of negative feedback versus positive feedback homeostatic
mechanisms
Chemistry and Cell Biology Review
Define and describe atoms and molecules
Explain the nature of chemical bonding
Describe the inorganic compounds and solutions
Explain the concept of pH
Describe the structure and function of each class of organic compounds
Explain energy transfer using ATP
Describe the intracellular organization of the nucleus and cytoplasm
Describe the membrane structure and function
Explain the mechanisms for movement of materials across cellular membranes
List and describe the structure and function of organelles
Describe protein synthesis
Describe cellular respiration
Describe the steps of somatic cell division
Histology
Describe the microscopic anatomy, location and function of epithelial, connective, muscular and
nervous tissue
Describe the structure, function and location of mucous, serous, cutaneous and synovial
membranes
Integumentary System
Describe the general functions of the skin
Describe the gross and microscopic anatomy of the skin and accessory structures
Explain the roles of the specific tissues layers of the skin
Explain the roles of the accessory structures of the skin and where each occurs
Skeletal System
Explain the general functions of bone and the skeletal system
Describe the histology and structure of a typical long bone and a typical short bone
Describe the physiology of bone formation, growth, remodeling and repair
Identify major bones and their prominent markings
Explain the organization of the skeleton
Describe the structure and function of joints
Explain joint classification with examples
Muscular Systems
List the functions of muscle tissue
Compare and contrast skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle tissue with respect to structure,
function and location
Describe gross and microscopic anatomy of the skeletal muscle
Explain the physiology of the skeletal muscle contraction
Describe the skeletal muscle metabolism
Explain principles and types of whole muscle contraction
Explain nomenclature of skeletal muscles
Identify the superficial muscles of the body and their origins, insertions and actions

3. Nervous System
Describe the general functions of the nervous system
Describe the organization of the nervous system in regards to structure and function
Describe the gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue
Describe neurophysiology, including resting potential, depolarization, action potential and
impulse transmission
Classify neurotransmitters and describe their roles in synaptic transmission
List and describe general sensory receptors and their functions
Describe the division, origin and function of component parts of the brain
Explain the protective roles of the cranial bones, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid
Describe the structure and function of the cranial nerves
Describe the structure and function of the spinal cord and the spinal nerves
Describe the reflexes and their roles in nervous system function
Explain the physiology of sensory and motor pathways in the brain and spinal cord
List the function of the autonomic nervous system
Compare and contrast the somatic and autonomic nervous system
Special Senses
Describe the gross and microscopic anatomy of the eye and ear
Explain the mechanism and physiology of vision
Explain the mechanism and physiology of hearing
Explain the mechanism and physiology of equilibrium
Describe olfactory receptors and their role in smell
Describe gustatory receptors and their role in taste
VI. Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their Methods of Measurement as
used to determine the students’ mastery of those outcomes
It is expected that upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Learning Outcome 1 - Acquire, comprehend, organize, and apply knowledge within the field.
Performance Objectives/Methods of Measurement for each outcome:
• Recognize, define, and apply basic anatomical terminology as measured by lecture and laboratory
examination.
• Understand basic General/Organic Chemistry and Genetics concepts as they apply to Anatomy
and Physiology as measured by lecture and laboratory exams.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic cellular and molecular processes and physiology as
determined by lecture and laboratory exams.
• Master general histology by understanding the structure and function of each basic tissue type as
measured by lecture and laboratory exams.
• Describe the anatomical organization and physiological mechanisms involved in homeostasis of
the following organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, special senses,
endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive.
Mastery will be measured through lecture and laboratory testing.
Learning Outcome 2 - Analyze and evaluate knowledge within the field in a laboratory setting.
Performance Objectives/Methods of Measurement for each outcome:

4. • Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical and physiological relationships of organs utilizing safe
dissection techniques of the fetal pig, sheep brain, sheep eye, sheep heart and sheep kidney as
measured through written laboratory exams and practicals.
• Demonstrate the correct use of the compound microscope and identification of major tissues via
histological examination of slides. Mastery will be measured through written laboratory exams
and practicals.
• Perform experiments that demonstrate basic physiological principles. Proficiency will be
measured by laboratory exam and practical.
Learning Outcome 3 - Solve problems presented in the field of anatomy and physiology.
Performance Objectives/Methods of Measurement for each outcome:
• Demonstrate clinical and laboratory techniques, applications and the use of basic science
principles in the health sciences. Mastery will be determined by laboratory exams and practicals.
Learning Outcome 4 - Demonstrate oral and written competence.
Performance Objectives/Methods of Measurement for each outcome:
• Oral competence is measured by participation in class discussion and other oral presentations.
• Written competence is measured by completion of written assignments and/or essay questions on
exams.
• Completion of this course fulfills the competencies required for application to most allied health
programs.
VII. Course requirements and Grade computation
A. College Requirements
A written, comprehensive final exam, not to exceed two and one-half hours in length,
shall be given at the end of a semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any
exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Other
examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.
A student who must be absent from the final exam should petition the instructor for
permission to postpone it. A student absent without permission from a final exam is graded “F”.
Postponed exams result in a grade of “I”. A postponed final exam must be taken within 120 calendar
days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F”. (San Antonio College
Bulletin, Faculty Handbook – Jan 1995)
B. Departmental Requirements
All biology courses require basic skill levels in math and reading.
C. Instructor Requirements
Attendance: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. You are allowed no more
than 4 absences. You will be dropped with a “W” if you have a 5th absence. If you do miss
class, it is your responsibility to catch up on what you have missed.
Tardiness: Class will start on time and will begin with a short quiz. If you come in late,
please take your seat quietly and find out what you have missed after class. Tardiness may
cause you to miss the quiz given at the beginning of class. Three tardy occurrences will
count as one absence.

5. Conduct: Any behavior that interferes with the learning of others will not be tolerated. No
eating or drinking during class and lab. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be
turned off and stored away during class, lab and exams.
Lab Expectations:
• Wear appropriate clothing
• Clean up after yourselves
• Scalpels, toothpicks, slides, cover slips, and other sharp objects that need to be
disposed are placed in the Sharps Container
• Only dissected materials go into the Red Biohazard Bags
• No horseplay or foolish behavior
• Report all accidents and injuries
Quizzes: A short quiz will be given at the beginning of every lab or lecture (unless it is a test
day). Quizzes will be approximately 10 points each and will cover material from previous
lectures and labs. Quizzes make up 10% of your final grade.
Make-up exams: You are expected to take all exams at the assigned times. No make-up
exams will be given. Instead, I will drop one exam grade. A missed exam or the lowest
exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Class Room Participation: Students are expected to ask questions in class and contribute to
class discussions.
Group Work: Students are required to work with their lab groups during class.
Also, students are encouraged to form study groups outside of class. Study groups can reserve
study rooms in the BioSpot.
Academic Enrichment and Performance Expectations:
• As a college student you are expected to discuss ideas from class with others outside
the class.
• Multiple sources should be used for all writing assignments and oral presentations.
• All assignments and readings should be completed on time.
• You are encouraged to read for academic enrichment, not just assignments.
• Always prepare for class.
• Feel free to contact me by email
• Make use of your professor’s office or BioSpot hours to discuss grades, assignments
and career plans.
• Feel free to contact your instructor to discuss readings from the text during your office
hours.
NEED HELP with a Biology Course? Tutoring Available on Campus
1. The BioSpot offers private tutoring available on a sign up basis as well as impromptu tutoring
sessions with professors who spend office hours in the BioSpot.

6. 2. Contact the SLAC (Student Learning Assistance Center)
Moody Learning Center (MLC726)
San Antonio College
Box 73, 1300 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-2106
slac_lab@hotmail.com
D. Exit Competency
Biology majors and students wanting to achieve a transferable grade in this course must achieve a
cumulative average of 70% or above on all lecture/lab exams, quizzes and cumulative final.
Graduation credit can be earned by scoring a 60% or above as per San Antonio College policy.
The student’s final grade for this course is based on quizzes (10%), lecture exams (50%), lab
exams (25%), a cumulative final exam (10%), and participation (5%).
The overall course grade is assigned according to the following scale:
• A = 90-100
• B = 80-89
• C = 70-79
• D = 60-69
• F = Below 60
VIII. College Policies
A. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national
origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.
B. Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the
age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council -
April, 1998
C. ADA Statement: “As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the
Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.
D. A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you
have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify
Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.
E. Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an
academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty
includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional
information refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.
F. Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.)
when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/ 2000.

7. G. San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes
and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required. A student absent for any reason is
responsible for all work missed. Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of
absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.
Absences of each student are recorded without exception. The counting of absences begins
on the first day of class. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a
16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor. If a student is dropped from a class
for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W’ (withdraw). It is the
student’s responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.
H. San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.
I. ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:
ACCD DPS Emergency Phone (210) 222-0911
ACCD DPS General Phone (210) 208-8099
ACCD DPS Weather Phone (210) 208-8189 (For information on college closures)
J. Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the
“Student Code of Conduct” and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College
Bulletin.
Useful Phone Numbers:
Biology Department (210) 486-0840
Departmental Secretary (210) 486-0858
Dr. Staggs, Department Chair (210) 486-0856
Adjunct Office (210) 486-0862
FAX (210) 486-1525