The Human Body in Health & Disease – 4^th Edition by

           Thibodeau/ Patton, Pub. Mosby

           6 - 882 Scantrons, pencil, pen, notebook for lecture,

Course Description: This is a course in basic anatomy and physiology of the human body.  It is designed as an elementary course for students with limited background in science or biology.

Advisories: Engl-A, Engl-41.

Expected Student Outcomes (ESO): 

At the completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:

A.      apply commonly used terms in the life sciences.

B.      diagram the basic structure of the cell and analyze the function of the cell and the cell parts. 

C.      describe, illustrate, and summarize basic life processes of single cells and multicellular organisms.

D.      examine and explain the cell theory

E.      evaluate how cells independently exhibit diversity within the organism and, at the same time, exhibit unity within the organism

F.      describe the general anatomy of all body systems and compare the structural relationships between them. 

G.      summarize the functions of the organ systems and relate their contribution to homeostasis and maintenance of good health.

Methods of Evaluation                                                                             

LECTURE EXAMS 100 points each. There will be 5 of these as indicated on your schedule.  Your lowest lecture exam grade that is 50 or above will be adjusted to match the average of the other 4 exams if this improves your grade.                                                                                  

QUIZZES 10 points each.  There will be approximately 8 of these.  I will drop the lowest quiz score.

HOMEWORK 30 points each.  There will be 5 of these as indicated on your schedule.  They must be typed or written legibly in ink.

ARTICLES REPORTS 10 points each.  Three are required for a total of 30 points.  You may not turn in more that one article report per week, no exceptions!  Up to 4 more can be done for extra credit, but you may not turn in more that one article report per week!

COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM 150 points.  This exam covers both the last chapters covered in lecture and includes a comprehensive portion with old exam questions from the previous 5 exams.     

Grading Policy: Your grade will be based on the percentage of possible points that you have earned in class.

A          90 – 100%     810+ points               B          80 – 89.9%     720-809 points         

C          70 – 79.9%     630-719 points          D         60 – 69.9%     540-629 points         

F          < 59.9%          <540 points

Attendance Policy: I will consider dropping any student who has 4 unexcused absences (two weeks worth of class).  Arriving at class late or leaving early will be marked as being absent for half the class.

It is ultimately your responsibility to complete the appropriate paper work in a timely manner if you wish to drop this course.  If your name is on my final grade sheet, I will enter a grade based on the points you have earned.

Make-up exams, and Late Homework: Homework is due before each exam.  All late homework will not be graded higher than a 20 and must be turned in no later than a week after Exam 5 by 5pm.  Under extenuating emergency situations it may be possible to make up an exam, but you must contact me within 24 hours of the exam and take the exam within 1 week of the scheduled time.  There are no make-up quizzes.

Rules of Conduct

I strive to maintain a positive academic environment.  This is your educational experience, so please help me to make it an excellent one.  If you have a problem with any facet of this class, then take the time to notify me and I will try to accommodate you.  I will not compromise the integrity of the curriculum by consciously omitting portions of the subject.

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty is a violation of the standards of student conduct.  The college, and therefore I as its representative, has the responsibility to ensure that grades assigned are indicative of the knowledge and skill level of each student and academic dishonesty makes it impossible to fulfill this responsibility.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and misuse of college computers and software.  I cannot and will not tolerate Academic Dishonesty.  Any act of dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment(s). All acts of Academic Dishonesty will be reported to the office of the Vice-President of Student Personnel.  Misusing lab equipment may also warrant these penalties.

Electronic Devices

With the following exceptions, no electronic devices (cell phones, blackberrys, ipods etc.) are allowed to be on during lectures or labs.  If you have a cell phone with a vibrate function, this may be on during non-exam times only in the vibrate mode.  Any incoming calls must be taken outside of the classroom.  Absolutely minimize the disturbance as you leave the classroom.  Calculator use is strictly regulated; you must ask me before you use one during an in-class assignment or test.  Failure to adhere to the Electronic Device police will be considered a Classroom Disruption or a violation of Academic Honesty and will be handled as detailed in the appropriate section.

Classroom Disruptions

Classroom disruptions that compromise the learning environment in the class will not be tolerated.  Classroom disruptions include, but are not limited to, conversations while I’m lecturing or a student is trying to ask a question, entering the classroom late or leaving early, and inappropriate contact between students.  You are in the classroom to learn, leave the socializing to outside the classroom.  Note – classroom discussions during an exam fall under a violation of Academic Honesty and will be dealt with as detailed above.  Any act of classroom disruption will warrant a verbal reprimand.  Continue disruption will result in your expulsion from the classroom for the rest of that session and you will not be allowed to re-enter the class for future sessions without first having a conference with me.  Further disruptions after this conference will result in expulsion from the class and will be reported to the office of the Vice-President of Student Personnel. 

Exam Policies

In addition to policies outlined above, which will be strictly observed during exam times, use the facilities before going into an exam.  Once you leave the classroom, your exam is over and I will grade based on the answer sheet you turn in (if any) before leaving the room.

Study Suggestions – A few thoughts 

In order to have an opportunity to pass this class you must endeavor to do the following:

1.)    Attend all classes.

2.)    Read the pages before I lecture on it, read again thoroughly the parts I cover in lecture.

3.)    Take accurate notes and review those notes as soon as possible.

4.)    Study all relevant material 2-3 hours for every hour spent in lecture and one hour for every hour spent in lab – that is ~10-12 hours each week.

5.)    Quiz yourself – are you retaining the material you attempted to acquire in 1-4?  If not, you may need to do number 2 and 4 until you do retain said material.

6.)    I also highly recommend that you form study groups.  It has been determined that studying in groups is more effective then working alone.

Tentative Schedule – I will make every effort to stick to this schedule, but I reserve the right to change it as circumstances require.