Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL-2401) Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I

Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL-2401) is the first course in a two-part sequence designed to introduce students to the structure and function of the human body. The course covers foundational concepts in human biology, focusing on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses systems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among body systems and the regulation of physiological functions necessary for maintaining homeostasis.

Credits: 4
Format: Online lecture and laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 (Biology for Science Majors I) with a grade of C or better; TSI Reading requirements
Intended Audience: Students seeking to complete a Bachelor's Degree in science or health-related fields

Course Content and Weekly Topics

Major Topics Covered

The course is structured to cover the following major topics, which align with standard Anatomy and Physiology I curriculum:

Ch. 1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Ch. 2: Chemistry Comes Alive
Ch. 3: Cells: The Living Units
Ch. 4: Tissue: The Living Fabric
Ch. 5: The Integumentary System
Ch. 6: Bones and Skeletal Tissue
Ch. 7: The Skeleton
Ch. 8: Joints
Ch. 9: Muscles and Muscle Tissue
Ch. 10: The Muscular System
Ch. 11: Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue
Ch. 12: The Central Nervous System
Ch. 13: The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity
Ch. 14: The Autonomic Nervous System
Ch. 15: The Special Senses

Additional info: The course schedule is divided into three modules, each focusing on a subset of these chapters, with integrated lab and lecture components.

Learning Outcomes

State-Defined and Instructor-Defined Outcomes

Understand the structure and function of human cells, tissues, and major organ systems covered in the course.
Explain the physiological mechanisms that maintain homeostasis.
Apply critical thinking and scientific reasoning to solve problems related to human anatomy and physiology.
Demonstrate effective communication of scientific concepts in written, oral, and visual formats.
Work collaboratively in laboratory and group settings.
Connect ethical and social responsibility to scientific practice.

Course Structure and Grading

Graded Work and Assessment

The course uses a point-based grading system, with the following components:

Type	Points	Description
Lecture/Lab Assignments	440	14 Atlas Lab Assignments, 2 Orientation Assignments; graded for completion; 80% completion for full credit
Lecture Quizzes	80	4 quizzes (3 content, 1 syllabus); up to 20 questions each; 2 attempts per quiz
Lecture/Lab Exams	600	3 exams (200 points each); 50% anatomy, 50% physiology; covers both lab and lecture content
Lab Quizzes	260	Visible Body quizzes; reinforce module content
Total	1370

Grade Breakdown

Grade	Percentage Range	Notes
A	89.5% and above	Rounded to "A"
B	79.5% and above	Rounded to "B"
C	69.5% and above	Rounded to "C"
D	59.5% and above	Rounded to "D"
F	Below 59.5%

Weekly Course Schedule (Summary)

Module and Topic Progression

Week 1: Introduction, Chemistry, Cells, Tissues, Integumentary System (Ch. 1-5)
Week 2: Bones, Skeletal System, Joints, Muscles (Ch. 6-11)
Week 3: Nervous System, Special Senses (Ch. 12-15, 17)

Assignments, quizzes, and exams are scheduled throughout each week, with specific due dates for each module.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

Lab attendance is mandatory; tardiness and unexcused absences result in grade penalties.
Assignments must be submitted by posted due dates; late work is only accepted with valid documentation.
No assignments accepted after the final deadline (May 29, 2026).

Exam and Academic Integrity Policies

Exams are timed and may only be taken once; no retakes or make-ups without valid documentation.
Strict Honor Code: No use of unauthorized materials or AI tools during exams or assignments.
Violations of academic integrity result in severe penalties, including zeros, loss of resubmission privileges, and formal reporting.

Email Etiquette

Use professional language and format in all communications with the instructor.
Include your full name, course, and section in every message.
Rude or disrespectful emails will not receive a response.

Support and Resources

Student Support Services

Success Coach: Personalized support for academic and career planning.
Free Tutoring: Available in-person and online for all students.
Student Resources: Counseling, child care, housing, emergency aid, food pantries, and more.
Technical Support: Assistance with eCampus and college technology.

Institutional Policies

Students are responsible for reviewing Dallas College's institutional policies regarding accommodations, class drops, Title IX, and other regulations. See the official college website for details.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Lecture Content	Chapters 1-15, covering human body orientation, chemistry, cells, tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems
Lab Content	Atlas Lab Assignments, Visible Body Quizzes, hands-on exploration of anatomical structures
Assessment	Quizzes, exams, homework assignments, and lab work
Policies	Strict attendance, academic integrity, and communication standards
Support	Success Coach, tutoring, student resources, technical support

Additional info: This study guide summarizes the syllabus and course structure for Anatomy and Physiology I, providing a foundation for further study of each chapter and system in detail.