SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I: BIOL132 D14, D15, D16 & D17 

PROFESSOR:  Dawn Tamarkin, Ph.D.
OFFICE: 02/527, PHONE:  (413) 755 - 4618
E-MAIL:  Tamarkin@STCC.edu

TEXTS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This 4-credit course is the first half of a two-semester series in human anatomy and physiology. In this semester the students learn about the various tissues of the body, and the cells that comprise them. Our specific focus will be on the following tissue types: skin, muscle, bone, and nervous system. The students will begin to acquire detailed knowledge of the contribution of these tissues and to the function and anatomy of the human body. This knowledge will provide the basis for understanding how damages to and repair of the body can occur.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

This course has both lecture and laboratory components.  The lecture content mainly covers the physiology of the body and its cells, while the lab component is geared more toward understanding the anatomy of the body. Lecture and lab are both important components to this course. As much as possible, the topics covered in lecture and lab will be coordinated to reinforce student understanding of the material.

Numerous resources are available to facilitate student learning.  Software, films, laserdiscs, models, online resources, and other teaching aids will be used whenever appropriate to supplement lecture and laboratory material.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To understand the human body plan and tissue types.
2. To understand the structure, components, and function of particular cell types; this assumes a general knowledge of cells, but includes learning about any specific chemical compositions, cell-to-cell interactions, and functional aspects of cells.
3. To learn about skin as a tissue and as an organ.
4. To gain a thorough understanding of the nervous system. This includes neuroanatomy and knowledge of how our nervous system functions to allow for movement, sensation, homeostasis, memory, and cognition. Also discussed: effects on function after neuronal damage, neural plasticity and recovery after neuronal injury.
5. To understand how the sensory organs function to allow for specific sensory modality recognition.
6. To learn the skeletal composition of the human body, both the cellular structure of bones and the skeletal organization in the human body. Emphasis is placed on the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and limbs.
7. To understand muscle composition and physiology at the cellular level, and the action of muscles about the joints of the human body.

REQUIREMENTS/POLICIES:

General conduct:

1.      Food and beverage consumption is not permitted in the lecture or labs, or on the 5th and 6th floors.

2.      Cellular phones and beepers may NOT be on or used during class meeting times.

3.      Students are expected to observe the code of conduct outline in the college catalogue.  Improper conduct that disrupts lecture or lab will receive one verbal warning.  Subsequent disruption will result in involuntary withdrawal of the student from class and/or dispensation to the Dean of Students.

Attendance:

1.      The attendance policy in effect for this course is as follows.  Students can remain in the course until they have accumulated 10 points, at which time they will be removed from the course.  Absence from class or lab, coming to class or lab late, or leaving class or lab for extended periods of time count as 1 point each.  Interruption of class or lab by a mobile phone or beeper also counts as 1 point.  After a student has received 7 points, he or she will get a written warning that they are approaching the limit of 10 points.  Note that in this manner, attendance is linked to course completion rather than course grade.

2.      Attendance is expected at ALL laboratories! Any student missing two labs during the semester will be automatically removed from the course.

3.      There are no "make-up" labs. In the case of a missed lab, students are asked to obtain a listing of the lab activities from their laboratory partner and to see the lab instructor.

4.      Examinations can be made up when the absence is valid (maximum one excuse per semester).  All work must be made up within ONE WEEK of the absence or a grade of zero may result; make-up examinations are in essay format.  In the event of extenuating circumstances, accommodations depend upon the evaluation of the instructor, or division chair.  However, no lecture quiz, lab quiz, or lab practical make-ups will be possible.

5.      Students attending class and lab are expected to arrive promptly and remain in class for its entirety; tardiness of 5 minutes or more counts as a point in the attendance policy. The instructor reserves the right to refuse late arrivals.

Testing:

1.      Students coming in late while the lab or lecture quiz is being administered will NOT be given extra time to finish the quiz.  Take-home quizzes will not be accepted if a student is late.

2.      Students must provide their own testing pencils and pens for quizzes and examinations.

3.      In the event of school cancellation on a day when testing is scheduled, the student can expect to be given the exam or quiz during the next regularly scheduled class meeting time.

4.      In the case of cheating, the person(s) involved will have papers removed and will automatically receive a zero, with no chance of a make-up. In addition, the student will be reported to the Dean of Students for possible disciplinary action, including removal from the course.

5.      If a final exam is given, it will contain a comprehensive component.

SAFETY:

All students should be aware of exit procedures in case of fire or any other emergency. Any student with a disability that would require assistance during an emergency should consult with the instructor so that special arrangements can be made for their assistance.  Safety goggles should be worn whenever needed.

OFFICE HOURS:

Dr. Tamarkin gladly sees students in her office according to her office hours posted outside her door and announced in class. If a student has conflicts in attending her office hours, special appointments can be arranged; however, if a student misses a scheduled appointment without a valid excuse, another appointment will not be made subsequently with that student.

GRADING:

Note:  a student must pass the laboratory portion of the class in order to pass the course.

!!!!!!!!!! STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ASSISTANCE !!!!!!!!!!

     The college and the biology department have come up with many opportunities for students to gain additional help and experience with the topics in this course.  These are outlined below.  Please take the time to investigate these options.

     1.        Biology tutors are available free of charge.  They work out of room 512-- simply go in and sign up for a tutor in a time slot that works for you.  Keep in mind that it is typically our top students who seek the assistance of tutors.  For more information on tutoring, visit http://faculty.stcc.edu/nash/tutoring.htm .

     2.         Dr. Tamarkin has office hours-- do not be embarrassed to use them!  If these hours conflict with your schedule, she will be happy to set up an appointment with you for a different time (and you can e-mail her as well).

     3.        Study groups composed of you and your peers can be the best way to study and improve your grades.  Form them immediately (do not wait until it is too late).

     4.        Review sessions may be scheduled, if requested, for lab practicals and the final.

     5.        Keep in mind that your text book has a website and your Interactive Physiology CDs are really good.  Many other excellent websites can be found off the General A&P Links webpage from our course website.

Anatomy & Physiology I Schedule, Fall 2004

Note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Lab Schedule for BIOL132 Fall 2004

Note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change.

© 2006 STCC Foundation Press
written by Dawn A. Tamarkin, Ph.D.