CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS FOR INCLUSION INTO CORE CURRICULUM
To propose a course for inclusion into the AC General Education Course List (Core Curriculum) please
complete the following areas of inquiry. Please review the description of the Core Objectives (General
Education competencies) from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Course under Consideration:
BIOL 2401/2301 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Catalogue Description of the Course:
A detailed study of the human organism according to levels of chemical and structural organization with
special reference to cytology, histology, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous
systems and fluid and electrolyte balance
Foundational Component Area:
Life and Physical Sciences
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
1.Describe the different organizational levels, including anatomical terms, of the body from the chemical
aspect and cells through systems. 2. Describe the structure and functions of the four primary tissue types. 3.
Identify and describe the integumentary system to also include functions of this system. 4. Identify and
describe the components of the skeletal system. 5. Identify and describe the types of bones and the histology
of both cancellous and compact bone. 6. Describe the various bones to include markings on the surface of
bones, articulations, and attachments. 7. Contrast the structure, kind of movement, and location of
synarthrotic, amphiarthrotic, and diarthrotic joints. 8. Identify and describe the characteristics and functions of
muscle tissue, to include the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction. 9. Describe the relationship
between bones and skeletal muscle in producing body movements. 10. Describe the complete oxidation of
glucose via glycolysis, ccitric acid cycle, and the electron transport system. 11. Distinguish between
intracellular and extracellular fluid. 12. Identify and describe the organization of the nervous system and give
the components of each part, to include the histological characteristics and functions of the neuroglia and
neurons. 13. Describe the sequence of events involved in the generation and conduction of a nerve impulse.
14. Identify and describe the structure and functions of the spinal cord and the brain. 15. Compare and
contrast the peripheral nervous system and autonomic system, including reflexes.
Communication Skills
Brief Description of Assignment
and/or Activity to fulfill Course
Objectives:
Direct Assessment Method
As applied to above
Assignment/Activity
Brief Outline of Assessment
Method(s)
Students will complete one major exam independently. Then the class
will be divided into 3-4 students per group and will collaborate and
complete the same exam again.
Rubric,
Students will be able to identify weaknesses in their comprehension
of key concepts related to course objectives through group discussion
when they retake an exam in groups of 3-4 individuals to discuss,
debate, analyze and reinforce their understanding of key concepts.
This process will also expose areas the instructor can improve for
better student understanding..
Benchmark/Target:
60 percent of students will develop the skills to analytically reason
and exhibit the critical thinking required for successful test taking and
mastery of course objectives.
Critical Thinking Skills
Brief Description of Assignment
and/or Activity to fulfill Course
Objectives:
Direct Assessment Method
As applied to above
Assignment/Activity
Brief Outline of Assessment
Method(s)
Groups of 3-4 students will compile, analyze, discuss, debate and
defend their understanding of content material by collaboration on a
consensus for the correct answer in order to earn a collective grade
for a major exam.
Rubric,
The overall exam grade will reflect the average of both attempts
unless the student performs better independently. The results and
difference between the group and individual attempts will be
reviewed and evaluated by a core of faculty in effort to identify ways
to improve presentation of the key concepts. The purpose is to foster
discussion and debate of the material for content mastery.
Benchmark/Target:
60 percent of students will solidify their understanding of the material
through a challenging debate with fellow classmates for a
collaborative answer consensus.
Empirical and Quantitative Skills
Brief Description of Assignment
and/or Activity to fulfill Course
Objectives:
Direct Assessment Method
As applied to above
Assignment/Activity
Brief Outline of Assessment
Method(s)
Students will be required to defend, debate and explain their
understanding of analytical course material to convince others within
their small group and collaborate toward a group consensus. Full
mastery of the information will enable the student to describe and
understand the different organizations levels, including anatomical
terms, of the body from the chemical aspect and cells through systems.
Rubric,
Student mastery of course content will be measured by allowing one
major exam to be taken individually as well as with a group by
offering each student opportunities to use their knowledge to
challenge, debate, discuss and analyze course concepts until a
consensus is reached. The student's improvement will be measured
by comparing the difference between the independent attempt and the
group attempt and by students' ability to increase their understanding
achieved by teaching and learning from each other. The students will
be able to explain interrelationships among molecular, cellular, tissue
and organ functions and describe the interdependency and
interactions of the systems covered.
Benchmark/Target:
60 percent of the students will have developed the analytical and
critical thinking skills to successfully articulate course content for
better understanding.
Teamwork
Brief Description of Assignment
and/or Activity to fulfill Course
Objectives:
Direct Assessment Method
As applied to above
Assignment/Activity
Brief Outline of Assessment
Method(s)
Groups of 3-4 students will compile, analyze, discuss, debate and
defend their understanding of content material and agree on a correct
answer in order to earn a group grade for one major exam.
Completion will give the students a detailed understanding that they
can defend of the human organism according to levels of chemical
and structural organization with special reference to cytology,
histology, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and
nervous systems and fluid and electrolyte balance.
Rubric,
Students will identify weaknesses in their comprehension of key
concepts related to the levels of chemical and structural organization
of the human organism through group discussion when they retake an
exam in groups of 3-4 to discuss, debate, analyze and reinforce their
understanding of key concepts
Benchmark/Target:
60 percent of the students will have developed the skills to
successfully articulate course content for better understanding. The
overall exam grade will reflect the average of both attempts unless the
student performs better independently. The results and differences
between the group and individual attempts will be reviewed and
evaluated by students, instructor and a core group of faculty in effort
to identify ways to improve presentation of the key concepts