Spring Semester 2016
SSHS
Ms. Johnson
Course Description: Honors A & P at SSHS will cover the anatomy and physiology of
humans through animal dissections, internet and library research, anatomy software, and
student presentations. This course will introduce students to a college-level survey
course. Students taking honors A&P should expect to spend a considerable amount of
time outside of class studying and researching for papers, projects, and presentations.
This is not an EOC-tested class and students can receive exemptions from taking the
final exam (as far as I know right now).
Course Objectives:
1. To understand the levels of organization, support, movement, control and
regulation, fluids and transport, environmental exchange and continuity of life
of the human body.
2. To gain a greater knowledge of human anatomy and physiology through study of
models and dissection.
Student Expectations: (you will…)
1. Attend all classes prepared to work, to listen, and to participate. Dissections
are required.
2. Follow all school policies, including no use of electronic devices in class.
3. If you are absent, you MUST see me as SOON AS POSSIBLE to get all makeup work and arrange for test make-up days. Use SmartBreakfast time.
4. Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable and will be dealt with severely.
5. Display maturity during topic discussions, labs, videos, and dissections.
Teacher Expectations: (I will…)
1. Provide you with content and skills required for tests, final exam, and future
college courses,
2. Vary daily work,
3. Keep you updated on grades,
4. Attempt to show beauty, elegance, and simplicity of biology and science,
5. Be available during Smart Breakfast (M, W, and Th) for tutoring, and be
available for parent contact by request.
Special Course Requirements:
1. Projects
a. Each grading period each student will complete a project on an approved
topic to be presented in class. Sources MUST be cited and TURNED IN.
b. Honors students will complete an additional 3 projects. There will be very
little in-class time for work on these projects.
i. Expert Topic presentation
ii. Interview
iii. Book review
c. Requirements for specific projects will be given at a later date.
2. Willingness to spend extra time completing homework
3. Willingness to participate in group work
4. Willingness to complete lab dissections
Grading:
Tests and Projects: 40%
Labs and Quizzes: 40%
Homework and classwork: 20%
Parents and students can check grades on Powerschool (see a counselor to sign on).
Late work: All work is due on the date it is due! ALL work turned in 1 day late will be
downgraded 25% (a 100 becomes a 75). After 1 day, highest grade is a 50. Late work will
be accepted until 3 days following progress reports, but cannot receive greater than a
50. This includes HW, labs, projects. This does not include EXCUSED absences or
unplanned emergencies in your life!
Lab Safety: ANYONE breaking safety rules in the classroom will be sent to the office
and will receive a ZERO on the lab. This includes horseplay and general tricksterism, as
well as issues with glassware, scissors, and scalpels.
Necessary Materials:
-(Required) $10.00 science fee, loose-leaf notebook, loose-leaf paper, pens or
pencils, personal box of disposable vinyl or latex gloves, colored pencils
How to contact me: Reach me at 994-2995 (best between 2:00 – 3:30). Best contact is
through my email: Ashley.johnson@stokes.k12.nc.us.
Topic Outline: Semester will be divided into functional groups:
Introduction:
1. Orientation of the Human Body (Structure and function, levels of structural
organization, maintaining life, homeostasis, language of anatomy, basic
chemistry, overview of cellular functions) (many of these will be covered often
during the semester)
2. Tissues (Tissue types, tissue repair)
Movement I:
3. Skeletal System (bone structure, bone development, axial skeleton, joints)
4. Muscular System (muscle types, muscle identification, muscle functions)
Movement II:
5. Nervous System (neurons and supporting cells, central nervous system,
peripheral nervous system, neural integration, special senses)
6. Integumentary System (skin & appendages, functions, homeostatic imbalances)
Circulation:
7. Cardiovascular System (composition and function of blood components, heart
and coronary circulation, blood flow, blood pressure, and circulatory pathways,
erythropoiesis)
8. Lymphatic/Immune System (lymphatic vessels, lymphoid cells, tissues, and
organs, lymph nodes, nonspecific body defenses, specific body defenses,
humoral immune response, cell-mediated immune response)
9. Respiratory System (functional anatomy, respiratory physiology, respiratory
disorders, developmental aspects)
Reproduction:
10. Endocrine System (hormones, major endocrine and glands and their hormones,
minor hormone producing structures)
11. Reproductive System (structure and function of female system, structure and
function of male system, development, STDs, effects of pregnancy on mother
and childbirth)
Nutrition and Metabolism: (if time allows)
12. Digestive System (anatomy and physiology, nutrition and metabolism,
developmental aspects)
13. Urinary System (kidneys and nephron, fluid balance, ureters, urethra and
bladder)
(This is A LOT of material. Topics may be altered given student interest)
Dear Parents and Students: We have a bunch of enthusiastic students participating in
Honors Anatomy and Physiology this semester. I look forward to hard work,
professionally done projects and involved scientific discussions; these students are up to
the challenge. Please reread the requirements for honors anatomy. If you are not
prepared to spend the time and effort to do the honors projects completely and
thoughtfully, consider taking standard A&P.
In this course, students will be participating in animal dissections (usually cow and sheep
organs, possibly frogs, rats, pigs, and/or cats). This requires paying strict attention to
detail, arriving to class prepared and demonstrating superior lab technique. Students will
be in groups so students with little desire to do actual cutting during dissections will not
be required to (but usually too many people want to be doing them). Students will be using
scissors and forceps primarily, but will also be using sharp scalpel blades. Use of the
blades must be done properly (they will be instructed) and with full attention to the job
at hand.
In this course, we will be using a school-owned video of human dissection to support our
study of human systems. This is a professional video created for use by students and
interested lay people. Students are expected to display maturity and poise while viewing
because there is limited nudity and open human bodies.
In this course, we will be studying the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive
system in detail. Students are expected to demonstrate maturity while learning and
discussing topics.
Parents: If you have further questions regarding any portion of the syllabus, please email
me at Ashley.johnson@stokes.k12.nc.us or call SSHS at 994-2995.
(please keep the top piece for your reference and return the bottom half to me ASAP)
☺-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I received, read, and understood the syllabus for Honors Anatomy & Physiology.
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