Syllabus and Schedule for BIOL 138 WD Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
“Science is the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as
the knowledge generated through this process.” (National Academy of Sciences, 2008)
Course title: Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
Credit hours: 4
Instructor: Marni Bickford
e-mail: mbickford@smccme.edu
Course number and section: BIOL 138WD
Contact hours: 75
Cell phone: 712-1363
Office location: Windham High School RM115
Course description:
This four-credit lecture/lab course is designed for first-year students preparing for a career in the medical field.
Emphasis will be on anatomical terminology, fundamental biochemistry, and structure and function of the following
components of the human body: nervous system, endocrine system, blood, cardiovascular system, lymphatic
system, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary system, reproductive system, and genetics. The laboratory
portion of the course complements and reinforces the lecture through the use of additional resources, focusing on
closer examination of the body’s components. Prerequisites: BIO132
Required materials, tools, or supplies:
1. Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology textbook, 13th ed., by Shier, Butler, and Lewis, McGraw Hill, 2013.
ISBN 978-0073378275
2. Laboratory Manual to Accompany Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology, 13th ed., by Martin, McGraw
Hill, 2013. ISBN 978-0077390785
Learning outcome:
SMCC students apply the scientific method and employ the technological skills necessary to function effectively in
an increasingly complex world.
What you’ll be able to learn and understand about the human body in BIO 138:
1. Nervous system (Ch 11 & 12, Labs 26 - 29)
2. General and special senses (Ch 12 , Labs 30, 32 - 35)
3. Endocrine system (Ch 13)
4. Cardiovascular system (Ch 14 & 15, Labs Blood lab, 38 – 39, 41)
5. Lymphatic system (Ch 16, Lab 42)
6. Digestive System (Ch 17, labs 43 & 44)
7. Respiratory system (Ch 19, Lab 45)
8. Urinary system (Ch 20, lab 48)
9. Reproductive system (Ch 22, Labs 50 & 51)
10. Pregnancy, Growth & Development (Ch 23)
What you’ll be able to achieve in BIO 138:
After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
1. apply the scientific method of inquiry.
2. understand basic anatomical vocabulary.
3. describe and demonstrate a basic understanding of structure and function as they pertain to the
following topics: nervous system, blood, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system and immunity, digestive system,
nutrition and metabolism, respiratory system, urinary system, water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance,
reproductive system, pregnancy, growth, and development, genetics and genomics .
4. explain how the body systems function individually and together.
5. perform the lab experiments/activities safely, using selected supplies and equipment.
Material is presented through lecture, class and lab activities, anatomy/physiology educational websites, and other
assignments. PowerPoint slides are often incorporated. Some activities are also available in Blackboard, as well as
supplemental information. Questions and discussions are encouraged all the time, anytime.
SMCC policies and information
1. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more
information, please call 207-741-5798. If you have a disabling condition and wish to request
accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the programs and services offered by SMCC, you
must register with the Disability Services Coordinator, Sandra Lynham, who can be reached at 7415923. Further information about services for students with disabilities and the accommodation process is available
upon request at this number. Course policies about online testing are modified to suit each individual’s
accommodations.
2. Student printing policy (new):
This policy identifies the cost per page for black and white as well as color printing in varying page sizes. Specifics
of the policy are outlined below:
Per Page Costs
Each semester students receive a $20 printing credit. The balance resets at the end of the semester and any
remaining credits are removed. The cost varies depending upon page size and whether printing is done in black
and white or color.
a. There is a $0.10 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” black and white documents.
b. The reverse sides of duplex (double-sided) documents are free.
c. There is a $.50 per page fee for standard 8.5” by 11” color documents.
d. There is a $.20 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) black and white
documents.
e. There is a $1.00 per page fee for 8.5” by 14” (legal) or 11” by 17” (tabloid) color documents.
Duplex charges (printing on both sides of a page) work in the following fashion: One page is $0.10, two pages are
$0.10, three pages are $0.20, and four pages are $0.20, etc. The flipsides are free, but another sheet of paper is
$0.10. Please be aware that a document with any color at all (when printed to a color printer) will by default be
printed in color. You are responsible for setting the print job to print black and white if you do not need color. For
directions, please go to the IT Help tab in My SMCC.
How does it work?
The College’s pay-for-print system monitors printing on all printers (including those in general access labs, library
printers, the Academic Achievement Center, Noisy Lounge and technology labs). Students can check the number
of pages they have printed by using the Printing Balance tool available on SMCC computers (located in the lower
right corner of the screen, near the clock). Departments with work study students who need to print documents for
the department should contact the HelpDesk at 741-5696 to have a special account set up.
Refunds
Print jobs are eligible for a refund in the event of mechanical or electronic error on the part of the printer, print
server, or software used to submit the job. Jobs are not eligible for a refund in cases where the job was not set up
correctly, was submitted multiple times, or the student is not satisfied with the result. To request a refund, please
bring the offending print to the IT Department in the basement of the Ross Technology Center. Refunds will be
granted in the form of a credit to the student’s account.
Why is SMCC charging for printing?
The pay-for-print system is an effort to control escalating printing costs. Charging for printing helps offset the
increasing cost of supplies and encourages students to conserve resources. To find ways to reduce your printing
charges, please go to the IT Help tab on My SMCC. If you have questions about the pay-for-printing policy or your
printing charges, please contact the HelpDesk at 741-5696 or send an email to helpdesk@smccme.edu.
Be sure to log OUT of the system when you’ve finished your printing, to prevent unauthorized access to your
account.
3. Drop/Add:
Students who drop a course during the one-week “drop/add” period in the fall and spring semesters, and the first
three days of summer sessions, receive a 100% refund of the tuition and associated fees for that course. Please
note any course that meets for less than the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated drop/add
period. There is no refund for non-attendance. Remaining enrolled after Drop/Add week means you
understand and accept the requirements, policies, and instructions spelled out in this syllabus.
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4. Withdrawal:
A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for that course. The
withdrawal period is the 2nd through 12th week of the fall and spring semesters and the 2nd through 9th week of 12week summer courses. This period is pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a student
must complete and submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center (no
phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student has officially withdrawn. A
course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or
ceasing to attend class does not constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a
withdrawal.
5. Plagiarism:
Adherence to ethical academic standards is required. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it consists of taking
credit for work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using
the ideas or writings of another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the
academic code as well as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he
is enrolled has knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the College’s
Disciplinary Officer and appropriate action will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include
suspension from the course and a failing grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions to
the Disciplinary Committee under the terms outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
6. Early Alert and Academic Alert:
a. The first four weeks of the semester is the “Early Alert” period. Student progress is monitored closely
during this time. The 5th through the 9th week is the “Academic Alert” period. Student progress continues to be
monitored during this time, essentially halfway through the semester. These alerts raise students’ awareness about
their performance.
b. If your overall course grade is below a C at the end of either the Early Alert or Academic Alert period, you
will be assigned a grade of “U” (unsatisfactory) and your advisor will be notified. Your advisor will notify you about
scheduling a meeting to discuss strategies for improvement. Think about specific ways you can improve your
performance and take these ideas with you to the meeting.
c. If your overall course grade is C or above (satisfactory), no grade will be assigned and your advisor will
not notify you.
d. These alert grades do not change. They do not become part of your permanent record and no other
schools have access to them. They only reflect your performance for those time frames. However, these grades DO
eventually affect your final course grade, of course, because your course grade continues to change as the
semester progresses and you complete more work. Your final course grade may be different from your Early Alert
and Academic Alert grades, i.e., higher, lower, or the same, depending on your performance. You should calculate
your grade often and know where you stand (see “Calculating your own grade” on page 7).
7. Administrative failure (grade of "AF"):
a. “Administrative failure” is the consequence of two weeks in a row with no logins and no notification to the
instructor regarding the reason.
b. A grade of AF is submitted to the Registrar immediately at the end of the two-week period. Basically, an
AF grade drops the student from the course. The student may then contact the instructor to request reinstatement
in the course. Reinstatement is at the instructor’s discretion and is generally not granted because too much work
has been missed by that time.
c. An AF student can contact the Registrar and request that the grade be changed to “W” (withdrawn) if
done before the final drop date. Students earning an AF or W are still financially responsible for the course.
8. End-of-course evaluation (online):
In order to gain access to final course grades, students must complete evaluations for each course attended at
SMCC. Evaluations are submitted online and can be accessed through the student portal site. Students can access
the course evaluation report beginning two weeks before the end of classes. The deadline for submission of
evaluations occurs 24 hours after the last day of classes each semester. Instructors will announce when the online
course evaluation is available. Evaluations have no effect on your grade. Instructors don't see student comments
until grades have been submitted.
Course policies and information
1. Background information:
"Science is the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as
the knowledge generated through this process." (National Academy of Sciences, 2008). The goal of science is to
explain the universe and all the natural phenomena in it. That’s a big goal, and it requires the effort of many
curious people. Science moves forward based on this process of research and discovery called the scientific
method. In today's world, understanding science is no longer optional - it's essential. Biology is the scientific study
of living things, and it relates to all aspects of our lives, particularly our health. More than any other subject in
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biology, anatomy and physiology is personal, not some separate course that must be taken to satisfy a degree. It’s
truly “all about you.” This course starts with the basics of anatomy, biochemistry, and cell biology. A solid
foundation in these areas will help you understand the structure and physiology of the organ systems we’ll cover:
the integument, skeleton, muscles, and nervous system. Scientific research focuses on how cells, tissues, and
organs work together to function as one system, as well as why malfunctions sometimes occur, and helps dispel
myths surrounding these processes. Understanding that the scientific method separates "science" from
"pseudoscience" allows us to make better-informed decisions about issues affecting our lives and those of our
family.
2. Ways to be successful:
This course requires that you "hit the ground running," i.e., you must study effectively from day one. The biggest
challenge with anatomy and physiology (A&P) is the vocabulary, so you should start learning the
vocabulary/terminology in Ch 1 now. Last semester, we incorporated new virtual dissection software called
Anatomy and Physiology Revealed v3.0 (APR v3.0). It’s basically a word bank of thousands of anatomical terms
(structures, features, processes, etc.), and each term is linked to excellent dissection images, animations, and
histology images. You can manipulate some of the dissection images for a deeper view. It’s a user-friendly program
that will more quickly help you to understand the topics and concepts we cover. You are your own best visual aid
when it comes to locating and naming body features. APR will help you connect concepts you learn to yourself
personally as you study, which will make the course much more meaningful. Constant exposure to the subject is
the best way to ultimately build a strong foundation of basic anatomical concepts that will help you develop a "big
picture" about the workings of the human body. If you plan to go on to A&P II, you'll be expected to have this
foundation. What you do here is ultimately up to you, and if you want to have the greatest chance of success,
these are my suggestions:
a. Start off strong and take personal responsibility for your performance. Being prepared is very
important to your success. Plan your time accordingly so that you’re able to complete all work by the due dates.
It’s much easier to start off strong than to try to catch up at the end (which is usually impossible). Procrastination
is a grade-killer.
b. Study effectively. Success requires self-discipline. Cramming does not work here. Read regularly, every
day, starting the first day, for at least 30 minutes. The amount of time spent studying will be different for each
student, based on his/her background. However, in science, the rule of thumb is three hours of study time for each
hour spent in lecture. (That’s a minimum for A&P.) If you were in a live class, you’d be spending 2.5 hours in
lecture each week. Also required is time spent initially reading new material: two hours each week. (Read ahead
based on the schedule.) That’s a grand total of 9.5 hours per week, at a minimum: two hours reading new
material each week, and 7.5 hours studying and reviewing previous material. This does not include time
spent taking exams or quizzes in Blackboard. Quiz yourself frequently as you study; use the Practice questions
found throughout each chapter. APR v3.0 has a quiz feature that allows you to quiz yourself on any topic. If your
schedule will not allow you to devote at least 9.5 hours per week to the course, you should consider dropping it
before the Drop/Add period ends (second week of school), and taking it a later date.
c. Constantly assess your knowledge level. Think about anatomy and physiology constantly starting
now; this will help you become more aware of what you know and don’t know. (This is a basic skill required to be a
successful student.) The true sign of understanding is when you can explain the concept to someone else. Keep a
vocabulary list of bold and italicized terms from each chapter with definitions written out (APR v3.0 will be very
helpful), and write out the answers to the Chapter Assessment questions. Get into the habit of understanding why
incorrect quiz or exam answers are incorrect. Contact me immediately for help if you don’t understand a concept
or have any other issues. Do not wait until something becomes a problem; by then it's usually too late.
d. Make sure assigned work is submitted by its due date. Late work isn’t accepted. Look ahead at
the syllabus for those due dates.
e. Do your own work. This means completing your own exams and writing your own original responses in
the Discussions topics. Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses, acts of fraud and academic misconduct for
which there are serious consequences. Plagiarism-detecting software is used in this course and no credit is given
for plagiarized work. Subsequent incidents of plagiarism or cheating are reported to the College’s Disciplinary Office.
f. Be aware of what’s expected of you as a student. SMCC policies and course policies are spelled out
here in the syllabus, pages 3-7.
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3. Course conduct:
Show respect for yourself and others in all communications, and be considerate. Disrespectful or disruptive
behavior will not be tolerated and will be immediately reported to the College’s Disciplinary Office. Set a positive
example and treat others as you want to be treated. Your behavior reflects on you AND the college.
4. Missed/late work/extra credit/incompletes:
**********There will be no retakes – your grade is your grade so study.
If you miss a lab, you ar
responsible for the material covered – contact me or a classmate to confirm the exercise(s) that were
covered. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING AND TURINING IN THE LAB REPORT(S) ON THE
NEXT SCHEDULED LAB.
5. Course requirements (required work):
 Students are expected to attend all classes, participate in all lab exercise, read the material BEFORE
attending each class, and turn in lab reports before leaving class on the due dates.
 Students are expected to do their own work and cheating of any kind will result in expulsion from this
course with a failing grade
 Specific policies of this course follow the SMCC student handbook and student code of conduct. Students
are expected to become familiar with these polices ASAP.
 Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class to help track your progress in class. Attendance will
not directly affect your grade; however the instructor has the option of failing you on the basis of
excessive absences.
6. What’s involved with grades:
Earning a good grade is not difficult if you’re aware of and follow the course policies, have realistic expectations of
yourself, and complete all work to a high standard. It’s important to understand that you are responsible for all
assigned topics. There are 885 possible points, and the number of points you earn out of this total
determines your course grade. Earning 73% of the total points results in a C. Earning 93% results in an A. If
your grade is below C at the 5th and 10th weeks, you’ll receive an Early Alert grade (5th week) and an Academic
Alert grade (10th week) to help you reassess your performance. These grades will be posted in Blackboard and on
your My SMCC page. It’s a good idea to calculate your grade yourself, periodically. Your final course grade will be
posted on your My SMCC page once your online evaluation is submitted and the semester ends. Final course
grades for this course are posted under the My SMCC link on the SMCC website; they are not posted in Blackboard.
More information about each item is posted in Blackboard. Note that any work that is missed counts as zero.
Missing work shows up as a blank in Blackboard, under My Grades. If you’ve missed any graded work, be sure to
include a zero grade for that blank item when you calculate your grade. The following list shows work you’re
expected to complete:
Graded items:
Lab Reports (19)
Lecture Exams (6)
Total points possible:
285
600
885
Lab Reports: Lab reports are to be completed and passed in according to the syllabus. This work is designed to
aid you in focusing on the topics stressed during the laboratory lectures that will additionally be covered on exams.
They will NOT be accepted late – if you don’t pass them in on the scheduled day – you will earn a zero.
Exams: Exams are scheduled on the syllabus. At the beginning of the class directly after each exam you will have
an opportunity to look over your exam and then return it to me, they do not go home with you. In the event of a
snow day, the exam will be held on the next scheduled class. No exam may be dropped.
Exams are
comprehensive over the topics covered, but emphasize the topics indicated in the lectures unless specific changes
are announced in class. If you know you are not going to be in class – it is your responsibility to contact me and
we can make plans for you to take the missed exam. No show, no contact on a scheduled exam night will
constitute a zero for that exam.
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7. Calculating your own grade:
You should always know where you stand, grade-wise, in any course. It’s easy to figure out your grade at any point
in the semester. Because the course grade is based on total points earned out of total points possible, you only
need to add total points earned up to the current day, and total points possible up to the current day. Then divide
total earned by total possible (for that day), and multiply by 100. Here’s an example:
Grades posted at end of week 4 under My Grades:
Exam 1 & Exam 2: 85, 75
Lab Reports 26 - 29: 50
Total earned: 210
Total points possible for the item:
200
60
Total possible: 260
- Divide total earned by total possible: 210/260 = 0.80769
- Multiply by 100: 0.79545 x 100 = 81% = B- (at end of 4th week)
Grade scale:
100-93 = A
92-90 = A89-87 = B+
86-83 = B
82-80 = B79-77 = C+
76-73 = C
72-70 = C69-67 = D+
66-63 = D
62-0 = F
8. Specific course policies listed here follow those found in the SMCC College Catalog under “Institutional policies”
beginning on page 8 and “Academic policies” beginning on page 10. You should read through the catalog, as well
as the student Code of Conduct found in your student handbook, as soon as possible. These documents spell out
the official policies for SMCC students.
BIOL 132 WD Fall 2014 Schedule
Week of
Sept 8
(1)
Chapter
Welcome and
introductions
Sept 15
(2)
Chapter 12 lecture
NS III
Sept 22
(3)
Exam chapters (11 &
12)
Related labs/activities
Lab 26 – spinal cord
Lab 27 – reflex arc
Lab 28 – brain and cranial
nerves
Lab 30 – receptors & gen
senses
Lab 32 – ear and hearing
Lab 33 – ear and equilibrium
Lab 35 – visual tests & demos
Lab 29 – brain dissection
Lab 34 – Eye dissection
Sept 29
(4)
Chapter 13 lecture
Endocrine system
Chapter 14 lecture
Blood
Chapter 15 lecture
Cardiovascular system
Lab – blood lab
Oct 13
(6)
Columbus Day OFF
Exam Chapters 13 - 15
Oct 20
(7)
Chapter 16 lecture
Lymphatic system
Chapter 17 lecture
Digestive system
Oct 27
(8)
Nov 3
(9)
Exam Chapters 16 &
17
MIDTERM EXAM
Chapters 11 - 17
Lab 38 – heart dissection
Chapter 11 lecture
NS II
Oct 6
(5)
Notes
Scholarship application
deadline 9/9
Early Alert ends sept 23 at 5
pm.
Lab 39 – cardiac cycle
Lab 41 – pulse rate & BP
LABS 26-38 Due
Nov 10
(10)
Chapter 19 lecture
Respiratory system
Lab 43 – digestive organs
Lab 44 – action of digestive
enzyme
Registration begins spring
2015
6
Nov 17
(11)
Chapter 20 lecture
Urinary system
Chapter 22 lecture
Reproductive system
Last day to withdraw from
classes, Nov 17
Nov 24
(12)
Exam (chapters 19,
20 & 22)
Thanksgiving break OFF
Thanksgiving break
Dec 1
(13)
Chapter 23 lecture
Pregnancy, growth &
development
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lab
Dec 8
(14)
Review night
Final Exam
45
48
50
51
–
–
–
–
respiratory
urinary organs
male repro
female repro
Notes:
1. Schedule is subject to slight changes during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted
on the class site under Announcements.
2. This course ends on Dec 10th .
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