Course Syllabus
BIO-1140: Human Biology
Course Description
A survey of human anatomy and physiology. Topics will include the organization and structure of the major body systems, including muscular, skeletal, nervous, circulatory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive. Emphasis placed on the integration of bodily processes and the impact of technology on human biology.
Essential Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of a cell and understand the major processes involved in its physiology.
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of how the (2a) nervous and (2b) endocrine systems control body functions.
- Describe the processes of (3a) development and (3b) reproduction at the cellular and structural levels and be able to discuss the role of (3c) genetics in this system.
- Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the (4a) cardiovascular, (4b) lymphatic, and (4c) respiratory systems.
- Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the (5a) digestive and (5b) urinary systems.
- Understand the specific and interrelated functions of the major body systems.
- Identify the placement of the major bones and muscles of the body and understand their basic physiology.
- Understand the structure and function of the human sensory organs.
- Explain how technology affects human biology and discuss the ethical issues associated with this topic.
- Utilize the scientific method to evaluate well-researched evidence in the area of human biology.
Textbooks & Technology
Required Textbooks:
The required textbook for the course is Human Biology available for free through LibreTexts. Additional resources will be posted in the Module Readings & Resources pages.
Modular Topics
- Module 1: Introduction to Human Biology and the Scientific Method
- Module 2: The Chemistry of Living Things
- Module 3: The Cell
- Module 4: The Skeletal System and the Muscular System
- Module 5: Cardiovascular System
- Module 6: Immune System
- Module 7: Mid-Term Exam
- Module 8: Respiratory System & Digestive System
- Module 9: The Nervous System and the Special Senses
- Module 10: Endocrine System
- Module 11: Urinary System
- Module 12: Reproductive System
- Module 13: Cell Reproduction, Differentiation and Cancer
- Module 14: Inheritance and Biotechnology
- Module 15: Final Exam
Suggested Progression
This is a self-paced asynchronous course which means that students will be starting and progressing at different rates throughout the term. Once you feel like you have a strong handle on the material, and you have completed all of the assignments for the module, you should feel comfortable moving on, regardless of the pace, as long as you complete the course within the semester timeframe. It is suggested that you spend one week on each module to successfully complete the course within the term.
Grading
Your final grade will be based on the following assessments:
| Assignment Category | Grade Weight Percentage |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate Your Learning Forums | 20% |
| Preparatory Quizzes (two attempts) & Assignments | 10% |
| Module Quiz (one attempt) | 15% |
| Mid-Term Exam | 15% |
| Project | 20% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Assignments Overview
Your learning modules will consist of learning resources, demonstrate your learning forums, preparatory quizzes, and quizzes. You will also work towards a final project that you will build throughout the course.
Demonstrate Your Learning forums are a part of every learning module and most are post-first discussions which means that you will post your reply before seeing the replies of others. Discussions will be graded based on the following rubric:
| Exceeds Expectations | Meets Expectations | Approaching Expectations | Does Not Meet Expectations | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Comprehensive, in-depth and wide-ranging (5 points) |
Up to date and relevant (4 points) |
Relevant but not comprehensive (3 points) |
Limited superficial knowledge/response (2 points) |
5 points |
| Understanding | Outstanding ability to grasp concepts and relate theory to practice (5 points) |
High level of ability to conceptualize essential ideas and relate theory to practice (4 points) |
Some ability to conceptualize essential ideas and relate theory to practice (3 points) |
Limited ability to draw out concepts and relate theory to practice (2 points) |
5 points |
| Writing Skills | Excellent mechanics, sentence structure, and organization (5 points) |
Significant mechanics, structure and organization (4 points) |
Some grammatical lapses, uses emotional response in lieu of relevant points (3 points) |
Poor grammar, weak communication (2 points) |
5 points |
| Application & Analysis | Grasps inner relationship of concepts. Excellent use of a wide range of supporting material (5 points) |
Demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize, independent analysis, good use of a range of supportive material (4 points) |
Informed commentary with some evidence of genuine analysis; some supportive materials used (3 points) |
Lacks evidence of critical analysis, poor use of supportive evidence (2 points) |
5 points |
| Total Points: | 20 points |
Student Support & Policies
Please review the following policies and support services:
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|