Human Anatomy Course Syllabus

Dr. Gregg Afman 

Course Description

Welcome to Human Anatomy. You are about to embark on a fascinating journey that will take you through an exploration of the human body. It is my hope that this course will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's crowing creation, the human body. The course involves a systemic study of the body with an emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is a foundational course for all areas of future study in health science and exercise science and it is a vital building block to subsequent course work.

Whereas there is a very large volume of information to be learned it is imperative that you understand that anatomy is more than strict memorization of structures. The study of anatomy will provide you with an understanding of how systems integrate with one another, and when you begin to grasp the relationship of form and function, you will begin to understand how the human body functions so efficiently. This course will be applicable and exciting and you will be amazed at all you will learn this semester. Rise to the challenge.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Describe a thorough knowledge of the structural organization of the human body and become proficient in describing the microscopic and gross anatomy of organs and organ systems. Method of assessment: exams, quizzes in both lecture and lab
2. Apply anatomical knowledge through demonstrating the functional relationships of structures within organ systems. Method of assessment: exams
3. Demonstrate skill in dissection techniques. Method of assessment: lab specimen evaluation

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Grading and Attendance

Class attendance is expected. The instructor will take liberty to lower a student's grade if, in his judgement, attendance is poor. However there may be an unexpected circumstance where a student must miss a class or lab session. Students involved in extracurricular activities sponsored by the college will be excused for all scheduled events inclusive of the above policy. Class begins at 8:00 a.m. Since arriving late to class is disruptive, please be on time. 

A student's final grade is based on the total accumulation of points at the end of the semester. These points can be accumulated through exams, quizzes, lab assignments, lab test, lab quizzes, and class participation. A typical grading scale is 90% and above A's, 80-89% B's, 70-79% C's, 60-69% D's, below 60% F

Academic Dishonesty

Any indication of cheating, plagiarism or borrowing from others could result in a failing grade for the course. It is a serious offense and sanctions will be at the discretion of professor.

Teaching Philosophy and Seven Suggestions for Success

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: YOU ARE THE KEY TO SUCCESS!

My job is to help you in any way possible to learn anatomy. All of you can do well in this course if you are willing to put in the effort. The material covered is not difficult, but there is a HUGE body of facts that you must learn. Despite what you may have heard, many students do well in Anatomy.

MY 7 SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS: TIME MANAGEMENT & COOPERATIVE LEARNING 

1. Manage your time well. Plan time EACH day for review and study.
2. Get a "Study Buddy" . Cooperative learning works! Many students will credit their success to a reliable study partner. This is supported by educational research which confirms that students who study with other students usually perform better on exams. This is particularly true with a course like anatomy where drill and repetition are important. Interaction with another student is the best way to review material and catch your mistakes.
3. Missing a lecture or lab. DON' T! This is the first thing students from previous semesters offer for advice. There is simply too much material covered too rapidly to catch up if you get behind. Skipping class and relying on someone else's generosity is very risky and a step down a slippery slope.
4. Keep up by studying regularly. You can not survive this course by waiting until the week before an exam to study. You must drill on the material as it is presented. Your nervous system will simply overheat and shut down (perhaps not an anatomically nor physiologically correct explanation) if you try to learn it all the day or two before an exam.
5. Recopy your notes!
6. Practice! Practice! Practice! After learning your notes, put yourself in a test situation by answering each chapter' s review questions, the text' s website chapter quizzes. For lab, force yourself to study in the lab room over the actual lab materials. Set up sample practical exams with a classmate to quiz yourself.
7. If you' re having difficulty, get help early. My job is to help you learn anatomy. The sooner you seek help, the more options we have to improve your learning.

The REWARD for all this effort will be much more than simply acquiring the anatomical information necessary for further education. Success in this course will give you the study skills, perseverance, and confidence needed to complete a rigorous professional curriculum.