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BIO SCI 204 - Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology I - AJ Almeda

Course:Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Professor:AJ Almeda
Email:annajane.almeda@canyons.edu
Format:
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Photo of Professor Almeda

Hello!  Ready to tour the most complex and incredible machine on earth?  Welcome to the inner workings of the human body.  I'm Professor Almeda, and I am excited to be your guide! 

This course will require a lot of time and dedication to succeed, but the hard work will be worth it!  This orientation letter is to provide you with enough information so that you can decide if you want to take this class.  If you have any questions after reading this letter, please contact me!

Course Description

This is the first of two Human Anatomy and Physiology courses, the second being A&P II (BIO SCI 205).  Here we will present the structure and function of the human body, with focus on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.  We will examine anatomical structures and describe the physiological mechanisms by which each system works to maintain health and homeostasis.

What to Expect in this Course

Active participation in both lecture and lab components will factor into your overall grade. There will be required in person meetings for lecture and lab.  However, success in this course REQUIRES significant time commitment to study, review material, and complete detailed assignments outside of our in person meeting time.

We will meet once a week for lab, and twice a week for lecture.

The lab component is scheduled to take place weekly 1:40 pm - 4:45 pm on Tuesdays OR Thursdays, depending on the section you are enrolled in.  Attending the first lab meeting is mandatory.

The lecture component is scheduled for 5:00 – 6:20pm, Tuesdays AND Thursdays.  Attendance at the first lecture meeting (Tuesday of the first week) is mandatory, even if you are in the Thursday lab section.

 (If enrolled) In the first week, you MUST also “check-in” by logging into Canvas on the first or second day and completing a brief discussion-based questionnaire.  I want to get to know you, and this is also how I will check attendance.  You WILL BE DROPPED from the course (and your place given to the next person on the waitlist) if you do not log in and do not show for the first class meeting. ​​

Be able to navigate comfortably and often (daily basis) in Canvas.  Material will be presented in weekly pages organized into content modules.  When we are not meeting on campus, I may contact you with new information using Announcements and Canvas messages.

Tools to Meet: 

A reliable internet connection and familiarity with accessing course materials in Canvas.

Types of Assessments

Active participation in both lecture and lab will factor into your overall grade and ensure your success. There will be a variety of activities to submit through Canvas or in person as part of your grade, including quizzes, lecture and lab exams, collaborations, and homework packets for each unit. 

You should become familiar with how to upload an assignment via Canvas and different standard file formats, especially fillable .pdfs. Non-exam assignments will be graded on completion, effort, and general accuracy. 

Lecture exams and lab practicals will be timed, and will be proctored in person. Lecture quizzes will be administered electronically through Canvas quizzes. You will not need special proctoring software for quizzes.

Textbook Information

Required Titles:

Saladin, K.S. Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 9th ed. McGraw Hill, 2020

Sarikas, S.N. Visual Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual (Cat Version), 2nd Edition Pearson, 2018

 

Recommended Materials:

Access to McGraw-Hill Connect (already included with new copies sold at the COC bookstore)

Subscription to Visible Body (more information during Week 1)

Van De Graaff, K. M. et al. A Photographic Atlas for the Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory, 7th ed. Morton, 2011

Gilbert, S.G. Pictorial Anatomy of the Cat, Rev. 76. Hopkins F 

Leboffe, M.J. Photographic Atlas of Histology, 2nd ed. Morton, 2013 

Please ask me if you have ANY questions regarding access to the above, acceptable editions, etc.

Other Relevant Course Information

Tips for Success:

Read ahead and stay organized. Do not wait for our class meetings to learn new material.

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a fast-paced course where new knowledge builds quickly on previous concepts.  You will be expected to keep up with the material and plan ahead for deadlines.  Lecture exams and lab practicals will be timed and will require that you can recall information quickly and enter complete and accurate answers.  Seek help as questions arise; you can message me through Canvas, or meet me on Zoom for my informal student hours (office hours focused on YOU.)

If you get waitlisted:

I am not able to accommodate and enroll all interested waitlisters, as space, equipment, and safety considerations of the physical classroom are limiting factors.  Enrollment will still be capped at a number at or a little above the allowable number of "seats" listed in the schedule of classes. This aligns with college policy, and allows me to maintain a quality learning environment where there can be effective and regular contact between me and all of my students.

These prerequisite classes are in high demand.  Don't lose heart if you don't get in.  If you are waitlisted, expect an email from me near the start of the semester with more information.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 01/17/2023 Sub#: 139