CLASS SYLLABUS

Course Title:
Reference Number:
Location:
Schedule:
Term:

BSC 2085 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

727351
Baptist Hospital. 8900 N. Kendall Dr. South Bldg., 3rd Floor. Room 2.
Saturday, 10:00 am 01:00 pm
Spring 2012-2
Credits: 3

Instructor Information
Name: Dr. Jos M. Argelles.
Department: Health Sciences and Related Studies, Medical Center Campus.
Office hours: by appointment.
Email: jarguell@mdc.edu
Course Description
Catalog Description: The structure and function of the systems of the human body, emphasizing those
aspects most pertinent to students in the nursing and allied health technology programs
Organization: 3 lecture hours
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: BSC2085L
Instructional Approach & Strategies: Class discussions, reading assignments, quizzes, essays, class
presentations, case study, and lectures.
Course Competencies
Competency 1: The Sciences of Anatomy and Physiology. Upon successful completion of this course,
the student will be able to understand the meaning of these two terms by:
1.1 Defining anatomy and physiology, and explaining how they are related.
1.2 Defining homeostasis and its mechanisms, and explaining its importance to survival.
1.3 Describing a feedback system and differentiating between positive and negative feedback.
Competency 2: Organization of the Human Body. Upon successful completion of this course, the
student will be able to describe how the body is organized by:
2.1 Identifying the major regions of the body utilizing appropriate anatomical terminology.
2.2 Defining the anatomical planes used to locate parts of the body
2.3 Describing the locations of the major body cavities and listing the major organs in each cavity.
Competency 3: Introductory Chemistry. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to understand the basic knowledge of chemistry as it relates to anatomy and physiology by:
3.1 Defining the functions of water, acids, bases, and the concept of pH.
3.2 Discussing the functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
3.3 Explaining the role of enzymes in living systems.
Competency 4: Cells and Tissues. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
understand the major cellular organelles and tissue types, and explain their function by:
4.1 Identifying the major cellular organelles.
4.2 Explaining how substances move into and out of cells.
4.3 Describing how a cell divides.
4.4 Identifying the four basic tissue types that comprise the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle,
and nervous tissues.
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Competency 5: The Integumentary System. Upon successful completion of this course, the student
will be able to understand the Integumentary System and explain its functions by:
5.1 Describing the structure of the skin.
5.2 Describing the effects of aging on the Integumentary System.
Competency 6: The Skeletal System. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to understand the skeletal system and explain its functions by:
6.1 Describing the factors involved in ossification and bone growth.
6.3 Identifying the axial and appendicular divisions and their major bones
6.4 Describing the effects of aging on the skeletal system.
Competency 7: Joints. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to know the
different kinds of joints by:
7.1 Defining a joint and describing how the structure of a joint determines its function.
7.2 Describing the structure of the different type of joints, and how their functions are related.
7.3 Explaining the effects of aging on joints.
Competency 8: The Muscular System. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to understand the muscular system by:
8.1 Describing the location, function(s), and characteristics of each type of muscle tissue: smooth,
cardiac, and skeletal.
8.2 Explaining the major events that occur during muscle fiber contraction.
8.3 Describing the sources of ATP and oxygen necessary for muscle contraction.
8.4 Describing how exercise affects skeletal muscle.
Competency 9: Nervous Tissue. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
understand the basic structure of nervous tissue by:
9.1 Describing the basic components and general functions of the nervous tissue.
9.2 Comparing the structure and function of neurons and neuroglia.
9.3 Explaining how nerve impulses are transmitted from neuron to neuron and neuron to muscle.
Competency 10: The Control Systems: Nervous and Endocrine. Upon successful completion of this
course, the student will be able to understand the nervous and endocrine systems by:
10.1 Defining central nervous system.
10.2 Naming the major parts of the brain and describing the functions of each.
10.3 Describing the spinal cord and its function
10.4 Listing and defining the major parts of the peripheral nervous system.
10.5 Describing the general characteristics of the autonomic nervous system.
10.6 Describing the two general mechanisms of hormone action as they relate to neural transmission.
10.7 Explaining the relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary.
10.8 Describing the function(s) of the major endocrine glands.
10.9 Explaining how stress affects the nervous and endocrine systems.
Learning Outcomes
Purpose: Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides
multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental
knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long
learning. As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
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1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

In this course, the communication outcome will be reinforced by essay assignments and class
presentations related to a current topic article.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
In this class, you will have to be able to read and identify pertinent numerical data in tables, graphics,
and word problems. You will be required to manipulate the data using formulas and equations.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
In the allied health field, critical thinking is an essential skill. You must be able to critically look at
the problem and determine what answers make sense and the sequence of steps to solve it. Critical
thinking and scientific reasoning are heavily reinforced in this course.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
In reviewing case studies, you will need to find and reference supplementary information to support
your solution.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
This outcome is moderately touched upon in this course, in relation primarily to historical landmarks
in Anatomy and Physiology.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities.
This outcome is reinforced in this course through your assignments which requires you to develop a
time management strategy in order to schedule adequate study time for your courses.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
This outcome is reinforced in this course by the introduction of ethical values of the medical practice.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
Communication between students and instructor is mainly though emails. It is expected that students
used social nets as an additional way of communication and collaboration. Some assignments will be
sent by email. All course progress reports will also be sent to you via email. In addition, essays and
some other assignments must be completed using a word processing program. Students must
therefore be proficient in all these new techniques.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
This outcome is not reinforced in this course.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
The structure and function of the systems of the human body will be a major topic in this course.
Students will be able to name, identify, describe, and explain the most important features of the
human body accordingly to the competencies of the course with a special stress in the relationships
between the organism and the environment.
Textbooks, Resources, & Supplies
1. Textbook: Martini, F. Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology Package Miami-Dade Kendall,
2012. ISBN 9781256108054. Pearson Custom Publishing. This is the official textbook for this class.
The textbook is required since the first class and in every class during the whole term. Some class
activities and/or assessments will require the use of the textbook individually. Sharing textbooks will
not be allowed during those procedures. No exceptions!

2. Notebook. Taking class notes is strongly recommended considering that some new information
maybe is not included in the textbook and it may be included in any kind of class assessments.
3. Scantron Form No. 882-E, pencils No.2, and eraser. Students must bring at least two (2) empty forms
for every class; the instructor will not provide forms, pencils, and/or eraser to any student.
4. Computer with Microsoft Office 2007, Adobe Reader, printer, and internet access.
5. Miami Dade College e-mail account. This will be the official and exclusive way of communication
between you and the instructor. Considering the time and location of the class, students must search
for new instructions or emergency notices from the instructor every day, especially several times in
the previous 24 hours of each class and immediately before the class time. Students participation in
social nets with other classmates is encouraged as a rapid and effective way of communication and
collaboration, but the instructor will not be included in them.
Calendar
Classes begin: Saturday, January 12th.
Midterm Exam (tentative): Saturday, March 9th.
Last day to withdraw and receive a grade of W: Wednesday, March 20th.
Holidays: Saturday, January 19th; Saturday, Saturday, February 16th; Saturday, March 31st.
Last Day of classes & Final exam: Saturday, April 20th.
Course Evaluation, Grading Policy, & Assessment Methods
Class final grade will be assessed according to the following conventions:
1. Two (2) Units will be considered and evaluated at instructors discretion by assignment, quizzes, case
studies, and reviews. No make-up will be settled for any assessment. Due dates will be strictly
enforced. Every unit represents 25% of the class final grade. An approximate textbook chapter
distribution for both units is displayed in Brief Contents.
2. One (1) Midterm Exam will be administered for the whole assessment of Unit 1. This exam
represents 25% of the class final grade.
3. One (1) Final Exam will be administered for the whole assessment of Unit 2. This exam represents
25% of the class final grade.
Tests and assessments will consist of vocabulary identification, multiple choices questions, match
questions, true/false questions, diagram/model identifications, and/or short answer questions and will
include material covered in lectures, textbook reading assignments, and any other assignment set by the
instructor. Questions that involve applications of learned material and logical reasoning could also be
included in tests and assessments. Essay questions may be included as part of the evaluations. The
instructor will keep all the tests and assessments. Receiving a test or assessment and looking at it
constitutes taking that test or assessment.
Grades: A. 100-90%; B. 89-80%; C. 79-70%; D. 69-60%; F. 59% or less.
Incomplete Grades: Incomplete (I) grades will be given in consultation with the student and upon
agreement of the professor and the approval of the department chairperson only when extenuating
circumstances have prevented the student from completing the course. In order to be considered for an
Incomplete (I) grade a student must have successfully completed a minimum of one-half the work in the
course with a minimum grade of C or better. Note the Incomplete (I) grades must be completed in a time

agreed upon between the professor and the student. If not completed by the agreed upon time, the
incomplete (I) grade becomes an F.
Brief Contents:
UNIT TEXTBOOK CHAPTERS
1
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11.
2
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18.

CLASS COMPETENCIES
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8.
9 & 10.

Course, Departmental, & College Policies

Attendance: You are required to attend all classes. If you miss a class, you are responsible for any work
missed. Attendance will be checked during every session. Student not attending the first day of classes
will be dropped from the course (College Policy). No exceptions! A promise of attendance sent in
advance by any means of communication will not prevent the dropping action. Students must request
readmission in the class. If as a consequence of the dropping action other student is admitted and the
class is full, the instructor ca/not warranty the readmission of the student dropped. Instructors cannot
override the maximal capacity of the class.
Student who leaves early without authorization will be consider absent for that class.
Absences may be excused because of: 1. religious holy day observances in students own faith; 2. the
students serious illness; 3. death in the immediate family (mother, father, spouse, child, brother, sister,
grandparents, or grandchildren); 4. students attendance to statutory governmental responsibilities (jury
duty, subpoena for court appearance, or unplanned military obligation).
A student must notify in advance of absence(s) to observe a religious holy day(s) in his/her own faith or
any other absences when practicable under the circumstances.
Documentation is required on the next class meeting after the absence in order to excuse it.
This is also required if the non-penalized absence occurs the first day of classes.
The instructor can request Withdrawal or assign a Failing (F) grade for students with three (3) absences.
Lateness: Attendance will be called at the beginning of each class. Arriving after your name was called
will be registered as absence and will be changed into lateness if you report your presence after the end of
the class.
In case you arrive late, avoid a grand entrance. Do not disrupt the class!
Arrive on time for exams. Once the first student has completed the exam, turned it in to the instructor and
left the room, no late arrivals will be allowed to start the test. No extra time for completing any test or
assessment will be granted for students arriving late.
A consistent pattern of lateness will not be tolerated and the instructor will not permit students to come
into the class. If you have personal or professional issues that do not allow being in every class on time,
drop the class and register in other that fits better your schedule.
Missed assignments, assessments, and exams: There will not be make-up no matter the circumstances!
Missed due dates: There will not be any time extensions for assignments, papers, reviews, or any
assessment set by the instructor no matter the circumstances!
Extra credits: No individual extra credits will be assigned by the instructor. No exceptions!
Academic honesty: Cheating will not be tolerated and will meet with the strongest disciplinary action
possible. Cheating includes, but not limited to, looking at another students answers on an exam, giving
exam answers to another student, informing another student of specific questions on an exam, copying

assignments, plagiarism, bribery, and the unauthorized possession of examinations, papers or other class
materials that have not be formally released by the instructor. Cheating also includes misrepresentations
of family circumstances, employment conflicts, or other personal problem in order to gain academic
advantage for yourself or others.
Classroom behavior: The instructor will not tolerate class disruptions. These include unwarranted
noises, talking among students while the professor explains concepts or answers questions posed by
another student, or unacceptable gestures.
The operations of electronic devices like recorders and cellular phones during the class sessions are
absolutely forbidden. Permission will be granted for leaving the classroom temporarily if making or
answering an emergency phone call, or sending a text message is absolutely required.
No foods, drinks, or smoking will be allowed in the classroom!
The instructor reserves the right to expel disrupting students from the classroom at anytime, request
disciplinary action from the Dean of Academic Affairs and even assign an F grade to those who display
such anti-pedagogic behavior.
Students with Special Needs (ACCESS Department): MDC is an equal access/equal opportunity
institution which provides effective services and accommodations for otherwise qualified individuals
with documented disabilities, as mandated by The American With Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by
the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Disclosure of a disability is voluntary. However, if you have learning difficulties or a disability, we
recommend that you visit an ACCESS advisor to determine you are eligible for any special services.
Students Rights and Responsibilities: You can review the current MDC Students Rights &
Responsibilities Handbook. This handbook provides you with the basic information you need to know as
a student. You may refer to the actual College policies and procedures cited in each section for
information in regard to any issues included in this syllabus. Official college procedures will be applied
in case of conflicts with the issues stated hereby.
Final disclosures: An electronic copy of this syllabus will be distributed by email before the beginning
of the term. No hard copies will be provided by the instructor. Students must download and print out a
hard copy for the first class in which we are going to discuss the document in detail. Students should
keep a copy available as reference document during the whole term.
Every statement disclosed in this syllabus will be rigorously enforced. If you have personal or
professional issues that do not allow being in full capacity to follow them, the Instructor strongly
recommend you to drop the class and register in other that fits better your current conditions.
NOTES:
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