Course Overview 🫀

Human Anatomy Lecture presents a systematic study of the structures of the human body and covers the following body systems and topics: tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscles, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. This course is supported and reinforced by activities in Human Anatomy Lab (BIOL2325).

Catalog Description

The study of the structure of the human body with emphasis on surface, regional, and systemic anatomy of all body systems. Three (3) hours of lecture per week. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a biological science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other biology course. (Fall, Spring, Summer [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)]
Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2325

• 📱iClicker Student App (Free): Required for in-class attendance and participation. Getting Started
• Textbook (Inclusive Access): Principles of Anatomy, 15th Ed. (Includes Real Anatomy & WileyPLUS).
  • Automatically billed through the Bursar’s Office and accessible directly via Canvas (Wiley Course Resources tab). Do not opt out, as required assignments link to this platform.
  • WileyPLUS Technical Support If you can't find what you need- there is a chat button to get help. 
  • For Repeating Students: Get Extended Access Here
    
• 📖Recommended: McGuire, S. Y., & McGuire, S. (2018). Teach yourself how to learn: strategies you can use to ace any course at any level. First edition. Sterling, Virginia, Stylus Publishing, LLC.

Course Objectives

• Gain Factual Knowledge (terminology, classifications, method, and trends) in beginning Human Anatomy.
  • Develop an understanding of the relation between structure and function in organismal vertebrate biology. These principles will be applied to an understanding of the regions and systems of the human body.
  • Understand the regional variation present within the human body by examining the organization of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous, gut, urogenital, circulatory, and integumentary systems in each region.
• Learn fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories important to beginning Human Anatomy. This course will provide:
  • Introductory level background for those students interested in pre-professional and health science programs.
  • Basic information necessary for those students interested in teaching at the pre-college level.
  • Basic information important for informed decision-making as a citizen and/or employee in biologically related programs that impact on human health and human biology.
• Learn to APPLY course material (improve thinking, problem-solving, and thinking), in the study of human form/function. Students will:
  • Gain proficiency in the analysis and interpretation of two and three-dimensional images of the human body from various planes of view. Skills include regional and structural identification, comparison, and interpretation using prosected cadavers and cross-sectional images/models.
  • Be able to interpret variable or anomalous structural patterns. Since these patterns are quite common, analytical skills must include an awareness of the degree of variation in human morphology and its relevance to understanding human structure and function.

📝 Assignments & Point Distribution (1,000 Total Points) 🎯

• Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class using the iClicker Student App.
• There are 26 scheduled class meetings. You are allowed to miss up to 3 classes before it counts against you (maximum earned attendance is capped at 46 pts).
• Attendance and active participation are essential to success in this course. Group and in-class activities foster a collaborative learning environment. In-class activities/assignments can not be made up. 
• Attendance records are kept in iClicker and are thus not accounted for by the Canvas gradebook- I add them manually to your Final Course Grade.

• In class participation may include but is not limited to individual or group activities. Most activities will require a deliverable uploaded to Canvas. 

• Upload photos or scans of your completed skeleton notes to Canvas prior to the start of class.
• There are 24 opportunities, and you are allowed to miss 1 upload before it counts against you (maximum score is capped at 50 pts).
• The deadline for uploading notes is firm and strictly enforced because the entire point is that you have reviewed the material and prepared before coming to lecture.
• Even if you do not attend class on a given day, submitting your completed notes by the deadline will still earn you full credit!

• One of the most rewarding experiences in taking any class is the opportunity to share with and learn from others. Discussion Boards allow you to apply concepts you have learned to current issues in science.
• Only the 5 highest Discussion Board grades will be counted towards the final course grade—this allows you to budget your time and interests.
• The discussion board grading rubric is available on Canvas. Discussion Board content is not tested on quizzes or exams.

• Quiz Policies: 20-minute time limit, no late submissions, 2 attempts per question, 50% score reduction for the 2nd attempt (make sure to use the free hint!), instant results upon submission.
• Quizzes are open note/book/study group. Any quiz not completed will receive a grade of 0.
• Only the 10 highest quiz grades will be counted towards the final course grade.
• Troubleshooting Quizzes: If you experience ANY quiz issues, use Google Chrome as your browser and clear your browsing history (cache)—this fixes 99% of problems. If images do not load, your internet connection is unstable. Use an on-campus computer lab or contact the SUU HelpDesk.

• Tests will challenge you to apply what you have learned about each body system. Question formats include multiple-choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, graph/image interpretation, and critical thinking/clinical scenarios.
• Tests are NOT open note/book, and there are no dropped test scores.
• To maximize class time for discussion and active learning, tests are taken on Canvas in the Student Testing Center with a proctor during generous testing windows. Because of these extended windows, make-up or late tests are not available.
• It is the student's responsibility to plan their testing times during the Testing Center's Business Hours.
• Early Testing: I am always happy to arrange for you to take an exam early if you have planned travel or conflicts—just notify me ahead of time!
• Test Review: You are strongly encouraged to meet during Office Hours to review your test and discuss strategies for improvement. If you catch a poorly written question, bring it to my attention and I will award you the points! Note: The opportunity to review an exam expires once the next unit test begins.

• The final exam is comprehensive, computer-based, and proctored in the Testing Center. The format mirrors regular unit test questions.
• All assignments for the course must be completed PRIOR to taking the Final Exam. After taking the Final Exam, no additional coursework will be graded or count toward your average.

• Adaptive Practice assignments correspond to each chapter and provides a dynamic learning tool that customizes questions to your performance.
• Bonus point scale: <50% = 0 pts; 50–69.99% = 1.8 pts; 70–84.99% = 2.4 pts; 85–100% = 3 pts.
• Note: Canvas does not automatically factor these into your ongoing total because they change dynamically as you practice; I calculate and add them manually to your Final Course Grade.

🎯 Grading Scale (1,000 Total Points)

• A: 92.45% – 100% (925 – 1000 pts)
• A-: 89.45% – 92.44% (895 – 924 pts)
• B+: 86.45% – 89.44% (865 – 894 pts)
• B: 82.45% – 86.44% (825 – 864 pts)
• B-: 79.45% – 82.44% (795 – 824 pts)
• C+: 76.45% – 79.44% (765 – 794 pts)
• C: 72.45% – 76.44% (725 – 764 pts)
• C-: 69.45% – 72.44% (695 – 724 pts)
• D+: 66.45% – 69.44% (665 – 694 pts)
• D: 62.45% – 66.44% (625 – 664 pts)
• D-: 59.45% – 62.44% (595 – 624 pts)
• F: 59.44% and below (< 595 pts)

• Graphic materials 🖼️ that may evoke emotional responses in some individuals.

• Introduction to the Human Body: Anatomical position, planes, directional terms, body cavities, and surface markings. 🧭
• Tissues: Histology and structural organization of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. 🧬
• Integumentary System: Gross and microscopic anatomy of the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, hair, nails, and cutaneous glands. 🛡️

• Osseous Tissue: Microscopic architecture of compact and spongy bone, osteon anatomy, and structural features of long bones. 🏗️
• Axial Skeleton: Bony landmarks and structural features of the cranial/facial bones, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. 💀
• Appendicular Skeleton: Bony markings, fossae, and processes of the pectoral girdle, upper limbs, pelvic girdle, and lower limbs. 🦵

• Joints (Articulations): Structural classification of fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints, articular cartilage, bursae, and joint anatomy. 🤸‍♀️
• Muscles: skeletal muscle identification, origins, insertions, innervations, and actions. 🏋️‍♂️

• Nervous Tissue: Structural morphology of multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar neurons, synapses, and neuroglial cells. ⚡
• Spinal Cord: Gross anatomy of the spinal cord, white/gray matter horns, ascending/descending tracts, spinal meninges, and spinal nerve roots. 🧵
• Brain & Cranial Nerves: Structural regions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, cranial nerves (I–XII), ventricles, and protective meningeal layers. 👁️
• Heart and Blood Vessels: Gross anatomy of heart chambers, valves, coronary vasculature, pericardium, and major systemic arteries and veins. 🩸

• Respiratory System: Anatomy of nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, cartilaginous trachea, bronchial tree, lung lobes, and alveoli. 💨
• Digestive System: Gross and histological layers of the alimentary canal (esophagus to rectum) and accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, salivary glands). 🍽️
• Urinary System: Structural anatomy and gross morphology of the kidneys, renal cortex/medulla, nephron anatomy, ureters, bladder, and urethra. 🚽
• Reproductive System: Gross and microscopic structures of the male and female reproductive organs, duct systems, accessory glands, and external genitalia. 🧬

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback ✉️

• Always include your course and section number (or meeting day/time) in email subject lines.
• Response Times: Emails answered within 1 business day; grades/feedback posted within 3–5 business days of due dates.

Assignment Submission and Resubmission

Can I re-do or resubmit an assignment? No. In large college classes, it is not feasible to continuously grade resubmissions. Please read the directions and make sure you are submitting your best work the first time—ask questions before you submit (and before the due date) to ensure you are doing it correctly. To buffer unexpected life events, built-in drops and buffer points are provided across multiple categories. You cannot do-over, but you can do better! ✨ 

Pre-Class Notes Uploads Deadline

• The deadline for uploading notes is firm and strictly enforced because the entire point is that you have reviewed the material and prepared before coming to lecture.

Quizzes

• Quiz Policies: 20-minute time limit, no late submissions, 2 attempts per question, 50% score reduction for the 2nd attempt (make sure to use the free hint!), instant results upon submission.
• Quizzes are open note/book/study group. Any quiz not completed will receive a grade of 0.
• Only the 10 highest quiz grades will be counted towards the final course grade.
• Troubleshooting Quizzes: If you experience ANY quiz issues, use Google Chrome as your browser and clear your browsing history (cache)—this fixes 99% of problems. If images do not load, your internet connection is unstable. Use an on-campus computer lab or contact the SUU HelpDesk.

Unit Tests

• Tests are NOT open note/book, and there are no dropped test scores.
• To maximize class time for discussion and active learning, tests are taken on Canvas in the Student Testing Center with a proctor during generous testing windows. Because of these extended windows, make-up or late tests are not available.
• It is the student's responsibility to plan their testing times during the Testing Center's Business Hours.
• Early Testing: I am always happy to arrange for you to take an exam early if you have planned travel or conflicts—just notify me ahead of time!
• Test Review: You are strongly encouraged to meet during Office Hours to review your test and discuss strategies for improvement. If you catch a poorly written question, bring it to my attention and I will award you the points! Note: The opportunity to review an exam expires once the next unit test begins.

Final Exam

• All assignments for the course must be completed PRIOR to taking the Final Exam. After taking the Final Exam, no additional coursework will be graded or count toward your average.

Documenting Absences 📄

• Course assignments open on Day One, and exams feature multi-day testing windows. As a result, extensions are rarely granted.
• To request consideration for unforeseen emergencies, email official medical or legal documentation as soon as possible.
• In the event of a family bereavement, provide a service program, obituary, or death certificate.
• Mental health is treated with the same priority as physical illness; appropriate documentation is required for accommodation requests.

Late Work & Extra Credit Policy 🚫

• All deadlines are established on the first day of class to support effective time management. Deadlines are final, and any extra credit opportunities will be offered equitably to the entire class.
• Documented emergencies are evaluated at the Professor's discretion and typically incur a 10% grade reduction per day late.
• Inquiries regarding unearned "grade bumps" or individual extra credit are unprofessional, unfair to peers, and subject to an automatic 10% course grade penalty.

Communication With Your Professor 💡

• Communicate early and often! Introducing yourself before/after class or during office hours helps me connect names with faces and learn your goals.
• Building a personal rapport is essential if you plan to request a Letter of Recommendation for study abroad or professional healthcare programs.
• If you face challenges affecting your academic performance, reach out immediately—proactive communication ensures far more options for support than reaching out at the end of the term.

Electronic Devices & Technology Requirements 💻

• Laptops and tablets are encouraged for digital note-taking, and audio recording devices are permitted during lectures.
• You need a reliable desktop/laptop (Mac or PC) with a webcam, microphone, stable internet access, and the Google Chrome browser (or access to an on-campus computer lab).
• Technical difficulties or computer glitches are not valid excuses for missed work. Plan ahead and submit all assignments at least 24 hours before deadlines.

Canvas Notifications ✉️

• Verify your Canvas settings to ensure you receive notifications for announcements and assignment submission comments (Canvas > Account > Notifications > Submission Comment).
• Confirm that Canvas alerts forward to an active email address you check daily.

🤖 Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Students are permitted to use AI tools to generate ideas and draft content for discussion board posts only.

Because discussion boards require you to watch/comment on assigned media and relate your own personal thoughts, be extremely judicious with AI. Make sure you are directly answering all prompts and including authentic personal reflections—not a robot's hallucinations!

Current AI models are vulnerable to fabricating sources; it is your responsibility to verify that all citations are accurate.

Citing AI: You must cite any AI tool used at the end of your post by naming the tool and providing its link (e.g., "This post was generated with the help of OpenAI's ChatGPT (https://openai.com/)").

Strict Restriction: Using AI tools to complete notes uploads, quizzes, unit tests, or exams is strictly prohibited and constitutes a violation of SUU's Academic Integrity Policy.

Attendance (46 pts total; 2 pts per class) 🙋

• Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class using the iClicker Student App.
• There are 26 scheduled class meetings. You are allowed to miss up to 3 classes before it counts against you (maximum earned attendance is capped at 46 pts).
• Attendance and active participation are essential to success in this course. Group and in-class activities foster a collaborative learning environment. In-class activities/assignments can not be made up. 
• Attendance records are kept in iClicker and are thus not accounted for by the Canvas gradebook- I add them manually to your Final Course Grade.

Attendance & Participation ⏰

• Attendance is recorded at the start of each class via the free iClicker Student App. Download the app, register your account, and check in daily.
• Active engagement is critical to success. In-class discussions, group activities, and peer collaboration may include graded components.
• If you miss an exam due to a documented medical or legal emergency, notify me promptly. Makeup exams are granted solely at the Professor’s discretion.
• Zoom is not utilized for standard lecture sessions unless the instructor is ill or quarantined.

🔄 Flipped Classroom Approach

This course utilizes a Flipped Classroom model, which means the traditional roles of lecture and homework are reversed. Instead of spending class time passively listening to a lecture, you will review assigned video modules (Brock's Talks) and complete your guided lecture notes before coming to class.

Class time is then dedicated to active learning, collaborative group work, clarifying complex anatomical concepts, and applying what you've learned through hands-on practice and discussion.

Why we flip the classroom:

• Active Engagement: Anatomy is best learned through discussion and practice, not just listening. Coming prepared allows us to tackle harder concepts together.
• Flexibility & Pacing: You can watch and re-watch lecture videos at your own pace before class.
• Better Support: I am here in class to guide you through problem-solving and answer questions when you run into tricky material, rather than leaving you to figure out homework alone at home.

Your Role for Success:

• Complete all assigned pre-class video viewing and upload your completed skeleton notes on Canvas prior to the start of class.
• Come to class ready to participate, ask questions, and collaborate with your peers!

Honors Contracts 🏅

I love working with Honors students! If you are enrolled in HONR 1040 (Foundations of Honors) or have successfully passed it, please contact me early in the semester to design an engaging contract project.

Canvas Information

Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

• For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support:
• 435-865-8200
• support@suu.edu
• IT Service Desk
• For Canvas help:
• 435-865-8555
• canvas@suu.edu
• Canvas Help Center
• How to Use Canvas

SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here at SUU, please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services and the Student Code of Conduct. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources page.