Syllabus for Biology 13A: Biology of People
Spring 2012
Instructor: Dr. Yves Tan
Section: 74171(3 units)
Time: Lecture TTh9:30-10:50am
Location: 612
Email:
Website: www.cabrillo.edu/~ytan
Phone: 479-6457
Office Hours: MW2:30-4:30pm, TTh11:00am-12:00pm
Office Location: 622
Required Texts: Shier D, Butler J, Lewis R. Hole’s Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology. 11th ed. McGraw-Hill. 2012.
Welcome!The human body isone of the most complex and fascinating machines on the planet. In this course, you will explore the inner-workings of the human body by learning how anatomical features lead to physiological function. You will also see what can happen when processes do not work properly by learning about common diseases and their treatments.I hope that by the end of this course you will be prepared to explore the wonders of human biology on your own.
Course Outcomes: By the end of this course you should be able to: 1. Evaluate how the major anatomical systems function relative to human health and disease.2. Assess how methods of scientific inquiry are used to address fundamental questions in human biology.
Course Objectives:By the end of this course you should be able to: 1. Identify major components of each organ system. 2. Describe the functions of major components in each organ system. 3. Define common anatomical and physiological terminology. 4. Describe the common pathologies of each organ system.
Assessment:Your grade for the semester will be determined by four tests and eight problem sets worth a total of 480 points.
Tests: / 4 x 100 pts = / 400 ptsProblem sets: / 8 x 10 pts = / 80 pts
Total: / 480 pts
There will be four tests worth 100pts each covering the preceding lecture material in that section only. There will be no comprehensive final! (It will be Test 4). The tests will be multiple choice, so you will need to purchase four Scantron 882E forms. You may be excused from a test only if there is an emergency and you provide written documentation for your excuse. In such a case, your grade will be determined by the rest of your coursework. There will be no make-up tests given. There will be eight problem sets that you will turn in on the due dates as indicated on the schedule. These problems are also a great way to prepare for the tests. These problem sets are worth 10 points each. The solutions must be hand-written/hand-drawn: no typed or photocopied solutions will be accepted. No late problems sets will be accepted. Your final grade will be determined by a percentage score of the four tests and eight problem sets (see scale on next page).
A > 90%B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F < 60%
Computer Proficiency: Students are expected to have a moderate level of computer proficiency. Students will be required to access and download materials off my website, use the following software: Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and use the internet to research topics. The Computer Technology Center (CTC) and the library have plenty of resources for help in computer use.
Attendance: Attendance is critical to your education! It will be extremely difficult to learn the required material if you are frequently absent from class. According to Cabrillo policy, a student may be dropped from a course if he/she is absent for more than 2 weeks-worth of classes. If you plan to withdraw from this class, please do so officially. Don’t just stop attending class because I may not end up dropping you and you may receive a grade. If you are very sick, or know you are going to miss classes ahead of time, let me know so that you will not get dropped.
Classroom Etiquette: My class will be conducted in a safe and respectful environment. Students are expected to behave in a courteous manner with one another and with all faculty and staff. Any disrespectful or unsafe behavior can be grounds for dismissal. During lectures, be attentive and quite and silence all cell phones! Three words on cheating: Don’t Do It! Cheating is not worth the risk of receiving a failing grade, getting kicked out of Cabrillo, and having your friends and family hear about it. Remember, anytime you take credit for someone else’s work, you are cheating. This includes plagiarism and peeking during tests.
Tips for success: 1) Attend class and do all assignments. 2) Keep up with the lecture and lab material and readings. You should visit my website often to find the latest course materials and study guides. 3) Do the problems in the back of each chapter. 4) Study both alone and with other students. 5) Attend the review sessions. I will have a TA for the course, who will hold review sessions periodically to answer questions, review materials, and go over problems. 6) Ask for help if you are having problems with the material (see office hours). Don’t wait until the last test to get help! 7) Students that require accommodations through DSPS should identify themselves to me within the first week of class.