Note:  If you are a beginner to using computers and accessing the Internet, you can get help from the staff in the Learning Commons in LRC-D.  Access their website at the following URL:  www.ivcc.edu/crc/

Q:  What resources will be printed for me by Mrs. Opsal?  The syllabus and course schedule will be given to you on the first day of class.  However, lecture outlines, which are optional, and other materials from Mrs. Opsal's website must be printed by the student.  

Prerequisites:  BIO 1007 or THM 1206 and THM 1216 with a passing grade 

Expected Student Learning Outcomes:

1.  The student will develop an understanding of the relationships of anatomical structures with their functions.
2.  The student will be able to relate organ systems of the human body to their specific homeostatic functions.
3.  The student will develop laboratory skills in anatomical dissection (using the cat and human cadaver), microscopy, and scientific instrumentation.
4.  The student will become prepared for more advanced work in anatomy and physiology.
5.  The student will develop and encourage in others a lifetime curiosity and interest concerning practical applications of anatomy and physiology in medicine and research.

1. Attendance and Student Withdrawal Policies: Attendance is taken during each class period (lecture, seminar, and lab).   I reserve the right to withdraw any student who has shown poor attendance (4 or more absences from any combination of lecture, seminar or lab).  An excused absence in the case of recurring illness requires a note from your physician if you miss an exam.  If a student decides they must withdraw, they should contact Mrs. Opsal in person, by phone or by e-mail so the necessary paperwork can be processed.  Missed quizzes may not be made up under any circumstance.

A note about inclement weather or emergency:  If you feel there is a possibility the college may cancel classes due to weather, you can tune in to WLPO 1220 AM or check the college web site (www.ivcc.edu).  Class cancellations are posted to the website or to the digital daily announcements screen found behind the information desk just inside the main entrance to IVCC.  In case of emergency, please be aware of the location of all exits from the classroom and know where to proceed if a fire or tornado alarm sounds during class.  You may need to quickly and safely evacuate the building or, in the case of a tornado, move to the lower level of main campus, should such an emergency or drill take place.  Emergency procedures are posted near the doorway of each classroom on main campus.  In the case of a medical emergency, you can dial 911 from any campus phone.  IVCC has a team of First Responders ready to respond to such emergencies.

2. Classroom Etiquette Policy: IVCC has adopted official policies which address student rights, academic integrity, and student code of conduct. These policies are outlined in the IVCC Student Handbook and they address such things as cheating, harassment, and verbal abuse. Please refer to the handbook for details.  The use of cell phones, iPods, and other related electronic devices during class is prohibited.

3. Academic Dishonesty Policy: Any student caught cheating will automatically receive a ZERO for that exam or quiz and will be subject to withdrawal from the course at the discretion of the instructor.

4. Last Date to Withdraw from Classes: The final day to withdraw from the course is Wednesday, April 14, 2010.  You must contact your instructor before this date so the paperwork can be processed in a timely manner.  It is not advisable to stop attending class and assume your instructor will withdraw you for poor attendance, particularly if it is right before the withdrawal date.

5.  Lecture Exams: Exams are not cumulative and each exam covers only the material presented since the previous exam. Lecture exams are mainly multiple choice format but may also include fill-in-the-blank and short answer.  During exams and quizzes, you will be asked to put all electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones and iPods, away as they are not allowed during these assessments. 

6.  Grade Policies: Methods of instruction include lectures, laboratories, audio-visuals (including computer demos and/or assignments), demonstrations, group discussions, in-class exercises, and possible guest speakers. Students will be evaluated based on total points from lecture and lab exams, lecture quizzes, and assignments.  Use the table at the end of this syllabus to record your scores throughout the semester.

*In the final evaluation of your grade, class attendance, attitude and participation will be taken into consideration for those students very close to having earned the next higher grade.*

7. About the Lab:  The laboratory assessments are one component of this course.  Participation in cat dissections are required of ALL students. Your laboratory instructor is responsible for teaching labs and administering and grading lab exams  The grades are passed to the lecture instructor (Mrs. Opsal) and become part of your overall final grade.  A human cadaver will be used for demonstration purposes at the end of each lab unit.

All lab materials (models, equipment) must remain in the lab. Only atlases and cats assigned to you may be checked out. Lab exams (practicals) are scheduled in A-101 (please see course schedule for tentative dates). Students are not allowed in the lab on lab test day, so be sure to make plans to study ahead of time. Lab practicals differ from traditional paper and pencil exams  These types of exams consist of identifying structures labeled on models, preserved specimens, charts, etc...  In other words, you are tested on the things you SEE and DO in lab.  Because of this, it is in your best interest to come to lab additional hours outside of your regularly scheduled lab time whenever possible (3-6 additional hours per week is not unreasonable for most students). 

The Biology Lab is open to all students Mondays from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00-3:00 p.m.  (These times are subject to change)

8. No Food, Drink, Tobacco products, or Children Allowed in the Classroom.  The following quote is taken from IVCC's administrative procedures manual:  IVCC supports families and understands the needs of students who are parents. However, when students bring their children to class it can create a distraction for the parent as well as for other students and the instructor.  Therefore, students are discouraged from bringing their children to class. In a case where it is unavoidable, the instructor may grant permission.  Under no circumstances are children permitted in any labs except the Computer Resource Centers, which are subject to instructor discretion as outlined above.  In the interest of all concerned, students should not leave small children unattended anywhere on campus.

Other Items of Interest

A.  Notice to students with disabilities: If you are a student with a cognitive, physical or psychiatric disability you may be eligible for academic support services such as extended test time, texts on tape, note-taking services, etc.... If you are interested in receiving academic support services, please contact the Special Populations Office at 224-0284, office B-204 and inform your instructors.

B. Nursing Students and health professions majors in general must obtain a minimum grade of a C to receive full course credit.

C. Audit Students: Audit students are required to participate in all exams and quizzes and must obtain a point total equal to 70% or higher at the end of the course. The same attendance policy applies to audit students.  Please inform your instructor at the start of the semester if you are auditing.

D. Computer and Technology Information:  Interactive Physiology (IP) 10-System Suite CD-ROM demonstrations will be used during the semester. You can run these programs on campus in the student computer lab, LRC-D, or in the biology lab; however, you need to bring your own headphones to hear the animations (walkman headphones will do).  You may also access the Internet using your student account in the Learning Commons, LRC-D.  You can view the computer lab schedule at the following URL: http://www.ivcc.edu/crc/Hours.html. 

E. Communicating with Your Instructors:  Faculty office hours are reserved for students.  Please don't hesitate to stop by if you need extra assistance.  My door is always open to students with problems, questions, or concerns.  If you can't make it during my office hours, the best way to reach me is by e-mail or by phone.  I am looking forward to getting to know you all better in the coming months!

STUDY TIPS

Although we all have busy lives, you need to make this course a priority in order to succeed.  Plan to spend at least 2-4 hours of additional time studying for each hour of lecture or lab. If you have a limited science background, you may experience a more difficult time with this course than others who have had some of the suggested course prerequisites. Try to incorporate these tips into your lifestyle:

1.  Read and study your textbook!  Pay particular attention to tables, summaries, charts and diagrams.
2.  Each week, complete at least a portion of the lecture outline (available online) by filling in definitions and other material found in the text reading prior to coming to class.
3.  Take notes during lecture and lab and make a habit of reviewing your notes daily outside of class.
4.  Come to lab outside of your scheduled lab time to study specimens, charts, and models each week.
5.  Complete the assigned seminar objectives prior to coming to class and be ready to engage in discussions during seminar.
6.  Do not wait until the night before to study for an exam.
7.  Discuss concepts with fellow classmates.  Engaging in discussions with peers outside of class will help you "get it." 
8.  Read the chapter summaries before you read the chapter and after lecture and seminar.
9.  Make note cards of definitions and other concepts related to each unit.
10. Visit Mrs. Opsal and/or Mr. Oseland during their office hours or lab duty hours for questions and extra help.
11. Find a peer tutor who can work with you on an individual (or small group) basis.
 

**To calculate your grade (if you need assistance, please see Mrs. Opsal):  

1.  Add up the total points you earned.
2.  Add up the total points possible of all your grades (lecture and lab combined).
3.  Take points earned and divide by points possible and multiply by 100.

Last updated:  01/05/10

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