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Physiology 2009-2010 Mr. Topham room 318

Course Description:
Physiology is a two-part study of the human body: how it is structured (Anatomy), and how the parts function (Physiology). Biology, which Physiology is a subset of, is a marriage of chemistry and Physics and the relationship of those fields will also be touched upon. The subject requires a deep understanding of vocabulary and there is considerable carry-over from (or interconnection between) one topic to the next, as various systems function together for the greater good of the body. Since this is an advanced science class it is assumed that you can recall the basic biological information from your previous Biology class (ie. cell biology).

The human body is a complex array of cells, tissues and organs, and covering this amazing 'machine' in its entirety is difficult. Every effort will be made to get through the 'important' concepts. The following is a list of the topics that we will attempt to examine and the probable sequence:
Organization of the body, Tissues, Organ Systems: skeletal, muscular, integumentary, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive.

Our textbook this year is “Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology”, by Martini.  Remember you are responsible for damage incurred to the book!  Lab exercises will come from numerous sources, particularly manuals published by Holt and Martini.

Requirements:
All students are required to have a three-ring binder and a bound notebook (spiral or other) for taking class notes from lectures, videos, etc. You will also be required to have a separate Lab Notebook as well (see separate handout).  Please note that lecture notes are not just what I've written on the board! Pay attention to what has been said!! This will become important because the basis of my lectures will NOT always be our textbook! Much of this information can be found on the class web site (see address below). The Lab Notebook will be examined periodically and 'graded'. All relevant papers should be kept within the binder. Dividers separating hand-outs and test/quizzes is required. You are also expected to come to class prepared everyday (this includes having a writing tool). Familiarity with computers (word processing, spreadsheet, internet) is assumed, and a package (of 12+) of color pencils (I highly suggest you have some), may be useful.

The coursework will consist of five general categories:
1. Homework- specific readings or exercises from the textbook, vocabulary lists (posted on the web); other worksheets, etc. Please note that homework will not be collected and graded per se, but will be checked as completed or not. You will be expected to do the work so as to improve your grade.

2. Labs- Labs will be in-class exercises ranging from simple 'coloring' exercises to more complex, computer assisted ones, plus dissections, and they will be designed to illustrate the concepts at hand. These labs by nature may be difficult to make-up (attendance is thus of vital importance).

3. Tests/Quizzes- Tests will usually cover major topics covered, while quizzes (including pop-quizzes) will focus on smaller, 'current' material, including vocabulary.  Numerous Lab Practicals will be given during the year.

4. Supplemental Readings- Articles from scientific literature will be assigned for you to examine. Supplementary questions will accompany the articles.  Often they will be downloaded from the website and will require Adobe Acrobat for viewing/printing. (check your home CPU for this application.  Adobe’s free Acrobat reader can be downloaded from their web site.  See the class site the link)

5. Projects- Each semester may include one or more projects that you will be expected to complete and share with your classmates.

Grading:
The grade you receive in this class will be a combination of the categories above (not HW). Tentatively, 50% of your grade will be comprised of test and quiz scores and 40% will be lab work, projects and other miscellaneous work, and 10% binder/lab book organization. Tentatively the Final Exam grade will count for 25% of your Semester grade.  Changes to this plan will be announced to you at the end of grade periods. Changes to these numbers usually reflect an imbalance in coursework assigned and are done so to be as fair as possible in grading. Quarter and Semester grades are based on a 90%= A, 80%= B, 70%= C, 60%= D scale. Completing all lab work is vital to getting a good grade in this class.  Class work is to be handed in on the date due. Late work will be appropriately penalized (usually 30%-50%). You are expected to be in class each day, and excessive absence will have a disastrous effect on your grade. Tardies will not have as a severe effect on your grade, unless they are excessive and disruptive to the class.

Behavioral Expectations:
Some simple rules we can all live by to make the year more pleasant:

1. Please put all trash in THE GARBAGE CAN! Not the floor; Not the sinks; Not the drawers of the lab stations; and not left on your desk when you leave.

2. Please refrain from eating in class. This frequently adds to the trash problem. Drinks are OK, especially if they have a cap. Cans are acceptable if you are careful.  Water is preferred as dehydration has a severe effect on learning!

3. Please don't write on the desktops, drawers, or walls. This is third grade behavior, vandelistic in nature, and impresses no one. This may also lead to your serving detention and cleaning of the room/school.

4. Do your part to keep the classroom as nice as possible. Do not play with the sinks, plugs, gas jets, or any other objects in the room, unless instructed otherwise.

5. Academic Honesty (Not Cheating) is expected by all students. Be sure that the work you present is your own. Cheating may be grounds for suspension, expulsion and will result in an F for that assignment and quite possibly an F for your grade. Cheating may also prevent you from entering college! Once caught, you lose all trust, AND it's tough to regain lost trust!

6. PLEASE, Listen or Read carefully all instructions before you begin working. If you don't understand, please ask; it becomes extremely frustrating to repeat myself over, and over, and over, and over, and over…………

Bottom Line: If you act like an adult you will be treated as one.  All rules found in the “Student Handbook” apply.  I'm sure there are other things to mention, and when they come up, they will be discussed. This can be a fun and exciting class if everyone cooperates and works together. Enjoy the school year and good luck! Any questions can always be addressed by e-mailing me at: mtop@aol.com. You can also access class information, lecture presentations, an On-Line textbook, review Lab exercises or images, and find lots of additional and useful information on various topics, including grade up-dates, by visiting our class web site at:

www.physioweb.org/class.html

Please sign below to acknowledge that you have read and understand the above course description and expectations.  Have your parent/guardian sign it as well.  Place this in your binder as the first item for the school year.

This page updated on 8/11/09