Printable Syllabus
Welcome to Biology 48!                                                                      Biology 48 Homepage
Syllabus - Fall 2017

physiosyllabusWelcome to Human Physiology!  The following information describes what you can expect from Human Physiology (Bio48) this semester.  I will outline what you can expect from this course, from me as your instructor, and more importantly what is expected from you as a successful student.  Please read through the following information very carefully.  It should function as your first reference whenever you have questions regarding the course.

General Course Information: (return to top of page) Human physiology is an exciting and dynamic field, requiring you to utilize much of what you have learned in biology, anatomy and chemistry.  In order to understand and discover the amazing workings within the human body you will bring together the knowledge and understanding of a variety of these disciplines.  Over the next 16 weeks we will cover a tremendous amount of information, laying down the foundational science of body function necessary to prepare you for a variety of health related fields.  Emphasis will be placed on learning and understanding normal physiological function.  Pure memorization has no place in physiology, in order for the information to be useful you need to be able to apply the concepts.  My goal is not to teach you everything, although it may seem so.  It is to give you the physiological tools of knowledge, understanding, comprehension, critical thinking and problem solving so that you will be confident and capable of synthesizing your own conclusions when presented with novel situations.  We (both you and me) will have succeeded if you can apply what you have learned far beyond the reach this classroom. 

Unfortunately in order to achieve this level of understanding and to do well in this course you must put forth a tremendous amount of time and effort.  Just like learning to play an instrument or a sport, practice and repetition is the key.  There is a lot to learn and it will be difficult, but the knowledge you will gain is worth the effort.  Emphasis will be placed on the physiological principles and mechanisms of normal body function.  As your instructor I am here to facilitate your learning by presenting the material and by assisting you in your understanding.  I will do what I can to help; however, it is difficult for me to access your level of comprehension so it is your responsibility to seek help when you need it and to put forth the necessary effort.

Biology 48 is a five units, semester lecture and laboratory course. It is designed to satisfy the requirements for degrees in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutritional Science, Kinesiology, Pharmacy, Human Performance, Dental Hygiene, and other related fields.  It is acceptable for credit by the University of California and the California State Universities (caution: if you plan to transfer it is your responsibility to confirm with the department / institution to which you wish to transfer that this course meets their requirements, they have the final say).

Prerequisites:  Completion of a college anatomy course (i.e. Bio 47) and college chemistry course (with a grade of C or better).   Students are expected to read and write at a college level and know enough mathematics to use elementary algebra, graphs, and charts to solve problems.

Note: If you have a learning or physical need that will require special accommodations in this class you will need to notify me in writing of your accommodation needs. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request. Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP) at 408-741-5085 for assistance.

.Disability and Educational Support Program

Course Expectations: (return to top of page)
This class will include 3 hrs of lecture and 6 hrs of lab weekly. The fundamentals of physiology will be introduced through the lectures and laboratory experiments and activities.  The laboratory portion of the class consists of the examination, experimentation, and study using your own bodies and experimental animals (frogs).  In addition to the over 9 hours in class per week, plan on spending at least an additional 12-15 hours per week studying “practicing” your new knowledge.   The amount of time you dedicate to your learning process will directly affect your level of success in this course.  It is thus important that you schedule and prioritize your time effectively.  Remember this is a UC and Cal State transferable course and the rigor of the course is reflected as such. Students are expected to attend and participate in ALL lectures and lab classes.  Any student absent from 4 or more class sessions (10%) of the class (lab &/or lecture) may be dropped from the course by the instructor.  Students are encouraged to remain active participants in both lectures and laboratory classes.  Class involvement will not only make the course more interesting, but will also facilitate student understanding, learning and retention.  All students are expected to arrive to class on time.  You should be prepared for both lecture and lab. If you miss a lecture it is up to you to get the notes from someone in class.  It is not appropriate to simply ask the instructor to email the notes to you.  It is highly recommended to exchange contact information with someone in the class so you can exchange class information is you miss lecture or lab.

Preparation for lecture means;

1. You have reviewed and feel comfortable with the previous lecture’s material and

have reviewed the study questions at the end of the lecture outline.

2. You have downloaded, from the course website, the lecture outline for the day.   

Preparation for lab means;

1. You have studied the previous lab material and feel comfortable with the information

2. You have read and reviewed the material for the day’s lab in your lab manual.  

 If you arrive late to class please sit in the back or side of the room so as not to disrupt the class (your peers or instructor).  DO NOT WALK across the front of the classroom please!!!

Email: I have found that the easiest method of getting in contact with me is through email.  If you have questions or concerns please email at Christine.peters@westvalley.edu.  I try to respond within 48 hours, unless it is over the weekend or a holiday in which case it may take longer.  If your email requires a lot of explanation I may ask you to see me after class instead of writing a lengthy email response. 


Lecture Format: (return to top of page) Lectures will be used to present, clarify, and expand on information which is presented in your book and laboratory manual.  Although we will follow a typical lecture format, class participation and involvement is encouraged.  If, during lecture, you have a question raise your hand and I will try to answer when appropriate.  Otherwise please do not talk during lecture – it is disruptive and disrespectful to me and your fellow students.  You do not need to bring your text to class, however, it will be to your benefit to have it available.  You are required to know all of the information presented in the class lectures (not all material presented in the text).

Lecture Outlines: Lecture outlines will be available on the course home page (http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters/) prior to the lecture.  It is the student’s responsibility to download and print this material prior to the lecture.  The outlines will be available in two formats 1. Microsoft word; documents and 2. pdf format and 3. Powerpoint lecture slides.  The Microsoft version will have diagrams, pictures, text and study questions from the lecture while the pdf format will only have the lecture text and study questions. Lecture outlines are optional but can be used to help organize your lecture notes.  Used well they can be very beneficial but should not be a replacement for attending lecture.  In addition lecture handouts also contain practice exam questions (study questions) which you should answer in order to assess your level of understanding for the relevant material – it is likely you will see some of the practice questions again on exams.  Generally you will not need to bring your textbook to lecture, however it is strongly recommended, as it would be to your benefit to have it available.

If you miss a lecture it is up to you to get the notes from someone in class.  It is not appropriate to simply ask the instructor to email the notes to you.  It is highly recommended to exchange contact information with someone in class so you can exchange class information if you miss lecture or lab

Note : The instructor may make changes to the syllabus during the semester.  It is the student's responsibility to stay informed of these changes.  Students may contact the instructor during office hours and before/after class, time permitting.  Students may also wish to have a study partner whom they can contact if they miss class.

* Lecture outlines will be available on line: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters/ 

Student Lecture Responsibilities:

1.   BE ON TIME: Be respectful to your instructor and fellow students, arriving LATE to class is disruptive to the instructor and your classmates.  If you do need to arrive late please sit in the back or side seats, so as to produce the least disruption as possible. 

2.   Turn OFF YOUR CELL PHONE ringers! 

3.   Do not use our electronic devices except for the purpose of taking notes or quickly looking up information relative to class material.  (ie DO NOT text, instant message, surf the web etc.)  This is very distracting and rude to your classmates and instructor.

4.   Arrive to class prepared – download lecture handouts and read the assigned material PRIOR to attending the lectures

5.   Listen and take complete lecture notes.  Do not talk or whisper, no matter how quite your think you are, others are likely distracted by your actions.

6.   Following the lecture, complete the series of practice exam questions accompanying each outline.  These questions will not be collected and graded but will be seen on exams and quizzes. 

7.   Ask questions when there is confusion about the lecture (or lab) material.  If you don’t understand something, it is likely others don’t either.  By asking questions, you will be making the lectures more interactive and interesting for you and others. 

8.   Visit the web site weekly for announcements, handouts and grade updates.

9.   Anyone being distracting may be asked to leave the classroom.


Laboratory Format: (return to top of page)

Much of what we understand about human physiology is derived from laboratory investigation.  As such the laboratory portion of the course is integral to your effective learning of physiology.  Lab is designed to be a hands-on, interactive exploration of human physiology.  Most of the concepts covered in lecture will be further explored in lab as well as additional information only explored in lab.  For many the hands on experience and student interaction will help make difficult physiological concepts more understandable.  Experiments and activities will be use of chemicals, physiological equipment, bio-instrumentation, experimental animals, and your own bodies.  Students are expected to participate in ALL laboratory activities.  The ONLY exception will be individuals having a health condition which precludes them from participating.  If this is the case, the student MUST notify the instructor with a written explanation of the situation immediately.

A secondary aim of the lab is to introduce you to the scientific methods and techniques of physiological exploration. This will include activities ranging from performing experiments, gathering, organizing and analyzing data, and formulating reasonable conclusions.   One feature of experimentation (and physiology) that students often find frustrating is the inherent variability.  In order to decrease the error and variability of small group data, at the completion of data dependent labs, all students will be asked to share class data which will be posted on line for analysis.  In addition, prior to each exam lab time has been set aside for discussion and review of the lab data, experiments, and concepts ("Review" lab session in schedule).  During these lab periods, the instructor will review the data collected during preceding labs, emphasize the significance, and clarify any questions raised by students.  It is expected that all students will have worked through the data from the preceding labs and be ready to participate in the discussion.

Lab Data: Most of the labs conducted throughout the semester will generate experimental data which will need to either be shared with the class or saved to a USB flash drive and taken home for additional examination. 

 

1. Shared Class Lab Data: Will be made available to download from the course webpage in a pdf. format that should be able to be read by any computer.

If you do not have access to Microsoft Excel you may be able to use a free product called OpenOffice from Oracle:

http://www.openoffice.org

 

2. Group Lab Data: PowerLab Data Files: Data generated in lab will be done with a program called Lab Chart (and Scope) from ADInstruments.  You may find it beneficial to save LabChart Data Files to work with at home (i.e. to continue your analysis and/or practice with data). PowerLab (aka LabChart) data can be saved to a USB drive during lab and taken home for review (be sure to save copies in both Mac and PC formats from the dropdown menu in the Save dialog box). To review these files at home you will need to download the free LabChart Reader software available from ADInstruments as well as getting a printable page of instructions for savin LabChart data files.

http://www.adinstruments.com/products/software/labchartreader/

LabChart Reader on Window's PC's:
To avoid problems, be sure that you computers are up to date with Windows Updates before installing LabChart Reader. You will need:
   - Vista – Service Pack 1 (32 bit and 64 bit editions) and .NET 3.5 SP1
   - XP – Service Pack 2 or later and .NET 3.5 SP1

LabChart reader is also installed on the following computers in the Technology Center (as of 10/14/09):
   Macs: wtcc035 through wtcc039
   Windows PCs: wtcc030 through wtcc032


Student Lab Responsibilities: (return to top of page)

1. BE ON TIME: Important instructions, demonstrations, safety precautions, and alterations to the lab will be presented at the beginning of lab.  For your own safety as well as the safety of others it is important that you heard all of the lab instruction.

2. Be PREPARED: Read the assigned lab prior to class.  Additional handouts may be provided prior to lab.  This will allow the labs to run smoothly and safely.

3. PARTICIPATION: In addition to being a required element of lab, participation will further solidify difficult concepts.

4. Do not use our electronic devices except for the purpose of taking notes or quickly looking up information relative to class material.  (ie DO NOT text, instant message, surf the web etc.)  This is very distracting and rude to your classmates and instructor.

5. ANSWER laboratory questions outlined in lab manual.  Only a select number of lab worksheets will be collected.  These labs are indicated in the course outline with a dot (·); Labs 5, 9, 13, 16,18, and 20b). 

6. BRING: Lab Manual to all labs.  The textbook is also very helpful during labs.

7. Turn your CELL PHONES RINGERS OFF PRIOR to coming into class

8. ASK QUESTIONS: Especially in lab, clarification of safety information, instructions, lab

responsibilities and procedures, is very important.  You should not have questions on what you

will be responsible for in the lab activity

9. Anyone being distracting may be asked to leave the classroom.

10. CLEAN-UP;  ALL students are responsible for returning the lab equipment, instruments, and

lab area to its original CLEAN condition.   The following guidelines will be helpful:

       Lab Clean-up:

a. Wash all glassware, rinse thoroughly and put in designated receptacle

b. Save data, turn off all computer and electrical equipment (coil cords & put away as appropriate)

c. Wipe off any equipment that is soiled (unplug first)

d. Clean, rinse and dry all surgical instruments

e. Clean lab tables with a disinfectant

f. Dispose of all waste IN THE APPROPRIATE CONTAINERS

Note: Eating, drinking, and smoking within the lab room is strictly prohibited (except during the one nutrition lab).   No visitors are allowed in the lab.


STUDY TIME:   For each hour spent in class, students should expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class studying in order to achieve an average grade (C).  Although this is an estimate for the average student to earn an average grade, expect to spend 20 – 25 hours per week studying!  You should find yourself studying, reviewing and preparing for class and lab each day of the week!  (basically eat, breath, and sleep anatomy).  Remember, to be good at anything takes practice.  Studying is “practicing” the new knowledge and information in the security of your home rather than on a patient!  The amount of time you spend in and outside of class will determine how well you do in the course.

Note: Be careful not to confuse quantity studying with quality study.  Simply spending time with your books and materials will not earn you a better grade.  Only hours of directed, motivated studying will work toward earning you a better grade!  As you instructor, I am here to facilitate your learning by presenting the material and assisting in your understanding.  I will do as much as I can to help you, but ultimately it is you who will earn your final grade! 


Attendance Policy: (return to top of page)

Attendance is mandatory.  It is your responsibility to attend ALL class meetings.  Attendance will be recorded using attendance cards.  These cards will be handed out the first day of class and used for the remainder of the semester.  The cards must be picked up at the start of class and initialed to indicate your presence.  The cards will be returned to the instructor at the end of the class session.   In addition the attendance cards will also include space for extra credit questions.  Class will start on time and last the entire time.  It is expected that you are present at the start of class and attend the entire period.  If you are unable to attend lecture or lab, it is your responsibility to obtain the lecture and lab material from a classmate.  It is also helpful to let the instructor know if you will not be able to attend lab so that adjustments can be made if necessary. Please do not schedule appointments during scheduled class time or plan on leaving early.  Due to the difficulty in setting-up lab exercises, they CAN NOT be made up.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the material which is missed and understand the concepts which were presented.  Failure to attend the equivalent of 10% of the course (4 lecture and/or lab classes) are subject to being dropped from the course.

Conduct: Disruptive conduct in lecture or lab is unacceptable. This includes late arrivals, disruptive talk, reading text messages and emails, surfing the web, cell phones, and music devices. Disruptive students will be warned then if the conduct continues will be asked to leave and may lose participation points. Be considerate of other students in the class. Even minor disturbances can significantly impact the ability of others to concentrate and such behavior is inappropriate, disrespectful and will not be tolerated.


Withdrawing :(WVC Catalogue page 179, 182)

If you decide to withdraw from the course it is up to you to officially and inform the instructor.  Do not assume that if you stop coming to class that you will automatically be dropped. Students which stop coming to class but do not officially drop from the course may end up with a failing grade.  (ie it is your responsibility to withdraw from the course).

 Note: Students are expected to attend all sessions of each class.  Instructors may drop students from the class if they fail to attend the first class meeting, or when accumulated unexcused hours of absences exceed ten percent of the total number of hours the class meets during the semester.  Moreover, an instructor may drop from the class any student who fails to attend at least one class session during the first three weeks of instruction.

Academic Dishonesty:(WVC Catalogue page 182)

The college policy regarding cheating is clearly outlined in the college catalogue and will be strictly enforced.  Use of any method other than your knowledge and memory (such as notes, looking on other student’s papers, communication between students, dictionaries, electronic devices etc.) to answer questions on an exam or quiz constitutes cheating and will result in failure of that exam or quiz and/or failure of the course.  Such behavior is disrespectful to me as your instructor, your peers, and more importantly to yourself.  ALL EXAMS will be administered in SM52.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of claiming, or even implying, authorship for written work.  This means that you have used someone else’s words, ideas or concepts as your own without giving credit to that person.

Note: The College's policy on academic dishonesty covers in-class cheating, out-of-class cheating, plagiarism, and furnishing false information. a definition of plagiarism (found in the policy) AND educate your students about plagiarism when appropriate.  Purdue University has a good website that explains to students what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. 

The URL is http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html

Test Taking Environment  :

1.The 9:20 lab section exams will start at 9:40am on exam days in the lab room.  The 12:50pm lab section exam will start at 1:10pm on exam days in the lab room.  Exams will last 2 hrs.

2.Arrive early to the exam – so you can make sure you start on time.  Once the first person turns in their exam, no one arriving late will be allowed to take the exam.

3.Bring all items with you that you will need for the exam: pencil, eraser, scantron (882)

4.Put all belongings out of sight: in cabinet, up front by instructor or leave them in your car

5.You will not be allowed to leave the room once the exam has been administered until you have finished; use the restroom prior to entering the classroom

6.Turn off cell phones and all digital devices and put them away or leave them in your car. If, for any reason, you answer a cell phone or text during an exam you will earn a zero on the exam!  If you have an emergency that requires you need your cell phone on, you may leave it with your instructor at the beginning of the exam.

7.Students will NOT be allowed to leave the room for any reason once the exam has been administered.  If you leave the room you must turn in your exam and forfeit your remaining time. 

8.Absolutely NO talking will be allowed during the exam.

9.Any form of cheating will result in a zero on the exam. i.e. using any help other than what comes from your own brain and knowledge.

9. Assigned seating will be utilized for examinations.

10. If you have any questions; ASK for clarification from your instructor.


If there are any circumstances that preclude you from adhering to any of the exam procedures you must speak to your instructor BEFORE the exam for an exception to be made


Make-up Exams(return to top of page)

The Lecture Exam and Practical schedule is set and will very likely NOT change.   Students should therefore adjust his/her outside obligations accordingly, so as to not miss any scheduled exam.

To qualify for a make-up exam, you MUST : 1. contact the instructor BEFORE the exam either by phone or email and 2. provide a documented (ie doctor’s note) reason for the absence.  At the instructor’s discretion a make-up exam may be offered.  If a make-up exam is given it may include oral/essay questions. 

Exams will NOT be given after grades have been posted (usually one week after the exam).  If you know of an obligation in conflict with the current exam schedule let me know NOW so that arrangements can be made.

Evaluation :

Lab Reports Each student is required to turn in only six of the lab report pages in the lab manual, although you are encouraged to complete all of the lab reports.  The graded lab reports are identified by an (·) adjacent to the assigned lab.  Lab reports are scored out of 20 points but will be scaled to constitute10% of your final grade.   Points will be awarded based on the lab’s completeness, accuracy, laboratory technique, interpretation and correctness.  The due date for the labs will be posted on the website announcement page (generally labs will be due 1 – 2 weeks after the completion of the lab).


  1. Lab 5 Enzyme Kinetics: Due 12/26
  2. Lab 10 Muscle (Frog) Physiology: Due 10/19
  3. Lab 12 Action Potentials: Due 11/2
  4. Lab 16 Electrocardiogram: Due 11/14
  5. Lab 18 Cardiac Pharmacology: Due 12/5
  6. Lab 20b Renal Physiology: Due 12/12

Homework Problem Sets Four homework sets will be administered throughout the semester.  They will be made available on line on the course webpage.  Each problem set will be worth 20 pts.  You will have approximately one week to complete each problem set.  Each problem set consists of data analysis, fill-in questions, problems and short answers.  The homework sets are designed to help you think about the concepts that were presented in lecture and lab and make you more familiar with terminology.  Students may work on problem sets together but must turn in their own work.  If a student copies from another, both the student copying and the student from whom information is copied will receive a zero!

Quizzes Quizzes worth 20 pts. each will be administered at the beginning of the lab periods throughout the semester. Quizzes consist of true/false, multiple choice, fill-in, and short essay questions.  Quizzes are unannounced and anyone coming in late will not receive additional time.  Quizzes cannot be made up.   You will be able to drop your lowest quiz grade.  If you miss a quiz this one will be automatically counted as a zero and dropped.  More than one quiz missed will be recorded as a zero grade.  (note: it is likely you will have a quiz once a week!)

Oral Presentation Each student is required to complete an oral presentation (see supplemental handout: “Presentation Guidelines”).  Students will present to the class a researched topic relevant to human physiology.  Each student will research a current relevant topic and present the topic.  Researched information must include at least three peer reviewed scientific periodicals or journals and must be referenced, one at least five years recent.  The presentation must be at least 5 -10 minutes and they must include a one page summary of their topic with the references included.  During the 4th or 5th week of class a sign-up sheet for presentations/ papers will be distributed.  Note: the oral presentation must be accompanied by a one - two page type written summary and a reference list.

Exams and Final Exam :
There are three 2 hour midterm exams that will be given on the dates listed on the schedule and a 2 hour comprehensive final exam (approximately 65% new material and 35% comprehensive). Exams are composed of true-false, multiple choice, fill-in, and essay questions including stations (with displays that you will need to be able to identify, name, describe and/or explain). Exams will cover material from both the lecture and the lab.

  Please bring a scantron (form #882), pencils, eraser, and a calculator to each exam. They can be purchased at the Bookstore.   No exams will be dropped.

Participation Participation is mandatory and shall be evaluated through attendance records and periodic checks of lab activities.  Some ways in which to lose participation points are 1. violation of lab procedures, 2. leaving the lab work area in disarray or dirty, 3. demonstration of continued lack of preparation for lab, 4. failure to complete lab activities, and 5. poor attendance.  Note: gross lack of participation may result in additional loss of points (see attendance section).

Note: Students are expected to attend all sessions of each class.  Instructors may drop students from the class if they fail to attend the first class meeting, or when accumulated unexcused hours of absences exceed ten percent of the total number of hours the class meets during the semester.  Moreover, an instructor may drop from the class any student who fails to attend at least one class session during the first three weeks of instruction.

If any student feels that he/she is not performing as well as they believe they should or simply needs help, be sure to come talk with me before things are out of control.  If you have problems at the beginning of the course, chances are that you will continue to have these same problems throughout the course.  It is your responsibility to let me know if you need assistance.  I will do my best to help you and may also suggest others on campus which may be of assistance (ie tutorial services).     Tutorial services: 408 741-2038

 

Grading : (return to top of page) You are not entitled to a passing grade, you must earn it. You will be graded based on how well you do, not on how hard you work.  Effort is expected, not rewarded.  However, you are not in competition with other students. Working in groups is to your advantage.  Your course grade will be determined by the total number of points you earn from the following:

Point Breakdown:

Lab assignments (6 @ 20pts scaled to ~10% to grade)  . . . . . .           95                       

Oral / written Presentation (50 pts.):   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          50                       

Homework Problems (4 at 20 pts. each):  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           80                       

Quizzes (20 pts. each - Lowest grade dropped scaled to ~20%)          175                       

Exams (3 exams at 125 pts. each)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             375                       

Participation/ Attendance:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             15                       

Syllabus Quiz (download from website). . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . .             10           

Final Exam (150 pts, comprehensive):  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                      150                       

 

Total Points Possible:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                        950 pts

Points earned will be converted to a percentage score as follows:
(pts. earned / pts. possible) x 100 = %

Your final course grade will be based on the following scale:
                           A  . . . . . 90-100%
                           B  . . . . . 80-89%
                           C  . . . . . 65-79%
                           D  . . . . . 55-64%
                           F  . . . . . below 55%
 

Periodically I will post your grades. This gives you the opportunity to confirm where you stand in the course, if you are missing any work or if I have made any errors recording your grades. Be sure to look it over. If you have any questions regarding any grade you receive and/or the grading method please feel free to talk to me.

Notes: Because of the importance of the lab, credit by examination is not possible. In rare instances if unforeseen circumstances prevent your completion of the course an incomplete grade may be given by arrangement with the instructor. In accordance with school policy, the incomplete must be made up by the end of one year following the semester in which the incomplete is given. This course may be taken again if the final grade is a D or an F.

Remember, you will be graded based on how well you do, not on how hard you work. Effort is expected, not rewarded.

Notes: Because of the importance of the lab, credit by examination is not possible. In rare instances if unforeseen circumstances prevent your completion of the course an incomplete grade may be given by arrangement with the instructor. In accordance with school policy, the incomplete must be made up by the end of one year following the semester in which the incomplete is given. This course may be taken again if the final grade is a D or an F.
 

Required and Recommended Material :

Required Text:

      1. Human Physiology, 13th edition, Mc Graw Hill Higher Education, New York, NY,

          Stuart Ira Fox. ISBN # 9780077485306

Textimage

      2. Biology 48 Human Physiology Course Manual, Fall’13 – Spring’14, CHiMPs enterprises,

          Christine Peters- Stanton, West Valley College, Biology Department

Bio48F11_Cover

 Optional Texts:
      1. An Introduction to Chemistry for Biology Students, Benjamin Cummings,

            George I. Sackheim, ISBN #: 0-8053-3075-5

      2. Physiology Coloring Book, Benjamin Cummings,

            Kapit, Macey, and Meisami. ISBN: 0-321-03663-8

      3. Medical Dictionary

 Supplies:
  1. Scantron Forms : exam forms - at least four #882, and at least six 815EZ forms.
  2. Hand held calculator

 Optional Supplies:
  1.  USB pen (flash) drive
  2. Three ring binders : One for Lecture Handouts / One for Lab Handouts
  3. Laboratory coat

Note: You may use an alternate edition of the textbook, but it is up to you to make sure you are  reading the appropriate information.
 Web pages:
  1. Course web page: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters
  2. Textbook support page: http://www.mhhe.com/fox

   Important Course relevant Web pages:

      1. Course web page: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters

      2. Textbook support page: http://www.mhhe.com/fox

      3. ADInstruments: http://www.adinstruments.com/products/software/labchartreader/

      4. Online study group: Piazza.com

        5. You will need Adobe Reader to view and print PDF documents:                            http://www.adobe.com/products/reader.html


Purchasing Course Books: Several options are available to you:(return to top of page)

1. Viking Bookstore : West Valley Campus Bookstore: You can Purchase all of the books listed in the syllabus directly from the bookstore located  on West Valley campus. The bookstore also provides an online service (westvalley.bkstore.com/) so that you can reserve books & pick them up later or make arrangements for home delivery.   Unfortunately the laboratory manual can only be ordered from the campus bookstore.  It should be available one week before classes start.

2. Online Ordering : For ordering all materials except the laboratory manual.  Since the prices of texts books is definitely a concern you may want to look into purchasing textbooks from a less expensive internet vendor.  The only concern is how long it will take to deliver the text.  If you choose to order from an internet site and your text does not arrive when classes start you can keep up with the required reading by using the text on reserve in the library.

                        Amazon.com               or            Half.com    or     Biggerbooks.com       or        Cheapbooks.com

If you have knowledge of any other sources please let me know (email: Christine Peters)

3. WVC Library (Reserve Desk) : The Library's reserve desk will have one copy of the current text book which can be checked out for 2 hour blocks of time.  Do not wait until the last minute to do your reading since others may also be relying on the reserve text for their reading.  The library is open M - Th 8:00am - 7:30pm , F 8:00 - 12 noon, S noon - 4:00
(408) 741-2028
 

Course Website : (return to top of page)
 Web pages:
  1. Course web page: http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters
  2. Textbook support page: http://www.mhhe.com/fox

This course will have an active internet homepage which will be used throughout the semester.  Students should expect to see course updates, corrections, helpful weblinks, study guides, lecture outlines, quiz and test reminders and grade postings.  You should plan on visiting the website at least once a week.  If you do not have internet access at home you can use the Library or Tech center on campus.  The Physiology homepage can be accessed directly by using www.instruct.westvalley.edu/peters  or by going to the West Valley College website www.westvalley.edu/wvc/.  You should plan on checking the website prior to each class meeting.  Note:  The course password is "homeostasis"

NOTE:  Biology 48 will not be using the ANGEL website.   Please do NOT use the ANGEL website for course information or for contacting the instructor!!!!

Additional Help & Reference:

Note: Studies have shown that much of the conversion of short term memories into long term memories occur during sleep.  So if you want to remember the information you are studying a good night’s sleep is critical.  In addition, memories are more easily retrieved (ie remembered or recalled) if the are “stored” in several locations in your brain.  This can be done by using more than one modality.  For instance, listening to a lecture uses hearing verses drawing diagrams of the concepts which using complex cognition and manual coordination.  Explaining the concept to someone else requires a tremendous amount of complex neural networking.  If you can explain a concept to someone you will be even more likely to remember it than simply reciting the material to yourself.

So – Use more than one modality when learning a new concept, Explain the concepts to someone else, and sleep on it!  If you are dreaming physiology then memories are being formed!

Miscellaneous Notes:

Due to the disruptive nature of cell phones and pagers these devices must be turned off while in lecture and lab. If for some reason you must leave your cell phone or pager on please switch it to silent mode and leave the room before answering it.

Additional Resources : (return to top of page)

1. Website : http://instruct.westvalley.edu/peters/.  The website will provide you with the relevant information regarding the course : Lecture outlines, homework assignments and due dates, syllabus, etc.  Check the website weekly for updates and materials.

a. Lecture Outlines: These can be downloaded onto your desktops but can only be opened using the class password (Homeostasis).  They can then be printed and brought to class.  If you do not have access to a computer you can use the Technology center on campus ($5.00 fee/semester).
b. Syllabus and syllabus quiz will be distributed on-line
c. Homework will be assigned and distributed on-line.  Check the website weekly to find out if there is any new homework.  The homework can be downloaded onto your desktops and printed using the class password  (homeostasis).
d. Links to relevant web sites.
2. ADInstruments Web link: Student data generated during the ADinstrument computer labs can be saved in a USB pen (flash) drive.  You can analyze the data by using the LabChart Reader link.  The link and procedure for saving is different depending on if you are using Windows or Mac.

URL: http://www.adinstruments.com/products/software/education/LabChart-Reader/

   If you want to save a file and open it on the Mac, the file extension name for LabChart in Mac is .cfm (like .doc for Word documents or .xls for    
    Excel).  The .cfm stands for “Chart for Mac” if that makes it easier to remember too.

3. Campus Technology Center: Computers with internet access and printers are available to students for a $5 fee.  If you choose to use the Tech center to retrieve information, do NOT print more than 20 pages at a time.  Course handouts do not need to be printed in color.  Please save the ink and print in black and white.

***ABUSE of any of the above facilities will result in the loss of student use privileges

Notes:
*Any student who chooses to use an alternate edition for either the textbook or the laboratory manual, is responsible for making sure that they are reading the appropriate material in preparation for lab and lecture.

**All necessary laboratory & safety equipment will be supplied; Although, if you have access to your own gloves - it would be greatly appreciated if you bring them.

Places to seek Additional Help : (return to top of page)

1. Office Hours : MW 10 - 11:30 (SM55G)
2. Tutorial Services :  All students are eligible for free on campus tutoring.   If you wish to get help you MUST make the commitment to attend any scheduled tutorial sessions. If any student misses 2 uncancelled tutorial sessions they will be dropped from the program.

Note : The study room will only be made available if it is left clean and orderly.  Please CLEAN UP when you are finished.  If the material s are mishandled or the room is misused, the class may forfeit their privilege to use the facilities.
 
 





West Valley College    

Page created by: Christine Peters
Updated: Aug. 24,  2009