Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: BIOL-2301 (Section: 71, CRN: 10170)
Anatomy and Physiology I 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Aaron Figueroa
Email figueroaa9@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6235
Office Educational I - Room:
Office Hours Office Hours: M-Th 11:10-12:00pm, M,W 1:40-340pm. Friday 10am -12pm or by appointment. 
Additional Contact Information Student communications will be answered during regular business hours and within 3 business days of receipt when at all possible. While I recognize that course concerns often feel urgent at the time, remember that your email will be time-stamped and there is very little about our course that cannot be fixed if we pause the situation until the regular work day.
Course Information
Description Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.



Items that are ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED for the Bio 2301 (A&P1):

1)"Human Anatomy & Physiology", 2nd ed by Erin Amerman, Pearson Publishing, ISBN: 978-0134-754239

2)Modified Mastering A&P Access code that goes with the lecture textbook by Amerman. This MAP access code is ABSOLUTELY required. This is the same access code that is required for the A&P lab and you can use the same one...i.e. you do not have to purchase it twice.

3) Functioning computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone.

4)Respondus Lockdown Browser correctly installed on computer or laptop.

5)Reliable internet connection
Additional Materials/Resources

A functioning computer with a webcam is required to take all online exams and quizzes.  It is the student's responsibility to have both. Alternatively, exams may be taken at one of the computer labs on the LSCPA campus.
 
Required Software (available free of charge)

  • Microsoft Office
    • This software package contains MSWord which you’ll need in this course & other useful programs.  Office 365 suite is available to students Free of Charge. 
    • The URL for the instruction page and link to download Office 365 is::  

      https://lamarsupportservices.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/320/Portal-LSCPA/KB/ArticleDet?ID=16454
       
  • Respondus Lockdown Browser
    • This is required to be installed on any computer/tablet used to take an exam or quiz.  
    • Link to download Respondus Lockdown Browser:  https://www.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=139113547   
    • The link to download Respondus Lockdown Browser is also next to the “Online LSCPA support” section of the Institution homepage. (Look at the bottom) 
Corequisites/Prerequisites Corequisite(s): BIOL 2101. Prerequisite(s): TSI complete in reading.">Corequisite(s): BIOL 2101. Prerequisite(s): TSI complete in reading.
Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of anatomical terminology, general biological chemistry, and the role of the cell and cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. 
  2. Demonstrates an understanding of the structure and function of nucleic acids and their role in protein synthesis, as well as the structure and function of epithelial tissues and the skeletal system including knowledge of specific bones. 
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the muscular system including knowledge of specific muscles, the organization of the nervous system, and the electrophysiology involved in membrane potential and action potential generation.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the various components the brain and spinal cord, the autonomic nervous system, and sensory organs in the body. 
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of reading material including relevant terminology.
  6. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with fellow students to complete/cover assigned material. 
Core Objectives
  • Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
  • Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.
  • Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. 
Lecture Topics Outline
The following is a list of lecture topics.  For the lecture schedule with dates and a list of the Mastering homework assignments & due dates, go to the Course Information folder located on the course website.

Ch. 1 Overview of A&P, Language of A&P, Core Principles of A&P 
Ch. 2 Atoms, Ions, Molecules, Chemical Bonds Energy & Chemical Reactions, Water & Mixtures, Acids, Bases, pH, 
Organic Compounds, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids 
Ch. 3 Structure of Plasma Membrane, Membrane Transport, Organelles, Protein Synthesis, Cell Cycle 
 
Ch. 4 Histology, Epithelial Tissue, Connective Tissue, Muscle Tissue, Nerve Tissue, Membranes & Coverings
Ch. 5 Integumentary functions, Epidermis, Dermis, Accessory Structures, Pathology of skin
Ch. 6 Skeletal Classifications, Bone structure, Osteon structure, Bone growth, remodeling, fracture healing, osteoporosis
Ch. 7 bone terminology & landmarks 
 
Ch. 8 Joint classifications, synovial joints, movements of synovial joints
Ch. 9 Muscle Fiber structure
Ch. 10 Sarcomere structure Muscle excitation, Muscle contraction, & relaxation, Energy sources, motor units, Muscle recruitment, muscle fatigue, Muscle training, oxygen debt, Muscle fiber types 

Ch. 11 Overview of Nervous system, nerve tissue, neurons, neuroglial tissue, Electrophysiology, membrane potential, action potential, Propagation of Action Potential, Neural synapses, neurotransmitters
Ch.12 Overview of CNS, Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Cerebellum, Brainstem, Protection of brain & spinal cord, SC anatomy, sensation, 
Voluntary movement, homeostasis of vital functions, cognition, memory
 
Ch. 13 PNS, Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, receptor classification, Receptive Fields, Reflexes
Ch. 14 ANS; Sympathetic & Parasympathetic NS 
Ch.15 Special vs General Senses, Smell, Taste, Eye anatomy, and Ear anatomy
Major Assignments Schedule All exams are given online.  Computers used to take exams MUST have Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLB) and possibly Respondus Monitor installed on them.  See Course policies document for more information.)  It is the student’s responsibility to have a functioning computer and internet throughout the course.  Exams may be taken on campus at an LSCPA computer lab if you have problems with your computer; however, the due dates for exams are not changed.



Lecture Exam Schedule and Mastering A&P Homework Assignment Due Dates:

Exam #1:   Opens on Mon. (Feb. 9) at 12:01am and is due on Wed. (Feb.11) at 11:59 pm; Exam1 (Ch.1-3) MAP Homework Due Feb. 11 by 1159pm.

Exam #2: Opens on Mon. (Mar. 9) at 12:01am and is due on Wed. (Mar.11) by11:59 pm; Exam 2 (Ch.4-7) MAP Homework Due Mar. 11 by 1159pm.

Exam #3: Opens on  Mon. (Mar. 30) at 12:01am and is due on Wed. (Apr.1) by 11:59 pm; Exam 3 (Ch.8-10) MAP Homework Due Apr.1 by 1159pm.

Exam #4: Opens on Mon (Apr.13) at 12:01 am and is due on Wed. (Apr.15) by 11:59 pm; Exam 4 (Ch. 11-12) MAP Homework Due Apr.15 by 1159pm.

Final Exam #5: Opens on Mon (May 4) at 12:01am and is due on Wed (May 6) by 11:59 pm; Exam 5 (Ch.13-15) MAP Homework Due May 6 by 1159pm. Exam 5 WILL NOT BE REOPENED AFTER THE DUE DATE.
Final Exam Date May 4, 2026 - 12:1 AM   Through  May 6, 2026 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 Your grade for this class will the average of your 5 exam grades and your average of the online MAP assignments. Each exam as well as the MAP average will count for approximately 16.667% of the course average. Exams that are not taken will receive a grade of "0". There are no re-takes on exams. No grades are dropped when calculating course averages.
A Mastering A&P access code is required to access the online MAP homework assignments. MAP assignments not completed will receive a grade of "0".

Students will also have two (2) Optional Extra Credit Assignments one of which is an optional Group Project Extra Credit Assignment (for a total of 30 points)

Calculating your Lecture Average: 



Extra Credit (maximum of 30 total points) = Group Project (20 points) + Self Introduction (10 points)

Lecture Average = (Ex1 + Ex2 + Ex3 + Ex4 + Final + MAP average + Extra Credit) / 6
Course Policies
Instructor Policies It is imperative that you check your email 2-3 times per week. Please check your spam or trash folder regularly.

Exams #1-#4 will be re-opened for 1 day after their availability period with a time penalty (20% time reduction) assessed.  The Final Exam (Exam 5) must be taken before it ends at 11:59 pm on May 6, 2026. The final exam (Exam 5) will not be reopened after the exam has closed. Exams not taken will receive a grade of 0. No grades are dropped
Attendance Policy Absences, Tardiness, and Make-ups: Attendance is required, and punctuality is expected. You are responsible for all materials covered in class. If you quit coming to class and do not officially drop, your grades will be averaged, and you will receive the grade represented by this average. The administrative details are your responsibility (You must officially drop the course).

If you miss an exam because of an excused absence, your lowest lab exam score will be used as the score for the exam that you missed. Excused absences include medical and family emergencies and are determined at the instructor's discretion. You can only miss one exam with an excused absence (excluding the final). Poor preparation or conflict with other scheduled exams is not a valid excuse for missing an exam.
Additional Information February 23, 2026 - Final day to drop a course or withdraw without academic penalty.
April 17,2026 - Final day to drop a course or withdraw with academic penalty.

I will not discuss grades over the phone. You may request your grades by e-mail from your Lamar State College-Port Arthur e-mail account (for example, doeja@lamarpa.edu) or by student-instructor conference
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431