Syllabus for BIOL 1308-027 (15444) – Biology Fundamentals & 

BIOL 2401-018 (15543) - Anatomy & Physiology I Integrated Course

MW –  Lecture - SGC1 Room 1322 - 1:30 - 2:50 PM

TTh – Lecture - SGC1 Room 1322 - 1:30 - 2:50 PM 

TTh – Lab - SGC1 Room 1319 - 3:00 - 4:20 PM 

Spring 2026 

Instructor: Rebel Sanders

Office Location: Zoom meeting - link in Blackboard

Office Hours: Mon/Wed - 1:00 - 1:30 PM and Mon 3:00-4:00 PM - SGC1 - Faculty Suite 1300.05 and Zoom  

Tues/Thur - 10:00 - 10:30 AM - SGC1 - Faculty Suite 1300.05 and Zoom 

Fri - Zoom only 2:00-3:00

Other hours by appointment either on campus or over Zoom

Phone: 512-223-2581 (email is preferred)

rebel.sanders@austincc.edu

Welcome to Biology Fundamentals integrated with Anatomy & Physiology I. This is a difficult but extremely interesting course as we will take a deep dive into the fundamental anatomy and physiology comprising the structure of the human body. My name is Professor Rebel Sanders (she/her) and I will answer to Prof., Prof. Rebel, Prof. Sanders, Rebel, or Ms. Sanders. My job is to facilitate you mastering the course material and please, remember that this is not an adversarial relationship. We are on the same team and I will be your cheerleader and coach! I love when students ask me questions where I don’t know the answer as we can research the answer together. Often, the answer may be that there is on-going research, but here is a possible hypothesis, which is another reason this course is so fascinating!

Course Description - 1308:  

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week (10 wk): 4 hours

An introduction to basic biological concepts including the metric system, physical and chemical properties of life, cell structure and function, cell reproduction, and metabolism. Critical thinking skills, study skills, and basic math skills are also included. This course is not part of the core curriculum. This course may not transfer to other colleges and universities for college credit.

This is a redesigned, blended section of BIOL 1308 and 2401 that combines interactive learning modules. Regular attendance and student participation in all activities is essential.

Skills Requirement - 1308:

Reading and writing proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course.

Course Rationale - 1308: 

This course was designed to provide the fundamentals of biology and critical thinking skills to prepare students for BIOL 2401 and 2402 (Anatomy & Physiology), BIOL 2404 (Intro to A&P), BIOL 1406 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and BIOL 1408 (Introductory Biology— Unity of Life).

Module 1: Biological Hierarchy & Metric System

Module 2: Basic Chemistry

Module 3: Water & Acids and Bases 

Module 4: Biomolecules

Module 5: Cell Structure and Function 

Module 6: Cellular Metabolism 

Module 8: Cell Division

Module 9: Body Systems

Course Description - 2401:  

• Credit Hours: 4
• Classroom Contact Hours per week (10 wk): 4 hours
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week (10 wk): 4 hours

This course 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.

Skills Requirement - 2401:

Reading and writing proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course

Course Rationale - 2401: 

This course is designed for students entering professional programs. It provides a foundation for the clinical topics covered in those courses by requiring mastery of factual material, laboratory techniques, and problem-solving skills. This course is a prerequisite for Introduction to Microbiology (BIOL 2420) and A&P II (BIOL 2402) and is intended to adequately prepare students for these courses and for health sciences programs.

Anatomy & Physiology I and II prepares students applying to one of the following ACC Allied Health Science programs:

• Sonography
• Dental Hygiene
• Nursing – ADN
• Nursing – MOBT
• Personal Fitness Trainer (AAS)
• Physical Therapist Asst/PTA

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course-Level for 1308:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Describe basic physiochemical concepts that underlie the structure and function of cells
• Describe the structure and function of the four classes of biomolecules
• Describe the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and their organelles
• Describe the processes by which substances move into and out of cells
• Describe the structure and function of enzymes
• Discuss energy transfer in cells and the pathways of cellular respiration
• Describe mitosis and meiosis
• Analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information
• Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods

General Education for 1308: 

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Demonstrating higher level critical thinking skills, solving problems, and following directions
• Directing their own learning activities to meet course objectives

Course-Level for 2401:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Use anatomical terminology to identify and describe locations of major organs of each system covered.
• Explain interrelationships among molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ functions in each system.
• Describe the interdependency and interactions of the systems.
• Explain contributions of organs and systems to the maintenance of homeostasis.
• Identify causes and effects of homeostatic imbalances.
• Describe modern technology and tools used to study anatomy and physiology.
• Apply appropriate safety and ethical standards.
• Locate and identify anatomical structures.
• Appropriately utilize laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, dissection tools, general lab ware, physiology data acquisition systems, and virtual simulations.
• Work collaboratively to perform experiments.
• Demonstrate the steps involved in the scientific method.
• Communicate results of scientific investigations, analyze data and formulate conclusions.
• Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills, including, but not limited to, inferring, integrating, synthesizing, and summarizing, to make decisions, recommendations and predictions.

General Education for 2401: 

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Demonstrating higher level critical thinking skills, solving problems, and following directions
• Directing their own learning activities to meet course objectives

Departmental Common Course Objectives:  

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives. The departmental objectives are located under “Course Information”, “Common Course Objectives” at the Biology Department web page. 

Recommended Materials:

None

Required Materials:

1. Anatomy & Physiology, etext with MindTap homework platform, 1e, Elizabeth Mack Co, 2023 Cengage Learning, Inc., ISBN: 978-0-357-80221-2  This is already included with First Day access.

2.Access to a computer or a mobile device with Internet.

Instructional Methodology: 

This course is taught online as a lecture and lab course.  PowerPoint lectures are posted on the class Blackboard site for student use.  The instructor uses in-class activities and videos to illustrate specific lecture concepts. Other resources include an e-text available on Blackboard. You are responsible for all materials covered in the etextbook, lecture, homework assignments, and class activities.

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Grading System

You will receive the SAME grade for both 1308 and 2401. Your final course grade depends on how many points you accumulate, with the additional requirement that you must obtain at least 180 points on the lab exam portion of the course in order to pass the course with an overall C or above. In other words, you will get a D in the course if you do not score 120 points or more in the lab exams even if your point total is in the C range.

7 Lecture Exams – 7 exams x 70 pts each = 490 pts

6 Lab Practical Exams – 6 exams x 50 pts each = 300 pts

MindTap Assignments = 252 pts

Non-Anatomy Labs - 7 labs x 10 pts each = 70 pts

Course Reflection – 19 pts each = 38 pts

Final Exam - 50 pts

Total points available = 1200 points

Due to ACC policies, grades cannot be discussed by phone or e-mail.  Your grades will be posted on Blackboard.   Please feel free to discuss your grades with me in person.

Grading Scale: ≥ 1074 pts = A, 1073 - 954 pts = B, 953 - 834 pts = C, 833 - 714 pts = D, < 713 pts = F

Assessments:

Lecture Exams

There will be six lecture exams. The exam dates are listed in the schedule. The exam format will be a combination of objective questions (such as multiple-choice, true-false, or matching questions) and written questions (such as short answer, flow charts). Some exams will have sections available for alternative type assessment. The exams will be based on the information covered during the unit, whether presented in lecture, through videos, in textbook, or in homework assignments. Exams will be administered with Respondus Lockdown browser with Monitor.

Lab Exams

There will be six lab exams. The exam dates are listed in the schedule.  The exam format will be a short answer format and cover identification, terminology, and concepts covered in the lab. Lab practicals will be administered  with Respondus Lockdown browser with Monitor.

Final Exam

There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester covering physiological processes. The exam format will be a combination of objective questions (such as multiple-choice, true-false, or matching questions) and written questions (such as short answer, flow charts). Guidance for topics covered will be provided. The final exam will be administered  with Respondus Lockdown browser with Monitor.

Course Reflection

A course reflection will be completed midway through the semester. This reflection consists of questions/prompts to encourage you to think about your approach to the course material, your performance in the course, participation in class, and future plans.

Homework Assignments:  

You may be given homework assignments through MindTap that pertain to the course material.  These assignments will require Internet access; some may require a high- speed connection in order to work. 

Lab Activities:  

There are activities that will be done during lab time to aid in mastering the lab objectives. Seven of the labs are graded. These are mostly the non-anatomy labs.

Attendance Policy:  

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. You are responsible for all materials, activities, assignments, or announcements covered in class, regardless of your reason for being absent or late.  If you do miss a class, be sure and ask another student for lecture notes and get any handouts, PowerPoint lecture notes, and homework assignments from Blackboard. Lectures will be recorded via Zoom and posted after class for those unable to meet synchronously and for review. If you miss a class, please review the recorded lecture as soon as possible so you can stay caught up. 

Class Participation and Expectation: 

While part of a typical class period will involve “traditional” lecture, I will also use media, classroom assessment activities and small group activities on a regular basis.  It is important for each student to participate actively in class activities to gain the most benefit from them. So, jump in and get your hands on stuff, engage your mind, talk and discuss. We tend to put things into long-term memory that we find interesting or experienced through hands-on and visual experiences. You are expected to work cooperatively with other students in the class. By helping your fellow students, you will learn the material better. Help yourself learn the material by getting involved!

To pass the course (with a grade of 70% C), you should expect to spend 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour spent in class.  For this class, that means a minimum of 8-12 hours per week of quality, undisturbed study time outside of class per week to complete homework assignments, read the required materials, study and prepare for exams.

Policy on AI Usage:

This course may incorporate Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), including large language models. GAI is defined as artificial intelligence systems capable of creating new content based on patterns learned from existing knowledge. As responsible members of the academic community, we should use AI with consideration and intention. To use AI responsibly, students are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the instructor for guidance, understanding, and obtaining usage permissions; and critically reading available resources. 

Key considerations include citing AI as a source, preventing misinformation, avoiding plagiarism, and ensuring fairness while avoiding bias and discrimination. We must also respect intellectual property rights, maintain ethical authenticity, prioritize data privacy and security, and promote transparency and fairness in AI usage. These principles uphold academic honesty and integrity while engaging with AI technology in this course. The assessment of AI-generated content evaluates the quality, authenticity, and relevance of AI-produced content while considering student review and verification, comparison to human generated content, consistency, bias and fairness, appropriateness and relevance to the subject matter, plagiarism review, ethical and legal compliance, cross-validation against multiple AI models, AI transparency and explainability, and feedback from users, such as your professor.  Penalties for academic dishonesty will be enforced, following approved College Guidelines, with exceptions granted only on valid grounds as approved by the instructor.

ACCeID:

You will need an ACCeID to use the ACC Online Services and Blackboard.  If you don't already have an ACCeID, go to the ACCeID Manager Login  

Click on "First-Time Login" and follow the instructions.

Blackboard Site for This Section:

You will be using Blackboard extensively throughout this class to access course materials and homework assignments.  Since this is an integrated course, I will only be using the A and P Blackboard course.  Announcements and grades will be posted on Blackboard.  I also use Blackboard to send e-mails to the class.

To get started on Blackboard, go to the Blackboard login site and click on the “Student Guide – Getting Started with Blackboard” link.   This will help you set up your Blackboard account and get you to the course site.

ACC Photo ID:

You must have an ACC photo student ID to use the testing center. 

Official Biology Department Policy Concerning Student Use of Organisms in the Classroom and Laboratory: 

Most ACC biology classes, particularly those with laboratory components, use actual organisms during instruction in addition to images and models. ACC students generally are preparing for real-world careers requiring workers with hands-on experience. These careers include health care, veterinary work, horticultural and agricultural work. Other students plan to transfer to four-year colleges and will be participating in biological research where hands-on experience is equally important. 

Organisms used at ACC are fundamental in biology instruction and they are utilized to teach specific skills and knowledge. Their condition and usage varies from course to course. Students will be expected to actively participate in these activities. Students with particular concerns in this matter should consult with their instructor and/or departmental officials before enrolling in a course so that they can know what will be required of them. 

Some organisms are observed alive while others are dead and preserved in various ways. Student manipulation of organisms ranges from culturing living organisms to dissecting preserved ones. Some examples include, but are not limited to: bacterial culturing for microbiology courses; cat, pig or rat dissection for anatomy courses; skeleton and pelt examination for field biology; and use of frogs in physiology experiments. 

General Policies

Withdrawal Policy:

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his/her name is removed from the roll should he/she decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he/she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retrain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Student-Initiated Withdrawal:

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27, 2026. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

The last day to drop the class without leaving a W on your transcript is February 4, 2026. If you withdraw by this date, you do not have to worry about the 6-course withdrawal rule.

The last day to withdraw for the semester (the Final Withdrawal Date) is April 27, 2026.  If you withdraw between February 4, 2026 and April 27, 2026, you will get a W on your transcript and it will count toward the six-course withdrawal limit.

Instructor-Initiated Withdrawal:

I reserve the right to withdraw any student who misses an exam and does not take scheduled make-up exams.  If you are dropped for this reason, you will not be reinstated. Retroactive withdrawals will not be given in this class.

Incomplete Grade Policy:  

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. To receive a grade of "I", a student must be current on coursework, have a passing grade, and after the last date to withdraw, have a documented reason that prevents course completion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.    Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.   The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.    The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.    Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.    When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Bad Weather Policy:  

If classes are cancelled because of bad weather, ACC notifies instructors and students on the ACC homepage and on local radio and television stations. 

Please visit College Policies & Student Support Services for more information. This Information can also be accessed through Blackboard.