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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Catrin Pittack
B STR 301
Seattle Campus

General Anatomy

Survey of systemic human anatomy, including human skeletal system, muscular system, respiratory system, circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system, urinary system, and reproductive system. For second-, third-, and fourth-year undergraduates. Offered: Sp.

Class description

Biostructure 301 - Survey of Human Anatomy - introduces the student to human anatomy and stresses the relationship of form and function. The course includes gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and a bit of histology -- with functional correlates derived from medicine, physiology, and pathology. The structure of the human body -- at all levels of organization - and how it relates to function, is the central theme of the course.

Student learning goals

Students who pass this course successfully should be able to:

use correct anatomical terminology to describe the human body

identify basic anatomical structures on a diagram, an image of a cadaver, a radiograph (X-ray, MRI, CT scan) as well as themselves (or someone else).

demonstrate how basic anatomy (the part you memorize) relates to function of the human body (the part you apply - which is much more stimulating)

understand how anatomy relates to function by examining what happens to the body when there is a change in homeostasis due to an injury or disease

be able to interpret and analyze information regarding anatomy and health issues that comes from a health care provider, are published in newspapers and magazines and on available on the web.

General method of instruction

Lecture: Tue/Thur 1:30-2:50 & Wednesday 2:30-3:20 in Kane 120. In addition to lecture, there will be weekly OPTIONAL review sessions run by the teaching assistant. Weekly homework assignments will emphasize reading and lecture material.

Although this is a large lecture only course, the instructor strives to provide a mix of learning opportunities so as not to rely completely on multiple choice exams and lecture.

Students are expected to come to lecture having completed the assigned reading and having learned some basic anatomical terminology related to lecture topic. The instructor will not spend time in lecture going over basic terminology but rather will focus on the more difficult and functionally relevant material.

Weekly homework assignments need to be completed. These assignments will pose functional problems that the students need to solve. Homework assignments are open book, open note and open computer, group discussion encouraged.

Recommended preparation

Regular attendance in the class is extremely useful, as the goal in lecture will be to gain a deeper understanding of the material presented in the text. Anatomical models (the plastic kind!), numerous illustrations and discussion initiated by the instructor and the students will be used to clarify topics. Some of these illustrations used in lecture cannot be found in the text. It is also very beneficial to ask questions during lecture in order to clarify information as well as to generate discussion.

It is recommended that students in this class have strong study skills as the exams will test you on your basic knowledge of anatomy as well as require you to integrate several concepts presented in the text and lecture. One goal of this class is to teach the student to "think about" and "learn" human anatomy instead of just memorize it.

In order to "learn" human anatomy, students should come to class having already prepared for the material that will be discussed that day. Preparation for class involves briefly reading the text and lecture objectives before class in order to familiarize yourself with the general concepts and terminology of the system to be discussed. In order to encourage students to keep up with the workload, there will be weekly on-line homework assignments that summarize the main concepts learned that week. Taking notes and asking questions during class and reviewing the material after each class are key to learning the anatomy.

Although it is not a prerequisite, it is useful for students to have some knowledge of cell biology and physiology before taking this class.

Class assignments and grading

There are on line homework assignments and 3 non-cummulative multiple choice exams during the quarter worth 120 points each.

In addition there will be weekly, multiple choice homework assignments that emphasize functional anatomy through clinical cases and pathology.

Students are expected to keep up with the assigned readings and lecture material on their own. Weekly review sessions will be offered.

Required textbook for the class - Human Anatomy (Saladin, 3rd Edition) - is available at the UBS on the Ave. Textbook options include hardcover, loose leaf or eText. Students are REQUIRED to have Connect (online learning module offered through the 3rd edition of this text ONLY) as homework assignments are posted on this system. DO NOT BUY a used copy of this text or an earlier edition, it will not have Connect and you will end up having to purchase Connect for an additional fee (around $100). More information about the text is available on the course website.

Note that clickers will NOT be used in the course this year.

Final grades are based on students scores on 3 exams and weekly homework assignments.

Exams will consist of 60 multiple-choice and matching type questions for a total possible score of 120 points. Exams are given about every 3 weeks and are not cummulative (covering only the material since the previous exam). Note that there are NO MAKE UP EXAMS in this course. Exam #3 is scheduled during exam week.

On-line homework assignments (10 total) will be given during the quarter usually at the end of the week. Each assignment will focus on material from the lectures and assigned readings for that week. Assignments are worth 10 points each. These weekly assignments are designed to encourage students to keep up with the large amount of material and to think analytically about anatomy & function. Assignments are available on-line through UW Catalyst and are open book, open note.

Final grades for the class will be based on total points from 3 exams, 10 homework assignments, in class clicker questions.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Information
Last Update by Catrin Pittack
Date: 02/07/2012