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Human Anatomy and Physiology Introduction

Anatomy and Physiology is an advanced level biology course designed for students who are interested in an exploration of content related to the health sciences. This course is offered to juniors and seniors. Those students who enroll in this course will participate in an in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology. The 6-12 Science Safety Manual guidelines must be adhered to whenever anyone performs a demonstration or a laboratory exercise.

An outline of the course curriculum, nine weeks outline, scope and sequence, suggested assessments, and a list of suggested activities and lab experiments are located within this document. This information is intended to be a guide for the topics, themes, and laboratory activities to ensure that the state and system curriculum is implemented.

The assessment of each student will be a comprehensive evaluation of content mastery and critical thinking skills. It will be based on objective and essay tests, oral presentations, student performance, and portfolios. A variety of assessment tools should be used, however the emphasis should be on higher order thinking skills rather than simple knowledge skills.

The use of a portfolio for student assessment is a valuable tool. There are various ways that a portfolio can be used for assessment. Examples of student artifacts for the portfolio include student essays, scientific publication reviews, diagrams of cells, tissues, or other content, student research, subject related current events, and even lab reports. A portfolio can also serve as a vehicle for student self assessment. This type of authentic assessment is another learning tool that will enhance students’ critical and analytical thinking skills.

The Philosophy of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology is designed to enhance the thought processes and the scientific competencies of each student. The course work is designed to utilize and magnify cognitive abilities. Laboratory experiences emphasize problem solving, information gathering, and decision-making. Student participation and individual research will contribute to the successful comprehension and application of the principles of anatomy and physiology. The course will foster student understanding of the relationship between science and societal issues historically and currently.

Rationale

The course is designed to challenge and strengthen the cognitive abilities of a student who is interested in the health sciences. Units of study focus on synthesis, analysis, inquiry skills, and application. The evaluation of the course is based on assessments consisting of objective tests, subjective essay tests, oral presentation, performance evaluations, and portfolios. This course includes an in-depth study of the human body.

Modifications for IEP

The students within Shelby County Schools who require modifications due to their Individualized Education Program (IEP) are legally entitled to curriculum adjustment. An IEP is a legal document which must be followed in accordance with the laws set forth by the federal government, state statutes and Shelby County Schools’ policy.

All educators must examinee the student’s IEP to determine exactly what modification are necessary to meet the student’s educational needs. For example, many IEPs require extended time for student reading, writing, test taking, and other assignments. However, it is not a question of whether the IEP should be followed, rather, it is a question of how best to effectively implement the required modifications of the IEP to benefit the student. Educators should read each student’s IEP and review curriculum plans. Interviewing the students individually provides an excellent means of finding techniques to maximize the student’s educational progress. School resource departments are also invaluable resources.