5/26/26 INTRO BMS 307 Human Anatomy Summer Course Syllabus and Orientation

Anatomical Variation: The instructor emphasizes that textbooks usually represent the most common variations of human anatomy, often depicting individuals who are perfectly fit with low body fat. Students are encouraged to recognize that while they are presented with an "idealized" body, the anatomy lab reveals the actual diversity of what people look like.

Course Management System: The course is hosted on Brightspace. The instructor has pre-laid out the entire summer semester but will adjust weekly quizzes and extra credit opportunities based on student concerns and review session conversations.
Module Organization: The course is divided by units ( $4$ units total). Each module contains PowerPoints, videos, study materials, practice quizzes, and the lecture series side-by-side.
Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit are limited, typically amounting to less than $5\%$ of the total points. It is not intended to protect a low score but to enhance learning. Students are urged to focus on mastering the content for future clinical applications.
Email Protocol: Students must use their Missouri State email address. Emails should include the specific class name (BMS $307$ ) to avoid confusion, as the instructor manages multiple courses.

Primary Textbook: Grey's Basic Anatomy ( $3^{rd}$ edition). The $2^{nd}$ edition is acceptable, but page numbers in the syllabus will differ. Online materials associated with the textbook provide extra practice quizzes and study skills resources.
Lab Atlases: Students have two choices for lab atlases: - Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy: Preferred by the instructor for its hand-drawn diagrams that show anatomical relationships. - Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: Contains computer-generated images; also a valid option.
Recommended Materials: - A medical dictionary (options available at the bookstore or online). - The book Teach Yourself How to Learn: Highly recommended to help students understand the "science to studying," as anatomy requires higher-level thinking beyond simple memorization.
Study Tools: The instructor recommends Notebook LM (an artificial intelligence tool) for creating study guides within a closed system of the course PowerPoints.

Nicole (Instructor): Prefers to be called by her first name. Her office is located in the Macquarie Building, Room 201 (Graduate Lab).
Megan Mamoser: The graduate student serving as the laboratory instructor.
Guided Review Hours: Instead of traditional office hours, Nicole holds "guided review hours," typically in the $3^{rd}$ floor lobby outside the labs for easier access. Private appointments can be made via Calendly.
Instructor Boundaries: Nicole does not typically respond to emails over the weekend to protect family time. No assignments are due over the weekend, though quizzes may have a $48$ -hour window.

Course Goals: Success is measured by the ability to describe, list, and interpret anatomical information. Students must apply anatomical terms to movement (form and function).
Clinical Application: The course utilizes clinical case studies to challenge students to analyze symptoms and characteristics rather than relying on rote memorization.
Communication Etiquette: The instructor expects professional communication. Emails should use proper grammar and formal sentences (e.g., avoiding "Hey, what up?").
Ethical Conduct: The class involves uncomfortable topics including racism, sexism, and health disparities. Students are encouraged to practice advocacy and professional accountability.

Point Distribution: The course is worth approximately $720$ total points.
Grading Scale: - The instructor rounds up at $0.5$ (e.g., $89.5\%$ becomes an A). - No "minus" grades (A-, B-) are typically given to avoid negative impacts on scholarships or GPA. - Grades below $69.5\%$ are considered D or F.
Units and Exams: Each of the $4$ units includes: - One lecture exam. - One lab exam. - Approximately $3$ lecture quizzes ( $12$ total).
Lecture Exam Format: - Administered via Brightspace Respondus LockDown Browser. - Each exam contains approximately $55$ questions (multiple choice, true/false, and short answer). - Buffer Points: Exams are graded out of $50$ points despite having $55$ questions. A student can miss $5$ questions and still receive a $100\%$ . Maximum score is capped at $100\%$ . - Time Limit: $80$ minutes per exam. - Availability: Exams are open for a $24$ -hour window.
Environmental Scan: Students must perform a thorough environmental scan of their testing area. Failure to do so is a violation of academic integrity and can result in a zero or an XF on the transcript.
Academic Integrity: The instructor emphasizes that cheating in anatomy is dangerous for future healthcare providers. Repercussions include grades of zero, course failure, or being removed from the class.

Donor Respect: Students work with human donors who have donated their bodies to science. Disrespectful behavior (e.g., derogatory comments, calling donors "gross") is strictly prohibited.
Photography/Video: Absolutely no photos or videos of the donors are allowed.
Lab Environment: Labs meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for $2$ hours. Attendance is mandatory for synchronous (in-person or Teams) labs.
Cell Phone Policy: Phones must be put away during lab. If used inappropriately, the instructor may require them to be placed on the whiteboard at the front of the room.

Unit 1 Lecture Exam: Friday, June $5$ .
Juneteenth Observation: The office is closed on Friday, June $19$ . The Unit 2 lecture exam will have a special $48$ -hour window to allow for holiday observation.
Unit 3 Lecture Exam: Scheduled before July $4$ to avoid holiday interference.
Course End Date: Final assessments and remaining content will be completed by Friday, July $17$ .