Anatomy 225 (A225) — Comprehensive Course Introduction and Key Policies
Course Introduction: Anatomy 225 (A two two five)
Anatomy vs Physiology
- Anatomy: study of structure; means “to cut up” or “to cut apart”.
- Physiology: study of function; will cover some physiology, but the course focus is on structure and anatomy.
- Relationship: you cannot discuss structure without function, so a bit of physiology will be included to support understanding of anatomy.
Learning goals for the course
- List the names and basic functions of anatomical structures.
- Describe anatomical structures and concepts to succeed in the program.
- Explain how anatomical systems work together (the big picture).
- Apply clinical relevance of various anatomical structures.
Getting started: a quick self-check
- There will be a question prompt about yourself and your goals for the course; answer before progressing.
Where and when you will learn
- Lecture locations and times (your choice of 09:10 AM or 10:25 AM class):
- Valentine Hall, Room 13 (basement, North End of Valentine Hall)
- Lab location: Classroom Office Building, Room 122 (next to Atwater Eye Center Clinic; near the surface parking lot by Atwater Building)
- Schedule:
- Lecture: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- Lab: in the Classroom Office Building
- Additional learning options:
- Open office hours (face-to-face and Zoom)
- Office hours for drop-ins and by appointment via Canvas
- Optional 1-credit course M 100 (medical sciences) that meets once a week (Tuesday or Friday at 01:55 PM; graduate students provide study strategies)
Contact and key personnel
- Instructor: Dr. O (email address provided on Canvas)
- Lab director: Danielle Hansen (Office: Classroom Office Building, Room 126)
- Staff: undergraduate teaching associates (UTAs), graduate student associates, lab UTAs
- Collaboration: course best learned by working with partners
- Personal note from instructor: emphasizes study with partners, learning from peers, and that feeling overwhelmed is common—collaborative study reinforces learning
Getting set up with the course materials
- Canvas site: modules contain lecture and lab materials; the site is a work in progress with pages published periodically
- eText: McGraw Hill Connect integrated in Canvas
- Access via a link under modules labeled “McGraw Hill Connect”
- First-time setup: register with your @iu.edu address (not a Gmail account) to ensure grades transfer properly to Canvas
- eText features: animations, practice questions, practice activities; videos available
- After registration, the site shows blocks (e.g., first block): animations, optional textbook review questions, and access to the eText
- Paper copy option: loose-leaf version available for about 40; ships from publisher if preferred
- How to use eText effectively
- Do not read the book verbatim; read chapter headers first to identify main topics
- Use figures and tables extensively; capture screenshots of tables and figures for study
- Use the search tool with care: the search returns any occurrence of a term (e.g., “mitosis”) and may include earlier revisions; read entries carefully
- Use the table of contents to navigate sections relevant to the syllabus
- Lab guide
- Required purchase; can be bought from publisher or bookstore
- In Canvas: a link to purchase from the publisher is provided; ensure you have Anatomy A225 (not A215, an earlier version)
- Publisher access and course setup
- On Canvas: Getting Started module contains lab information and access instructions
- Bring your lab access code to pick up the lab book
- Laptop and required software
- A laptop is required for exams; you must install Respondus LockDown Browser
- Install via iuware -> Academic Resources -> Respondus LockDown Browser
- A testing window will be set up later to verify system compatibility before Block 1 exam
- Top Hat required for some activities; install on your device
- Laptop access options if you don’t have one
- Student Care & Resource Center (IU) and Office: Room 010
- Student Technology Center, 4th Floor, Wells Library (limited laptops; lend/borrow for first two weeks)
- If you lack a laptop, speak with the course team for options
Syllabus and course manual resources
- The syllabus is the “course manual” and is accessible as a PDF
- Hyperlinked table of contents in the PDF for quick navigation
- An abbreviated visual syllabus (one-page at-a-glance) summarizes week-by-week expectations; print and post on your door for quick reference
- Visual syllabus covers: required summative assessments, formative assessments, and extra-credit activities
- Full lecture and lab schedules available in the big syllabus and the abbreviated PDF
Assessment design and course structure
- Formative assessments
- Weekly online quizzes (lecture and lab integration) and learning activities
- Quizzes: 11 quizzes total; your top 10 count toward the grade; you may drop the lowest quiz score
- Quizzes due most Mondays at 11:59 PM; early attempts may earn extra credit if you score at least 5/10 by Friday 11:59 PM
- Block practice exams (formative quizzing practice)
- 5 block practice exams; each is worth 100 points (total = 500 points to the gradebook)
- Open before the lecture exam dates; you can retake multiple times; the highest block practice exam score counts toward your grade
- Block exam due by 8 AM on the Friday before each lecture exam
- Summative assessments
- Five multiple-choice exams (in-class, computer-based; 80 points each; 5 × 80 = 400 points)
- Five short answer or in-lab exams (80 points each; 5 × 80 = 400 points)
- Combined lecture and lab coverage: 800 points total for summative assessments
- All summative exam grades are non-droppable
- Overall grading structure
- Total points possible: ext{Total points} = 1100 ext{extra credit} ext{ up to } ext{approximately } 20 ext{ points}$$
- Breakdown components include quizzes (top 10 of 11), block practice exams, lab half-time hurdle assignments, active learning assignments, and summative exams
- Block practice exams: five, 100-point blocks (total 500 points)
- Labs: half-time hurdle assignments; some count toward the grade; most count; you may drop the lowest several half-time hurdles (the instructor notes you can drop the lowest 3–7; exact policy appears as “most will count, some may not”)
- Open labs and review sessions provide additional practice opportunities
Week-by-week structure and daily workflow
- Each week’s module contains:
- Getting started resources, then the week’s overview, and the detailed lecture and lab components
- Pre-lecture recordings and lecture note outlines
- Learning exercises, in-class drawing activities, and practice questions
- Links to daily assignments and due dates
- First day expectations and online content
- The first online lecture (Cell and Cell Division) must be completed by Wednesday 8 AM; embedded questions count toward the grade
- This online content is designed to be completed before the first day of class to prepare for lab
- In-class expectations for lecture vs lab
- Lecture: instructor introduces and discusses new material (not a repeat of the online lecture); there will be active learning activities (memory matrices, drawing, practice questions) and opportunities for extra credit
- Lab: guided activities from the lab guide; work in groups; bring your lab guide; use models/materials provided; open lab sign-ups announced in lab
- Half-time hurdle assignments (lab)
- Aimed to verify understanding mid-lab session
- Most half-time hurdle assignments count toward the grade; a subset does not; you can drop some of them (lowest 3–7) if needed
Study strategies and study-life integration
- Recommended study approach
- Study with a partner; use lab UTAs and lecture UTAs; review together in groups
- Use screen captures of tables and figures to create personalized study materials
- After class, reinforce learning with the eText and lab guide
- Draw and label diagrams; create your own tables and charts; use practice questions and quizzes repeatedly to improve recall
- Collaboration and open resources
- Review sessions before block exams
- Open labs for additional review time
- Office hours and drop-ins available for questions
Time management and tracking progress
- Time management is key; avoid last-minute cramming
- Formative assessments help monitor progress (quizzes, block practice exams, learning assignments)
- Summative assessments are high-stakes but non-droppable; plan ahead for exam dates
Important dates and deadline notes
- Block exam dates (five in total) and final exam timing
- Lecture exams and lab exams are integrated and test both lecture and lab content
- Final exam: Monday, December 15, 05:20 PM
- Exam dates to mark on calendar: September 12; October 3; October 24; November 14; December 15
- Final exam is not rescheduled; makeup policies described below
Examination makeup and absences policies
- If you are on a varsity athletic team or otherwise miss an exam due to travel
- Notify instructors at least one week in advance and provide documentation (e.g., coach letter or adviser verification)
- Makeup format for missed multiple-choice exams: essay format; rescheduled after the exam date
- Makeup format for missed lab exams: regular short-answer exam format; coordinate with Danielle Hansen for lab makeup
- If you miss due to illness or other reasons
- Communicate with the course team immediately; documentation is not always required unless there was a medical visit
- Generally, investigate options with Dr. O and Danielle Hansen if you anticipate missing an exam
Communication channels and assistance
- Inscribe (Canvas Q&A community): used for frequently asked questions; there is a pinned FAQ sheet and topics where students can post questions
- You are encouraged to answer peers’ questions to reinforce understanding
- Additional help options
- Student drop-in hours with Dr. O and UTAs
- Review sessions and open labs
- If anything is unclear, consult the syllabus, Canvas resources, and Inscribe first, then reach out for help
Practical next steps (What to do now)
- Review the Canvas course site and the syllabus thoroughly
- Register for McGraw Hill Connect via Canvas to access the eText
- Purchase the lab guide (publisher or bookstore) and verify you have Anatomy A225, not A215
- Attend the Monday lecture with the lecture outline (posted on Canvas)
- Watch the Wednesday online lecture (Cell and Cell Division) by 8 AM Wednesday; it counts toward preparation
- Review the Canvas module page for the first lab; sign up for a Monday or Tuesday lab depending on your schedule
- Bring your lab guide to every lab session
- Prepare by working with a partner and using office hours and open labs to reinforce concepts
Summary of key resources
- Canvas site: modules for lecture and lab materials, pre-lecture recordings, and embedded questions
- McGraw Hill Connect: eText, animations, videos, practice questions; register with IU email
- Lab guide: required purchase; essential for lab activities
- Respondus LockDown Browser: required for in-class exams; install via IU resources
- Top Hat: required for certain activities
- Inscribe: Q&A community for questions and collaboration
- Syllabus: full manual with hyperlinked sections; a one-page visual syllabus for quick reference
Final note
- The instructor hopes this video answers general questions and provides a handy reference for the start of the course
- Expect ongoing updates and new resources throughout the semester; stay engaged and reach out when you need help