BIOL 20204 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab Course & Instructor Information

Course Information

• Course Title and Identifier:
  • Anatomy & Physiology I (Lab), BIOL 20404
  • Lecture number referenced: BIOL 20204 (Fall 2025) for the lecture portion; note potential numbering discrepancy in the transcript
• Semester: Fall 2025
• Credits: 0
• Lab Meeting Location: WIN 370 or WIN 372 (lab sections)
• Lab Component Type: Lab
• Instructor: Stephanie Wallace
  • Office Location: WIN 360b
  • Office Hours: Wednesdays 10:30–11:30, Thursdays 8:30–9:30, and by appointment
  • Preferred Contact: email stephanie.wallace@tcu.edu
  • Response Time: 2 business days
• Final Evaluative Exercise: There is no final exam for the lab portion
• Syllabus and Course Policies: The syllabus is your primary course reading; it provides orientation, flow, and expectations; refer to the syllabus for assignment and policy details
• Student Resources & Policy Information: QR code/resources to support students; includes sections on Student Access and Accommodation and Academic Conduct & Course Materials Policies
• Notes on Accessibility: See the Student Accessibility policies via the QR resources section

Course Description and Enrollment

• Catalog Description:
  • The structure and function of cells and tissues; architectural plan of the human body; integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems
  • Intent: for science majors requiring Anatomy & Physiology as a prerequisite for graduate/professional schools and for Nursing, Health & Fitness, Athletic Training majors
• Prerequisites & Concurrent Enrollment:
  • Prerequisites limited to:
  • Students majoring in Nursing (not Nursing pre-majors)
  • Students whose first major is Kinesiology (not Kinesiology minors)
  • Must be concurrently enrolled in the lecture portion BIOL 20204
• COURSE MATERIALS:
  • Required Text and Connect Access:
  • Anatomy and Physiology: An Integrative Approach, 2025 Release, McKinley
  • Connect access includes the e-text version of the textbook
  • Additional supplies: Colored pencils; pencil/pen and notebook paper
• TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & METHODOLOGY:
  • Emphasis on repetition and interactive exposure to gross anatomy and histology
  • In-person activities provide multiple opportunities to interact with anatomy examples
  • Early access to clearly stated learning objectives and weekly readings
  • Weekly practice quizzes to gauge progress
  • Weekly access to lab instructors and TAs for questions
• LEARNING OUTCOMES (Course-Level):
  1. Describe chemical components and processes of the human body
  2. Identify the structures of the cell
  3. Describe the functions of the cell
  4. Apply anatomical terminology
  5. Identify anatomical structures of body systems
  6. Describe the physiological mechanisms of body systems
  7. Explain homeostatic mechanisms of body systems
  8. Demonstrate a basic understanding of some methods of investigation in the natural sciences
• Program & Major Learning Outcomes: Fulfills requirements for Nursing and Kinesiology programs
• TCU Natural Sciences Core: (Not detailed in transcript; listed under course materials/policy)

Course Requirements and Safety

• Lab Safety Training:
  • All students must complete online safety training modules selected by the Hazardous Materials Safety Manager at TCU
  • Access: tcu.inclassnow.com
  • Deadline: modules must be completed by the date indicated by the instructor; failure to complete on time prevents attendance in lab exercises and makes makeup opportunities unlikely
• Assignments:
  • A. Lab Exercises:
  • Be on time for lab
  • Thoroughly prepare for lab exercises; failure to prepare can damage materials, hinder completion of assignments, or cause injury
  • Preparation may include: a) watching pre-recorded lectures, b) reading online lab exercises, c) reading assigned textbook sections
  • It is recommended to read schedule details at least one week prior to lab; start studying many days in advance; use additional strategies (e.g., flashcards, labeling activities)
  • Wash hands before handling lab materials
  • Sanitize lab space at beginning and end of lab
  • Handle all lab materials with care; you are responsible for equipment and specimens
  • B. Lab Check Offs:
  • Assessed on identification of anatomical structures during lab exercises
  • Check offs may be written, verbal, or gestural
  • See the TCU Online lab course shell for details
  • C. Laboratory Examinations:
  • Two lab practical exams during the semester
  • Students must be present and on time; tardiness or absence may result in a grade of “0” on exams
  • Exam structure:
    • Examinations are timed
    • Students identify histology and gross anatomy while traveling between exam stations; 1 minute per station
    • Histology assessed with still images; gross anatomy with models and dissected specimens
    • Answers must be spelled completely and correctly; full credit awarded unless misspelled by more than two letters
    • Students must provide their own pencil; answer sheets provided
    • Exam must be completed within the scheduled lab period
    • Grading: exams are graded the following week; students may review graded exams at a designated time
    • Before leaving lab each week, students may attempt 5–10 practical-style questions covering that week’s material to assess readiness for upcoming exams; these practice attempts are ungraded and do not contribute to lab average
• Grading Philosophy & Policy – Late Work:
  • Monitor syllabus, TCU Online calendar, and announcements to avoid missing assignments
  • If you miss a lab exercise or practical exam, contact your lab instructor ASAP
  • If absence is due to representing the University (athletics, chorus, band, etc.), contact the instructor to schedule a makeup before the scheduled exam date
  • In all other cases, makeup opportunities are not guaranteed and are handled case-by-case
  • Makeup opportunities must be scheduled at least one week in advance; otherwise makeup may be forfeited
  • Documentation of absence is not accepted by the instructor but must be submitted to the Dean of Students for consideration
• Attendance:
  • Regular, punctual attendance is essential; no assigned work is excused solely due to absence
• Participation:
  • Students should come prepared with reading and supplemental resources; contribute to class activities
  • All class members should follow common courtesy in emails, discussions, and chats

Grading and Assessment

• Grading Scale: See the lecture syllabus for the overall course grading scale (not restated here)
• Lab Grading Distribution (as specified):
  • Lecture: 70\%
  • Laboratory Check Offs: 10\%
  • Laboratory Exams: 20\%
  • Total: 100\%
• Course Policies on Grading Concerns:
  • Verify grades in the grade book; report errors to the instructor within one week after posting
• Technology Policies (AI):
  • AI may be used for research only in written assignments with appropriate citation; not allowed for graded quizzes or exams
  • Written assignments must be your own; do not copy from sources
  • If unsure about AI use, discuss with the instructor
  • Use APA or other appropriate citations for AI-generated content
  • Do not substitute AI for your own critical thinking, judgment, and subject mastery
  • Terminology in written assignments should match course/textbook terminology; overly wordy or non-aligned language will not receive credit

Lab Schedule (Week-by-Week Plan)

• This calendar represents current plans; changes announced via TCU Online
• Grading components (reiterated):
  • Lecture: 70\%
  • Laboratory Check Offs: 10\%
  • Laboratory Exams: 20\%
• Week of Aug 18 – Introduction and General Anatomy
  • Lab Topics: Introduction; General Anatomy
  • Activities Before Lab: Read course syllabus; Read Lab Exercise 1: General Anatomy; Complete Lab Safety Training by 5:00 pm CST, Friday 8/22
  • LCO: LCO 1: General Anatomy
• Week of Aug 25 – The Microscope; Epithelial Tissue
  • Lab Activities: Read Lab Exercise 2: The Microscope; Read Lab Exercise 3: Epithelium and Connective Tissues
• Week of Sept 1 – Holidays
  • Note: Labs will not meet this week due to Labor Day Holiday
• Week of Sept 8 – Connective Tissue; Epithelium and Connective Tissues
  • LCO 2: Epithelial and Connective Tissues
• Week of Sept 15 – Skeletal System: Axial
  • Read Lab Exercise 4: Skeletal System
• Week of Sept 22 – Skeletal System: Appendicular
  • Read Lab Exercise 4: Skeletal System
  • LCO 3: Skeletal System
• Week of Sept 29 – Lab Exam 1: All students must attend their scheduled lab time
• Week of Oct 6 – Fall Break/Lab Make-Up Week
• Week of Oct 13 – Muscle Identification
  • Read Lab Exercise 5: Muscular System
• Week of Oct 20 – Muscle Identification
  • Read Lab Exercise 5: Muscular System
  • LCO 4: Muscular System
• Week of Oct 27 – Nervous System
  • Read Lab Exercise 6: Nervous System
• Week of Nov 3 – Nervous System
  • Read Lab Exercise 6: Nervous System
  • LCO 5: Nervous System
• Week of Nov 10 – Lab Exam 2: All students must attend their scheduled lab time
• Week of Nov 17 – Lab Make-up Week
• Week of Nov 24 – Thanksgiving Break
  • Labs will not meet this week