Section 050
Lecture: M/W 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM in R212
Lab: M 9:30 AM - 11:10 AM in R210
Section 060
Lecture: M/W 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM in R212
Lab: W 9:30 AM - 11:10 AM in R210
This course will survey basic concepts in cell physiology. In addition, a survey of basic anatomical terminology will precede a study of the histology, gross anatomy and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Use will be made of the case-study method to achieve the desired understanding and integration of physiologic principles. The laboratory portion of the course will include use of human cadavers to study the anatomy of the systems indicated above. AAS: Life science (laboratory science) elective.
BIOL 1564 with a grade of C or better, or appropriate high school introductory anatomy and physiology course
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Responsibility
BIOL 2644 was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program and is designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. KCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement for general education courses. All colleges and universities participating in the IAI agree to accept a collective “package” of IAI general education courses; transfer of courses separately is not guaranteed. For more information about IAI, go to their website at www.itransfer.org and IAI. For the transferability of courses to specific four-year institutions, go to “MyCreditsTransfer” at www.itransfer.org.”
Faculty Contact Information
Weekly On-Campus Office Hours
Mondays: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in L337
Tuesdays: 12:30 to 1:30 PM in L337 or R211
Wednesdays: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in L337
Thursdays: 12:30 to 1:30 PM and 2:30 to 3:30 pm in L337 or R211
Online Office Hours:
These hours are flexible and can be delivered via Zoom or another virtual platform if needed. Please contact Prof Larson to arrange a date and time.
Students may email (klarson@kcc.edu), or schedule appointments with Professor Larson virtually (Canvas or Zoom). Students may also meet face-to-face with Professor Larson. See schedule above.
Professor Larson will respond to student emails within a 24-hour period, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semester, and Monday through Thursday during the summer term. If an email is unable to resolve a student issue/concern, Professor Larson will schedule to meet with a student virtually (Canvas or Zoom).
Kristen Larson
Office: 815-802-8773
klarson@kcc.edu
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop a vocabulary of appropriate terminology to effectively communicate information related to anatomy and physiology.
- Be able to explain the cell theory as it relates to the human body.
- Recognize tissues and the relationship between histology and biological functions.
- Demonstrate understanding of the normal physiological processes of the integumentary system.
- Demonstrate understanding of the normal physiological processes of the skeletal system.
- Demonstrate understanding of the normal physiological processes of the muscular system.
- Demonstrate understanding of the normal physiological processes of nervous system.
- Demonstrate understanding of the normal physiological processes of endocrine system.
- Be able to identify anatomical structures found in Outcomes Attachment 1.
- Anatomical Terminology
- Introduction to Cell Physiology
- Tissues
- Integumentary System
- Bones and Skeletal Tissue
- Axial Skeleton
- Appendicular Skeleton
- Articulations
- Muscular Tissue
- Muscular System
- Nervous System
- Brain and Cranial Nerves
- Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Senses
- Endocrine System
Required: Anatomy and Physiology: An Integrative Approach (Evergreen ed), McKinley. - Note: Connect Access is
included in tuition fees. Registered students already have full access to the E-text and Connect.
Students may purchase a copy of the text in addition, but this is optional.
- Biol 2644 Custom Lab Book- Cohen *Only available at KCC Bookstore.
- Safety Goggles
Evaluation
Points Grading Scale
6 Exams (50 pts.) 300 pts A = 90%
Connect Reading Assign. 150 B = 80%
Lab Reports (10 ea.) 140 pts C = 70%
Lab Quizzes (20 ea.) 100 pts D = 60%
Misc. Class Work 30 F = Less than 60%
Lab Final (Comprehensive) 50 pts
Lecture Final (Comprehensive) 100 pts
Total 870 pts
Lecture Exams: Primary focus is on the material covered in lecture. Exams may include a mixture of 50 true/false, multiple choice, matching and short answer questions. These exams will generally be taken on paper using scantrons during Discussion Time. (50 points ea.)
Comprehensive Lecture Exam: This exam is comprehensive and written exam using the same format as the previous exams given in class (see above). This exam will consist of 100 questions and is worth 100 points. The final exam will be given at the time and date suggested for our class timeslot on the KCC final exam schedule, which is available on the KCC website.
Lab Quizzes: Primary focus is on the material covered in lab. Exams will be delivered in the practical style, consisting of short answer and fill-in-the-blank questions. They are worth 20 points ea. during lab time.
Lab Reports: The lab reports in your lab manual will be collected (in their entirety) the next lab meeting unless otherwise indicated. Lab reports are worth 10 pts. ea. unless otherwise indicated. The (1) lowest lab grade is dropped. If a student is absent on any given lab day, they will lose the ability to earn points for that portion of the lab. If labs are turned in late there will be a point deducted for each calendar day they are handed in late.
Online McGraw-Hill LearnSmart Assignments: Using your McGraw-Hill Connect account, students will complete an interactive quiz while reading the text chapter worth 10 points each. The (1) lowest assignment grade is dropped.
Misc. Class Work: The nature of these assignments will vary. Some may be small assignments given during weekly meetings. Some may be made available and completed in Canvas course modules and will connect to that week’s relevant topics.
* Points are subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes in class
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
Attendance and Absences
-This is a hybrid class, and attendance is expected to all lab meetings each week in order to perform lab activities and take exams. Attendance will be taken at each class meeting and, in some cases, may count for credit. Due to the Hybrid nature of this course, scheduled time for other course content (and the necessary time to complete the content) must be the student’s responsibility to set and complete each week. For this course, expect that to be at least 3 hours per week. Sometimes more.
-Attendance at the first laboratory meeting is required. A student may not participate in lab if they have missed the first lab meeting, which includes the mandatory lab safety training. In a 16-week semester offering of this course, if a student misses the first lab meeting, they must notify the instructor to make arrangements to make up the safety training before the second lab meeting. If a student has not completed the safety training before the second lab meeting, the student must either drop the course or the student will be institutionally withdrawn. In the summer semester offerings of this course (8 week), students will not have the opportunity to make up the safety training and will be administratively dropped from the course if they miss the first lab meeting. No exceptions will be made.
-Under most circumstances, points for in-class assignments missed due to an absence will be forfeited
by the student. Any exceptions are made at the instructor’s discretion.
-Please inform the instructor if an absence is due to an unavoidable circumstance, e.g., military duty, court appearance, hospitalization, quarantine, etc. Some unavoidable absences may be excused at the instructor’s discretion.
Connect Reading Assignments and Virtual Labs
-Due dates for Connect Reading Assignments and Virtual Labs will be posted in Connect with the assignment. They correspond with the chapter being covered that week, as listed in the course calendar below.
-Late Connect Reading Assignments and Virtual Labs will generally not be accepted, with some exceptions. Some situations may warrant an exception, but the student must speak to the instructor or email her about the situation that led to the missed due date. Exceptions are at the instructor’s discretion.
-The lowest (1) Connect Reading Assignments will be dropped from the grade book. In the event that a student earns 10 points for every single assignment, the two most recent ones will be dropped.
Quizzes and In-class Work
-In-class/lab work and quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
-Quizzes and in-class work done in lecture or lab usually cannot be made up if missed.
Laboratory Policies (We will discuss this part during the first lab meeting.)
-Students must arrive to lab on time and must be ready to begin at the scheduled start time.
-Students are expected to have read the lab procedures before coming to lab.
-Students who arrive after the pre-lab lecture has begun will not be permitted to participate in lab that day and will receive a zero on that day’s assignment. This type of absence will count as a lab absence.
-Students who do not have proper apparel and/or goggles/glasses, and lab book will not be permitted to participate in lab. This will count as a lab absence. Proper apparel and goggles/glasses, lab coat, and lab book are required for lab regardless of the activity scheduled for the day. The professor does not have loaner materials to share.
-To receive the full credit for the lab activity, the student must stay for the entire lab period, unless dismissed early by the professor. A student will only be dismissed early if they have completed the entire laboratory activity for that day. If a student leaves before being dismissed, the student will forfeit the points for the laboratory activity for that day and will receive a zero, and the absence will count as a lab absence.
-If a student does not complete the lab activity in the allotted time, the student could lose points on that day’s lab activity.
-Experiment make-ups due to absence are not an option.
-It is highly suggested to attend every lab and only reserve lab absences for unavoidable absences; do not use lab absences like you would vacation days.
-Lab assignments are usually worth 10 points each.
-The lab activities from your lab manual will be collected (in their entirety) at the next lab meeting after procedures are completed in lab unless otherwise indicated by your instructor.
-If a student is absent on any given lab day, they will lose the ability to earn points for that portion of the lab.
-If labs are turned in late, there will be two points deducted for each calendar day they are handed in late.
-Students will have the two lowest 10-point lab assignments dropped from the grade book. In the event that a student earns 10 points for every single assignment, the two most recent ones will be dropped.
Missed Lab Policy
-Due to the nature of lab activities, it is not possible to make up labs. Therefore, if a student is absent for a lab activity, they forfeit the possibility of earning points for that assignment. If a student attends only a portion of a lab period and leaves early, they must obtain the instructor’s approval prior to lab that day. Otherwise, the missed lab policy applies.
Exams
-Exams will be either multiple-choice or a combination of true-false multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
-On exam days, students must arrive on time and be ready to take the exam at the start of class.
-If a student arrives late to the exam, they will not be provided any extra time.
-Once an exam has been administered, a student will not be permitted to leave for any reason until they turn in the exam. Please use the restroom BEFORE the exam begins.
-If a student’s cell phone disrupts the class during an exam, the student will receive a zero on that exam.
-If a student is found to be cheating on an exam, the student will receive a zero on the exam as well as receiving an F for their course grade. (See academic dishonesty section below.)
-If a student is found using their cell phone or any other device in any way during an exam, it will be considered a case of cheating and the student will receive a zero on the exam, as well as the possibility of receiving an F for their course grade. (See academic dishonesty section below.)
Missed exams
-Make-up exams will be allowed only if one of the two conditions is met:
1-The student arranges another time with the instructor, a minimum of seven days in advance of the scheduled exam date, to take the exam early.
2- The student reaches out to the professor via email to have the exam date extended in Canvas.
-Either way, the student must notify their professor ASAP if they will be missing an exam.
-Make-up exams that will be taken after the class will consist of essay questions and will be taken in the testing center.
-All make-up exams must be taken within one week of the assigned test date. Any student taking an exam beyond the week timeframe will receive a zero on that exam. No exceptions will be made.
-Appropriateness of excuses will be determined by the instructor. If your excuse is deemed unacceptable, you will not be allowed to make up the exam and therefore receive a zero on that exam.
Lab Exams
-The primary focus is on the material covered in lab.
-Exams will be delivered in a practical style, consisting of short-answer and fill-in-the-blank questions.
-They are worth 20 points each. during lab time.
-Lab Exams require a tremendous amount of preparation and must be taken by students on the assigned day and time. No make-up lab exams will be given. Students who are not present for the lab exam will receive a zero on that exam.
Final Exam
-The final exam will be cumulative, multiple-choice choice and will cover lecture and lab content.
-All finals must be taken at the assigned time.
-If a dire emergency arises, you may arrange to take an exam early with appropriate documentation.
-Taking the final exam after the assigned date and time will not be permitted under any circumstances.
-The final exam date is listed in the course calendar.
Scantron Policy
-Scantrons are often used in this class for exams and quizzes.
-If a student changes an answer and fails to erase completely, the machine may count a correct answer as an incorrect one. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that erasures are complete or copy answers onto a new sheet. If the student fails to do this, the question will be marked wrong, and scores will not be changed.
-A pencil (#2) must be used on all exams. Please bring at least one pencil to the exams.
Viewing Previous Exams
-Students may view their old exams during the instructor’s office hours. Students are strongly encouraged to view old exams as it is part of the learning process.
Other policies
-All work must be submitted by the final exam, and no work will be accepted after the final exam.
-Electronic devices, laptops, cellphones, etc., are allowed during class for class-related use only.
-Video recording of the lecture is not permitted unless pre-approved by the professor.
-Cell phones
- Turn your cell phone to silent or off before the start of class.
- Cell phone usage for non-class-related activities (texting, etc.) is not allowed during class.
-Know how to access your CANVAS and your KCC email account. It is important that you find a way to have access to the Internet for checking your KCC email, for using Connect, and for CANVAS.
Student Behavior
-Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity at all times. This includes all aspects of behavior that can disrupt fellow students' concentration in class, from noise to obnoxious odors. Please be aware of how you are affecting others around you and be considerate.
-Students who disrupt the class may be asked to leave.
- Any behaviors that are disruptive, disturbing, or concerning will be reported to the Dean of Student Services.
· I expect student behavior in this class to be professional.
Athletics and This Course
-Any students involved in college athletic programs must individually discuss all schedule conflicts with the instructor as soon as possible (exam or otherwise) and are held to the same course policies as non-athletes.
-It is the student’s responsibility (not the coach’s) to be knowledgeable about the policies and schedule of the course and discuss concerns with the instructor.
-The professor will make minimal accommodations to the course schedule to accommodate an athlete’s sporting event schedule.
-Students are asked to recall that they are attending college primarily to gain an education. Students are asked to remember that and consider taking courses with schedule conflicts or higher demand for study time during their off-season if necessary.
Sustainability
In line with the sustainability mission of the college, students will:
- Print only what is required.
- Use the recycle bin in the classroom to dispose of unwanted paper.
3. Use the recycle bins outside the classroom to dispose of beverage cans and bottles.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty by a student will lead to the immediate failure of the course with no opportunity for the student to withdraw. No exceptions are made. Students may also have the event noted on their academic transcript at the instructor’s discretion. Bottom line: do your own work as assigned by your instructor.
Some Advice for Success in this class…
-ATTEND every class meeting and be on time.
-ASK questions when you don’t understand or when you want more information.
-VISIT office hours and help sessions. GO TO the tutor labs for help as well.
-STUDY regularly and don’t procrastinate.
-READ and USE the book.
-TAKE the homework and labs seriously because they are intended to prepare you for the exam.
- MAKE the time to do the studying, homework, get help, etc. This is your responsibility.
-STAY ORGANIZED and use the supplemental materials I supply to you.
-REACH OUT if you feel overwhelmed, if you don’t know where to begin and need help getting started, or if you are stuck on a problem or need clarification. Do not wait until things get out of control because it may be too late.
Some Facts…
-If you can’t do something before the test, you won’t be able to do it on the test.
-An average student needs to spend two hours (sometimes more) studying for each hour spent in class/lab to get an average grade.
-Your success is up to you, but I am here to help you along the way if you ask me to.
Laboratory Safety
Attendance at the first laboratory meeting is required. A student may not participate in lab if they have missed the first lab meeting, which includes the mandatory lab safety training. If a student misses the first lab meeting, they must notify the instructor to make arrangements to make up the safety training before the second lab meeting.
Students are expected to comply with the KCC Laboratory Safety Rules at all times. These rules will be discussed during the first lab meeting and each student will sign an acknowledgement of receipt and understanding. Students who do not comply with the safety rules will be asked to leave the lab and will receive no credit for that day’s work.
Course Calendar Biol 2644- Spring 2026
| Week | Lecture Topics | Chapter in Text | Lab Activity |
Week 1 Starts 01/12 | Anatomy and Physiology | Ch. 1 | Lab 1 |
Week 2 Starts 01/19 | No Classes Monday 1/19- MLK Day Atoms, Ions, and Molecules | Ch. 2
| No Labs This Week |
Week 3 Starts 01/26 | Energy, Chemical Reactions and Cellular Respiration | Ch. 3 | Lab 2a, 2b and Lab 3 |
Week 4 Starts 02/02 | Biology of the Cell 02/04 - Exam 1- 1, 2 and 3 | Ch. 4 | Lab 4 |
Week 5 Starts 02/09 | Tissue and Integumentary System | Ch. 5 and 6 | Lab Quiz 1-Tissues and Lab 5 |
Week 6 Starts 02/16 | Bone Structure and Function 02/18- Exam 2- Ch. 4, 5 and 6 | Ch. 7
| Lab 6 |
Week 7 Starts 02/23
| Axial and Appendicular Skeleton | Ch. 8
| Lab Quiz 2-Axial and Lab 7 |
Week 8 Starts 03/02 | Articulations 03/04- Exam 3- Ch. 7 and 8
| Ch. 9
| Lab 8 |
| 03/09-03/13 | Spring Break – No Classes | ------ | No Lab |
Week 9 Starts 03/16 | Muscle Tissue | Ch. 10
| Lab Quiz 3-Appendicular and Lab 9 |
Week 10 Starts 03/23 | Muscular System | Ch. 11
| Lab Quiz 4-Muscles and Lab 10 |
Week 11 Starts 03/30 | Nervous Tissue 04/01- Exam 4- Ch. 9, 10 and 11 | Ch. 12
| Lab 11 |
Week 12 Starts 04/06 | Brain and Cranial Nerves | Ch. 13
| Lab 12 |
Week 13 Starts 04/13 | Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves 04/15- Exam 5- Ch. 12 and 13 | Ch. 14 | Lab 13
|
Week 14 Starts 04/20 | Autonomic Nervous System | Ch. 15 | Lab Quiz 5- Nervous System Lab 14
|
Week 15 Starts 04/27 | Sensory 04/29- Exam 6- Ch. 14, 15 and 16 | Ch. 16
| Lab 15 |
Week 16 Starts 05/04 | Endocrine | Ch. 17 | Lab Final Exam |
| Final Exam Week | Comprehensive Final Exam Date: 05/11/2026 at 8:00 am -Monday | No Readings | No Labs |
Syllabus disclaimer: Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.