Hello Everyone! Welcome to A & P I class!

My name is Lori Tyszkowski, and I will be your instructor this semester. You may call me by my first name when addressing me since my last name is pretty challenging. (Can you believe it used to be longer?) If you don't feel comfortable with that, it is absolutely fine to call me Professor T. or Dr. T., if that's easier. Yes, I am the senior faculty member in Biological Sciences here at QC; but no, I'm not a Ph.D. (like most of my office mates). I'm actually a licensed chiropractor, so I understand a lot about patient care and the human body. I'd love to share my knowledge with you and guide you, so you can build a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology.

When I began teaching here at Quincy College back in 2000, I never thought I'd find myself teaching class online, using an LMS like Canvas, or integrating new technology into a "flipped" classroom. I really am more of a "hands-on" type of learner, so I guess it's no surprise that I teach the same way. You will typically find me teaching and working in the labs (dissection is my favorite). Perhaps some of you can identify with this type of learning. This is great! Even if you do not, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. Hands-on participation in all lab activities is required in this class. You don't have to be perfect -- you just have to try your best. If you have questions or need any help, just ask! I may not have all the answers, but I do pride myself on my ability to describe and explain complex concepts in a “regular way” that students can understand and remember. (It must be due to my art background. I was a double major in college.)

If at any point during this semester, you feel you need assistance, please reach out. Don’t get me wrong. YOU have to do the work, but I’m here to help you through.

I look forward to working with you this semester.

Have a great day,

Dr. T.

Contact Information

Instructor: Lori A. Tyszkowski, D.C.
Office Location: Quincy Campus, Saville 206
Office Hours: By Appointment/Posted Outside Office
Phone: (617) 405-5968
Email: ltyszkowski@quincycollege.edu

Course Description

This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular level to the systemic level. Topics include anatomical terminology, molecules, cells, basic histology, and organs. The skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems are also studied. Laboratory experience is correlated with classroom lecture; therefore they are taken together as a single, 4-credit course. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with a "C" or better.

This course meets on campus three times per week; twice for lecture and once for lab. The majority of the course content will be delivered through lecture and other activities held during class meetings. In addition, both Canvas and Mastering A&P will be used for assessment and/or to provide interaction with the course content. Course materials are drawn largely from the required texts, supplemented by Mastering A&P, specific articles, other textbooks, case studies, and/or videos/online resources. Lectures will be held in the traditional manner, and require student participation/discussion. Laboratory sessions are designed to depend primarily on group work. Active, hands-on participation is required during all lab exercises. Students are expected to read the day’s material ahead of time and come to class prepared to participate/engage with the material. Learning requires a weekly time commitment. Since this is a 4-credit course that includes a lab, you should plan on 5 hours of class time each week and approximately 2-3 hours of homework/study time per credit each week. This may be pretty challenging since we all have different schedules/commitments/lives outside of class. In other words, it is up to each individual to schedule sufficient time to complete the work assigned. This includes scheduling time with me during office hours, the tutoring center (virtual or in-person), the QC Learning Innovation Hub, etc. if you have any questions or need extra help.

If you want to understand disease processes and treatments, you need to learn the basics first. If you take the time to build a strong foundation, everything will make more sense as you advance. Perhaps you're not here for a specific program. Everyone has a body. Aren't you curious? You probably have questions about your own health. If you take the time to learn how the body is supposed to work or respond, then health practices start to make more sense.

Since this is such an information-heavy course, it is important for you to hit the ground running. As I mentioned, learning requires a time commitment from you. You will have to make scheduling decisions in order to achieve your goals. No one said it would be easy, but you can do it if you try. I will be here to support and guide you as you navigate through A&P. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Communication is the key to success! I will post Announcements to our Canvas class homepage and message you through the Inbox, so be sure to check often. We all have access to the Discussion Forum, so please feel free to use that, as well. No one student needs to do it alone --- We're all in this together!

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Describe body orientation and contents of body cavities using appropriate anatomical terminology and directional terms. (CLO 1)
Define homeostasis and identify differences/similarities between negative and positive feedback systems. (CLO 2)
Identify and describe the structure and function of the main parts of the cell; including the passive and active processes of the plasma membrane. (CLO 3)
Name the four basic types of tissue that comprise the human body, and discuss the characteristics of each; including structure, location, and functions. (CLO 4)
Describe the structure and functions of the skin and associated structures and explain the wound healing process as it pertains to skin. (CLO 5)
Discuss and describe the structure, functions, and development of bone tissue, and identify the bones of the axial and appendicular skeletons. (CLO 6)
Classify joints based on structure and movement. (CLO 7)
Explain the function of muscle tissue and identify the major skeletal muscles of the body. (CLO 8)
Describe the structure and function of the various divisions of the nervous system, as well as the special senses. (CLO 9)
Demonstrate how the various body systems are interdependent and how structure reflects function to maintain homeostasis. (CLO 10)
Recognize the basic pathology of various human diseases and disorders as they relate to the individual systems studied. (CLO 11)
Demonstrate mastery of fundamental microscope and laboratory skills. (CLO 12)

(CLO = Course Learning Outcome)

Course Materials

Course Textbooks:

Hoehn, K., Haynes, L., and Abbott, M. (2025). Human anatomy & physiology (12^th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN-13: 9780138242732 (text only).
Marieb, E. and Smith, L. (2019). Human anatomy & physiology lab manual (customized for Quincy College BIO 131 & BIO 132). Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions. ISBN: 9781323960905

Publisher Materials:

Modified Mastering A&P

You are required to purchase an access code to the publisher’s Mastering A&P site. The ISBN will vary based on the bundle you choose to purchase. The minimum requirement for this course is Modified Mastering A&P with Pearson eText.

Third-party Software:

During this course, you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you should not provide personal information about yourself or your classmates on a public site. Where appropriate, you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personal information. If you have any concerns about this process, please contact your instructor.

Course Syllabus

Click the COURSE SYLLABUS button in the navigation bar on the LEFT of the screen.

Academic Integrity

Please read and familiarize yourself with the following Quincy College academic integrity policies:

Student Code of Conduct: Students at Quincy College are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. Academic dishonesty is considered a serious breach of these ethical standards because it interferes with the College mission to provide a high-quality education in which no student enjoys an unfair advantage over any other. Please refer to Policy 6.16: Student Code of Conduct Policy in the QC Policy Manual.
Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is also destructive to the College community, which is grounded in a system of mutual trust and places a high value on personal integrity and individual responsibility. Please refer to Policy 5.15: Academic Integrity Policy in the QC Policy Manual.
The Quincy College Policy Manual: For detailed information about the mission, vision, commitment to excellence, and general policies of Quincy College, please refer to the QC Policy Manual.

Accessibility & Privacy Policies

Various tools and technologies will be utilized throughout this course. For information on the privacy and accessibility standards of specific technologies, please refer to the following policies:

QC Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic support, accommodations, and many other services to meet student accessibility needs. For further information, or if you feel you require support, please contact Student Accessibility Services.

QC Student Success

Need Help?

Free support services are available for QC's students. You can access resources and assistance through QC's Student Services.

Next Steps: Begin This Course

Complete the following:

Review the material in the Start Here module.
Complete the "About you" survey.
Participate in the Course introductions discussion board.
Complete the Syllabus & course quiz.

Click the Next ▶ button to continue.