The method by which you acquire information on anatomy and physiology is as important as the content that is acquired. This book asks the student to pull together basic information on various anatomical and physiological topics as directed in the course manuals (Biology 1160 Module I and Biology 1160 Module II). This approach focuses attention on the student’s learning styles. It requires an analysis of the available content and choosing the information appropriate for answering the questions provided. This initial analysis is the beginning of a process by which the student ‘makes sense’ of the information and structures a personalized framework for retaining the information.

Outline of Learning Packages

Each package consists of the Learning Objectives and Lab Activities. Some packages may have one or more of the additional sections.

Title and Introduction

On each title page of a learning package there is a brief statement as to the focus of the package.

Learning Objectives

This section consists of a series of questions which are to be completed by the student. The objectives range from definitions and descriptions to problem solving questions. PLEASE note that these objectives are provided as a GUIDE to help gather information on a particular concept or process. The objectives are in a sequence which begins with an overview and then walks the student through concepts or processes with increasing detail. This means the first objectives provide an introductory overview; the next focus on defining terms; the next lead to descriptions of processes and control mechanisms; and, the final objectives may focus on the impact of modifications to the system. In most cases each objective is setting the stage for the next objective. TOGETHER the objectives outline and explain a concept(s) or process(es) related to the package topic.

Text references are given each week in class for the packages which are assigned. This is meant to help with completion of the objectives. These pages will usually cover at least 90% of the objective information. To help with the pharmacology objectives, information tables are usually included in the package. Information is provided in drug tables to help complete the assigned pharmacology objectives.

PLEASE note that it is not expected that one text will have all the information required to complete all the objectives. It should also not be expected that one text will explain everything equally well. It IS recommended that you consider keeping the following reference material handy for all packages:

• a medical dictionary/encyclopedia,
• a second text (two authors are better than one- We have a library within the A&P lab where an extra anatomy and physiology text can be checked out. There are also anatomy and physiology texts in the main library,
• an anatomy coloring book.

Suggested Learning Activities and Resources

Each package has a section which suggests activities to help make sense of the information covered by the objectives. In summary, this section lists the materials available in the appendices (eg. puzzles, games, diagrams) and the materials and experiences available in the lab (eg. dissections, models(MD), microscope slides(MS), charts(CH),preserved materials (PM), etc.

This section of the package contains a variety of activities and mechanisms for review. Examples include the following:

• Lab activities and evaluations
• Information and (eg. Drug information tables) Diagrams (labelled/ not labelled)
• Case studies
• Summary tables or charts
• Puzzles

It is recommended that before you start a package to read through all of the activities to use some of the diagrams or charts while completing the objectives.

Self-evaluation quizzes

These quizzes include a few multiple choice questions on each package. It is only meant to be a brief check on your understanding of some aspects of the package. It is NOT representative of a weekly in-class quiz.