More about Eddie Lunsford’s BIO 163 Class

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Health Science students usually take this class. Arts & Sciences students may use the class as an elective but it does not fulfill the natural sciences requirement. This class is SCC’s one semester version of anatomy and physiology. In the two semester version (BIO 168 and 169) the human body is studied in much more detail. Yet, this class (BIO 163) is challenging in that there are so many things to learn in such a short time. I have heard some people call this a “turbo class.”

I enjoy this class because it gives a basic introduction to human biology. The class meets about six hours per week. This includes a lab component. The successful student typically spends about 12 additional hours per week of outside class time in study and preparation for the class meetings. To do well in class the average student needs to read textbook material in advance of class meetings, preview laboratory materials and regularly review information from previous class meetings. This is not a class that one can usually succeed in by just studying a night or two before a test is given.

There are five unit tests, two lab practicals and a comprehensive final exam. Students are always provided with a list of objectives to use as a study guide for the unit exams and lab practicals. In addition to lecture and discussion, we watch films and complete a variety of lab activities. Weekly lab grades are based on completion of lab worksheets and lab reports. During lab, we study cells and tissues that make up organs and systems of the body. We study a lot of anatomical models and dissect animal organs such as a sheep heart, kidney, eye and brain. Basic physiology of the blood pressure, the special senses and nervous system are also explored in lab. A lot of time is devoted to the laboratory study of the skeleton and muscles. Further, students complete an independent written project in which they summarize 20 diseases or abnormal health conditions of their choice. The average length of the completed project is 21 pages. The paper includes reference citations and a works cited page. Many students tell me that the project is time consuming but interesting and useful to them.

Successful students are also usually open to the idea of exploring their study habits and trying new things to improve their learning skills. This is a fun and interesting class but it is demanding.