In order to successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course content by:

• completing the reading and viewing resources for each module,
• completing the labs for each module,
• actively participating in the discussions,
• writing a letter to future students,
• taking the extra credit quizzes,
• passing the seven proctored assessments with a combined average of 60% or higher.

Here is an overview of the assignments in the course. You can find detailed directions and the grading rubrics in the module where they are assigned.

Readings

The textbook has all the important information for this class. Please download or access the textbook online and read it as you complete chapter objectives. You should write down detailed responses to each chapter objective. The chapter objective documents will serve as study guides for review of exams. Make sure you write down and look up any term you do not know. An important part of any anatomy and physiology course is becoming familiar with correct terminology for body parts and functions.  Use learning activities such as flash cards to review terms. 

Videos

Videos provide an audio-visual description of concepts covered in the textbook and you will hear correct pronunciation of terms. Please view videos in the beginning before readings as introduction. Later you might take another look at the videos and compare the information you hear with your notes for each chapter objective. Check if you recognize and understand the terminology!

Discussions

There is a Trouble Spot discussion in each module. They are to help you clarify the concepts covered in each module and achieve the learning objectives. You will learn from your classmates and ask your instructor for clarifications in the forums. They will help you understand difficult concepts  and answer questions about lab assignments. They can prepare you for the lab assignments and the exams.

Labs

Human anatomy and physiology is a lab science. You are expected to satisfy the lab requirements for this online course. It is as much a vital part of the study as critical concepts. The virtual lab assignments allow you to interpret data, make correlations, apply concepts, and identify the human body's structure and function. The lab assignments can be discussions, quizzes, and individual assignments. They will be submitted to Turnitin to check for plagiarism. Please turn in your original work.

Proctored Assessments

There are eight exams (proctored assessments) in the course. You are required to take the exams in a proctored environment. The proctored assessments provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning objectives and are ready to move to the next level of the study of human anatomy and physiology. You can find the information on how to take a proctored assessment in the Taking Proctored Assessments section of the Syllabus.

Quizzes

The quizzes are extra credit. You will understand how you may be tested in the exams by taking the quizzes. Please note that quizzes are to be taken on your own without using any outside help. That includes your text, notes, any electronic devices, or web sites other than the quiz website, or other human beings. According to your Student Handbook, doing any of these things is a clear violation of NOVA's academic integrity policy, which reads in part (emphasis is ours):

• Cheating on an examination or quiz, including giving, receiving, or soliciting information and the unauthorized use of notes or other materials during the examination or quiz;

Be sure you have read the full text of the NOVA Student Handbook and the Academic Integrity Policy. It describes academic integrity in detail and lists the consequences of working without academic integrity.

Photographing the screen will also be considered an infraction whether it's for your personal use or for sharing with others.