Anatomy & Physiology

Before You Register

Do I need a prerequisite for BI 112 (Cell Biology)?

No. But we recommend CH 112Z (Chemistry for Health Occupations) or a recent chemistry class first. BI 112 reviews basic chemistry in the first three weeks, moving fast. If you have not taken chemistry recently, CH 112Z first will make your start much easier.

What do I need before BI 231Z?

You need both of these:

• BI 112 or BI 221 with a C- or better, and
• MTH 052 or higher, or a score of 21+ on the ALEKS math placement test.

If you took math elsewhere or have recent test scores (Smarter Balanced, ACT, SAT, or GED), email your transcript or scores from your Lane email to scienceoffice@lanecc.edu. Include the course you want to register for and your L Number. Learn more about Course Placement.

What else should I take first?

• HP 100 (Medical Terminology): Strongly recommended before BI 231Z. A&P classes use a lot of Latin and Greek terms. Learning this vocabulary first makes the rest of the sequence easier.
• EL 121 (Effective Digital Learning): Recommended if you plan to take any of these courses online. It teaches time management and digital study skills.

Registration Tips

BI 112 fills up fast. How do I get a seat?

BI 112 is our most in-demand class. Here's how to improve your chances:

1. Look at all sections and compare waitlist lengths.
2. Join a waitlist even if it looks long. If Lane adds sections, they offer seats through the waitlist first.
3. Turn on text alerts for your waitlist (you will be prompted to sign up for text alert when you join the waitlist). If you're offered a seat, you only have 12 hours to register, day or night.
4. If every waitlist looks too long, register for a different course this term and try A&P again next term.

What are the special registration dates?

Winter and Spring registration for BI 231Z, BI 232Z, BI 233Z, and BI 234 opens later than the rest of the college, in week 6 of the term before. Summer and Fall registration opens with the whole college.

Exact dates change each year and are listed with each course section on the [Science by Term Chart webpage] (link). Check there for the current dates.

Can I take BI 233Z and BI 234 at the same time?

Yes, if you earn an A- or higher in BI 232Z. If you register for both but don't earn an A- in BI 232Z, you'll be automatically dropped from BI 234.

How Waitlists Work

• You can be on multiple waitlists and enrolled in a class at the same time.
• A seat showing as "open" next to a waitlist is not open. It's being offered to the next person in line.
• If a seat opens up, you'll get an email or text. You have 12 hours to register before it goes to the next person.
• Remove yourself from waitlists you don't need. This helps other students move up faster.
• Automated waitlists close on Wednesday of week 1. If you're still high on a waitlist after that (position 5 or lower), you likely won't get in through the system. Most instructors do not add students after week 1 because these courses move fast.
• If you don't get in, register early for the next term and make sure you've completed the recommended prerequisites.

Choosing a Course Format

All formats cover the same material and use the same learning objectives, so no format is "easier." Online courses often need more self-motivation, not less.

Traditional In-Person: Two to three hour class sessions each week that combine lecture and lab. You get the most face-to-face time with your instructor.

Hybrid In-Person: Required in-person class time plus 2 to 6 hours a week of online work like recorded lectures or simulations. Not a good fit if you expect to miss class often.

Online with In-Person Testing: No scheduled online class meetings. You'll watch recorded lectures and use online tools on your own time, then take 1 to 4 proctored exams at the LCC Testing Center or an approved local proctor. You'll need reliable high-speed internet and a webcam.

Note: BI 234 is only offered in-person. Summer term does not offer the online format.

What to Expect

• These courses move fast and build on each other. Missing class or falling behind is hard to recover from, since there's little room for makeup work.
• Most of your grade comes from tests and quizzes: 75% or more in BI 112, and 85% or more in BI 231Z through BI 233Z. There is little to no individual extra credit.
• BI 231Z is mostly structure and memorization. BI 232Z is about half anatomy and half physiology. BI 233Z is mostly physiology. You may need to change your study habits as you move through the sequence.
• We use low-cost Open Educational Resource (OER) textbooks. A free PDF is provided. You can also order a printed, bound copy through Lulu (allow 10 days to 3 weeks for shipping).

Support and Resources

• Instructor office hours: Every instructor sets aside 1 to 3 hours a week to meet with students.
• STEM Learning Zone (Building 16): Free tutoring, textbooks, microscopes, and models. Sign up for tutoring early since demand is high. 
• Anatomage Table: A digital, life-size 3D cadaver model available in the STEM Learning Zone for studying anatomy.
• Model kits: Check out bone and body models to study on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all sections of a course cover the same material? 

Yes. All instructors teach to the same learning objectives. They may differ in how much practice homework they offer, but this cannot count for more than 15% of your grade.

Who do I contact with questions?

Note: Instructors are not paid during Winter and Spring breaks or summer, so replies may be delayed. For general questions, contact the Science Office instead.