Trustees Approve Anatomy & Physiology Course Revision

A revision to Huntington High School’s Anatomy & Physiology science course has been approved by Huntington School Board members. Trustees took the action during a public meeting on Monday night at the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School auditorium.

Annual enrollment in the full year course is expected to total approximately 50 students in grades 10-12. The course prerequisite is successful completion of Living Environment.

The district’s Subject Matter Council approved the revised course on January 11 and the Educational Development Committee gave its consent on February 7.

“The Human Anatomy and Physiology curriculum has been designed to continue student investigations that began in grades K-8 and high school Living Environment and is aligned with a similar course at Farmingdale State College (BIO123),” states the course description provided to trustees. “The course is a college level course that will provide 4 credits at Farmingdale State College (optional). The cost per credit is $50.00 for this four-credit course. If a student is eligible for free and reduced lunch the cost per credit is $25.00.”

Beth McCoy, Huntington UFSD’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction presented the revised course to the trustees and said the course content will not be changing.

“The partnership between Farmingdale State College and Huntington High School requires a change in course/program description and revision to the course catalog,” according to materials provided to trustees. “The College Board has recently stated it is pushing its launch of Advanced Placement Anatomy & Physiology for a few more years. However, there is a growing population of students who are interested in the medial professions and obtaining college credit.”

The course curriculum is extensively performance and laboratory based. “It integrates the study of the structures and functions of the human body, however rather than focusing on only distinct anatomical and physiological systems (respiratory, nervous, etc.) instruction is also focused on dysfunctions in homeostasis and disease,” states the course description. “Areas of study include organization of the body; protection, support and movement; internal coordination and regulation; processing and transporting; and reproduction, growth and development.”

Trustees were told that chemistry topics will be integrated throughout anatomy and not necessarily taught as a stand-alone unit. Whenever possible, careers related to medicine, research, health-care and modern medical technology will be emphasized throughout the curriculum. Case studies concerning diseases, disorders and ailments (i.e. real-life applications) will be emphasized.

The revised course will be implemented in the 2024/25 school year.