Brazosport College students excel in anatomy and physiology course

In his decades of teaching Anatomy and Physiology, Brazosport College Professor Jerry James has taught plenty of outstanding classes. But none of those classes were quite like his 2016 fall class.

In a difficult course that requires plenty of hard work and studying, James’ fall 2016 Anatomy and Physiology 1 Fast-Track class posted an 88 average — the highest class average since he began teaching the course.

The class bested the previous-best average of 87, which was set by the 2015 class.

Historically, the class average for Anatomy and Physiology 1 has been in the mid 70s, but since the introduction of the fast-track format, student success has improved and the class averages are now typically in the low 80s. As a result, the 87 average attained by the 2015 class, which was assisted by Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader Vanessa Calcote, was a noteworthy achievement.

The 2016 class obviously took note of this.

“This year’s class set out to do the same or better,” James said. “Again, a huge benefit for them was having another great SI leader, Rachel Lovell, to guide them. But it was definitely the students’ motivation to learn that made their success possible. 

“They were faithful in SI sessions almost daily,” James added. “They would finish four-and-a-half hours of classroom and turn right around and do another two to three hours of SI learning activities. Most weekends they met off campus for a four-hour session on Sunday evening.”

Students in the Anatomy and Physiology 1 Fast Track class were Kayla Albarado, Molly Brown, Brittanie Carder, Elide Gonzalez, Veronica Hernandez, Rebakah Howcroft, Yoka Janssen, Audrie Jones, Sydney Kennon, Nicole Mathes, Denise Ontiveros, Jayci Ringo, Jovana Rios, Kimberly Rivera, Heather Rodriguez, Danielle Runnels, Christina Salinas, Madison Taylor, Todd Winkelmann and SI Leader Rachel Lovell.

“I was amazed,” James said. “They would learn topics better and go deeper than I had asked them to. They really kept me on my toes. And to put the cherry on top, they are all very nice people and were kind and considerate of each other. They’re the kind of people you would want as friends outside of class.”

To commemorate the event, the students made T-shirts in recognition of their accomplishment.

Brazosport College is currently registering for the spring 2016 semester. Spring registration ends January 13 and classes begin January 17. For more information or to enroll, visit www.brazosport.edu or call (979) 230-3000.