Anatomy & Physiology Course Offered at Huntington High School

Not every high school is able to offer its students a full credit anatomy and physiology course, but Huntington High School does and several dozen sophomores, juniors and seniors have filled up four sections of classes.

“The human anatomy and physiology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations that began in grades K-8 and high school Living Environment,” states the course description. “This 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 distinct anatomical and physiological systems (respiratory, nervous, etc.) instruction will focus on the essential requirements for life.”

The course is offered to students who have successfully completed the Living Environment course. The course focus is on a broad spectrum of health science. The Anatomy & Physiology course has the option for a dual enrollment with Farmingdale State College allowing students to earn four college credits at a reduced cost

Areas of study include organization of the body; protection, support, and movement; providing internal coordination and regulation; processing and transporting; and reproduction, growth, and development. Chemistry will be integrated throughout anatomy and not necessarily taught as a stand-alone unit. Case studies concerning diseases, disorders, and ailments (i.e., real-life applications) will be emphasized.

Students who are interested in careers in athletic training, sports medicine, emergency medical technician, paramedics, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and physician assistants are recommended to enroll in this course. The course meets NCAA student-athlete specifications.

Faculty member Luigi Papasidero teaches the course. He is a graduate of Glen Cove High School, where he played on the varsity tennis team, was a National Honor Society member and participated in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program. He earned an Advanced Regents Diploma.

Mr. Papasidero obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees at St. John’s University. As an undergraduate he was co-president of Kappa Delta Pi; a Dean’s Scholar and STAR Mentor in the School of Education; and co-chair of the Academic Affairs Committee for the student government. While pursuing a master’s degree he was a student member of the Graduate Academic Council.