This course is only available to students who have been accepted into the UBC Certificate in Biomedical Visualization and Communication.
The goal of this course is not only for you to understand the human body, but to build a rich conceptual vocabulary that you can use confidently in the design of human-centered biomedical visualization and communication projects. Using a virtual 3D anatomy tool co-created by instructor Dr. Claudia Krebs and her team, and Faculty of Medicine biomedical education materials, you review the anatomical structures and physiological principles of the major body systems.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- understand the basic structures and functions of the human body
- use biomedical language comfortably and confidently that’s adapted for your audience
- conduct research online, critically evaluate biomedical and anatomical information, and communicate medical ideas from a place of understanding and confidence
- apply design and user experience (UX) principles in both visual and communication assignments individually and in collaboration with your peers.
Course outline
• Week 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy (Orientation) & Embryology
• Week 2: Foundations of Physiology – Cell Biology, Histology, Homeostasis
• Week 3: Central Nervous System, Pain
• Week 4: Abdomen
• Week 5: Digestion, Metabolism, Weight Stigma in Anatomy
• Week 6: Cardiovascular System
• Week 7: Respiratory System
• Week 8: Renal System & Fluids
• Week 9: Pelvis & Perineum
• Week 10: Musculoskeletal System 1 – Upper Limb
• Week 11: Musculoskeletal System 2 – Lower Limb
• Week 12: Head & Neck, Final Presentations
Expected effort
Students can expect to spend 10-15 hours or more per week attending online classes and participating in virtual anatomy labs, completing the modules and assignments, reflecting on their learning, visual journalling and reflection, and posting in online group discussions.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported with real-time classes. Students attend two live, virtual classes a week, and an optional tutorial. All times are in the Pacific (Vancouver) Time Zone.
Mondays 4-6pm - Lecture
Wednesdays 4-6pm - Virtual Anatomy Lab
Fridays 4-6pm - Optional Tutorial/Workshop
Online modules, released weekly, include recorded lectures, readings, videos, exercises and assignments to supplement virtual classes, for a total of 60 hours of online learning. Each module must be completed in full before progressing to the next module.