Foundations of Human Structure and Function

  • $2,813

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 biomedical vocabulary that you can use confidently with your audience. Using a virtual 3D anatomy tool pioneered 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 medical language comfortably and confidently that’s adapted for your audience
  • conduct research online, critically evaluate biomedical and anatomical facts, and disseminate medical information from a place of understanding and confidence
  • apply design and user experience (UX) principles in both visual and communication assignments.

Course outline

Week 1: Introduction to Human Anatomy (Orientation) and Embryology

Week 2: Foundations of Physiology – Cell Biology, Histology, and Homeostasis

Week 3: Thorax 1 – Circulatory System

Week 4: Thorax 2 – Respiratory System

Week 5: Abdomen 1 – Anatomical Overview

Week 6: Abdomen 2 – Foundations of Digestion

Week 7: Renal System and Fluids

Week 8: Pelvis and Perineum Anatomy

Week 9: Musculoskeletal System – Upper and Lower Limb

Week 10: Anatomy of the Head and Neck

Week 11: Central Nervous System, Pain

Week 12: Summary, Overview, Discussion

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.

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