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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

BIOL 3701: Human Anatomy for Health Care Professionals

This is an advanced course in human anatomy that is of interest to learners who intent to study physical therapy, occupational therapy, or medicine. The focus of the course is to relate anatomical structures to human activity and function. Students exam the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems in detail, and focus on how they are interconnected.

Learning outcomes

  • Describe the anatomical and positional terminology used in the study of human anatomy of the trunk, thorax, pelvis, and limbs, including anatomical position, planes of movement, classification of joints.
  • Identify the bones and the major landmarks and surface anatomy of the axial and appendicular skeleton.
  • Describe the general organization and function of the cardiovascular, the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system and their inter-relationships with other systems.
  • Classify and describe the movements of the joints of the spine, trunk, and upper and lower limbs.
  • Classify muscles as to their type (cardiac, skeletal and smooth), architecture, and role in movement.
  • Identify the different types of skeletal muscle contraction, the musculo-skeletal lever system, and examples of each class of lever system in the body.
  • Name the muscles of the trunk, abdomen, pelvis, and limbs; describe their location, attachments, innervations, blood supply, and actions within the major muscle groups.
  • Describe general organization of the visceral contents of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis.
  • Relate the knowledge of anatomical structures to normal human activity and function.

Course topics

  • Lesson 1: Tissues and Systems
  • Lesson 2: Vertebrae, Neck, and Upper Back
  • Lesson 3: Shoulder and Axilla
  • Lesson 4: Arm and Elbow
  • Lesson 5: Forearm and Wrist
  • Lesson 6: The Hand
  • Lesson 7: Review of Lessons 1-6 (Anatomy of the Upper Limb)
  • Lesson 8: Spine and Pelvis; Introduction to the Lower Limb
  • Lesson 9: Hip and Anterior Thigh
  • Lesson 10: The Gluteal Region, Posterior and Medial Thigh, and Knee Joint
  • Lesson 11: Leg, Tibia, Fibula, and Ankle
  • Lesson 12: Foot and Arches

Required text and materials

The following materials are required for this course:

  1. Hansen, J.T., (2022), Netter’s Anatomy Coloring Book with Student Consult Online Access. (3rd ed.), Elsevier.
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-323-82673-0
  1. Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W., Adam W. M. Mitchel. (2024), Gray’s Anatomy for Students. (5th ed.), Elsevier.  
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-323-39304-1

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the mandatory final exam.

Clinical Anatomy Case Study Discussions 10%
Assignment 1: Group Activity 1 Report 5%
Assignment 2: Group Activity 2A Report 5%
Assignment 3: Group Activity 2B Report 5%
Quizzes 10%
Mid-term 15%
Final Exam (mandatory) 50%
TOTAL 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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