Skip to main content
nounstudy
PHS201

Anatomy

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of human anatomy. It explores the structure and organization of the human body, starting from basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, progressing through the cellular level, and culminating in an overview of major organ systems. The course also covers the anatomy of the skin, ear, and eyes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the human body's structural components and their interrelationships.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
156 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

PHS201 · UNIT 1 BASIC CONCEPTS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

You have gone through the basic biology course where you learnt that all living things share basic characteristics, some of which include the following: Movement, Reproduction, Nutrition, Irritability, Growth, Excretion and Respiration. The basic Biology includes Anatomy and Physiology as sub-specialties. These are biological subjects with slightly different perspectives, which we shall study in this unit.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define anatomical terms and concepts
  2. Identify major bones and muscles of the body
  3. Explain the function of the nervous system
  4. Describe the endocrine system and its hormones
  5. Explain the process of respiration and digestion

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Medical Doctor
  • Nurse
  • Physiotherapist
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • Public Health Officer
Where it is applied
  • Healthcare
  • Medical Research
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Sports Medicine

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 3: Nervous and Endocrine System

    Unit 2: Structure of the Brain and Blood supply

    Complex neural pathways and neurotransmitter interactions require detailed memorization

  • Module 5:

    Unit 4: The structure of the Kidney

    Requires understanding of filtration coefficients and oncotic pressure gradients

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 51 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Anatomy
    • Unit 1: Basic concepts of Anatomy and Physiology · 3 hours

      Define anatomy and physiology. Describe specialties of each discipline. Explain the relationship between anatomy and physiology.

    • Unit 2: Structure of the Cell · 3 hours

      Describe cell structure. State the functions of the cell. State the parts of a cell and their functions.

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Anatomy
    • Unit 3: Levels of organization of the Human Body · 3 hours

      Give an overview of the microscopic anatomy of the human body. Describe the basic gross anatomy of each organ system. Identify the six levels of organization of the body.

    • Unit 4: Anatomy of the Skin, Ear and Eyes · 3 hours

      Describe the anatomical structure and functions of human skin. Describe the anatomical structure and functions of human ear. Describe the anatomical structure and functions of human eyes.

  3. Week 3Module 2: Introduction to Body Systems
    • Unit 1: Overview of the Skeletal System · 3 hours

      Discuss the general features and surface markings of the skeletal system. Discuss the Vertebral Column. Discuss the functions of the Skeletal System.

  4. Week 4Module 2: Introduction to Body Systems
    • Unit 2: Composition and Types of Bone · 3 hours

      Classify bones according to their shapes. Describe the function of each category of bones. Describe bone composition.

  5. Week 5Module 2: Introduction to Body Systems
    • Unit 3: Axial Skeleton and Appendicular Skeleton · 3 hours

      Distinguish between the axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton. Define the axial skeleton and its components. Define the appendicular skeleton and its components.

  6. Week 6Module 2: Introduction to Body Systems
    • Unit 4: The muscles as associate organ of the Skeletal System · 3 hours

      Identify the skeletal muscles and their actions on the skeleton. Identify the origins and insertions of skeletal muscles and the prime movements. Explain the criteria used to name skeletal muscles.

  7. Week 7Module 3: Nervous and Endocrine System
    • Unit 1: Overview of the Nervous System · 3 hours

      Explain the activities of the nervous system. Describe a general overview of the nervous system. Describe the anatomical divisions of the nervous system and their functions.

  8. Week 8Module 3: Nervous and Endocrine System
    • Unit 2: Structure of the Brain and its Blood Supply · 3 hours

      Describe the structure of the brain. Describe the functions of the brain. Describe the blood supply to the brain.

  9. Week 9Module 3: Nervous and Endocrine System
    • Unit 3: Spinal Cord and Associated Nerves · 3 hours

      Discuss the anatomy and functions of the spinal cord. Describe the spinal nerves. Describe the map of dermatomes.

  10. Week 10Module 3: Nervous and Endocrine System
    • Unit 4: Integration of Central Nervous with other systems · 3 hours

      Discuss the integration of the nervous system with other systems. Describe Nervous and Chemical Integration. Discuss Sensory Integration.

  11. Week 11Module 3: Nervous and Endocrine System
    • Unit 5: The Endocrine glands and other secretory organs · 3 hours

      Describe the endocrine system. Identify the components of the endocrine system. Describe the three categories of hormones. Explain the integration between the endocrine system and the nervous system.

  12. Week 12Module 4: The Respiratory and Digestive Systems
    • Unit 1: Overview of the Respiratory System · 3 hours

      Discuss the General Function of the respiratory system. Describe the Physiology of Respiration. Discuss Air Movement. Discuss Pulmonary Ventilation.

    • Unit 2: The structure of the Respiratory System · 3 hours

      Explain the respiratory process. Describe the types of respiration. Explain the anatomy of the respiratory system. Describe pulmonary ventilation.

  13. Week 13Module 4: The Respiratory and Digestive Systems
    • Unit 3: Overview of the Digestive System · 3 hours

      Describe the organs of the digestive system. Discuss the general function of the digestive system. Describe the walls of the digestive tract.

    • Unit 4: The structure and function of the Digestive System · 3 hours

      Describe the general anatomy of the digestive system. Describe the major organs of digestion and absorption. Explain the mechanism of digestion.

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed diagrams of the skeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems
  • Use flashcards to memorize anatomical terms and definitions
  • Practice identifying structures on anatomical models
  • Review the functions of each organ system and their interrelationships
  • Focus on understanding the mechanisms of respiration, digestion, and excretion
  • Complete all tutor-marked assignments and review feedback thoroughly
  • Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice questions
  • Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and share knowledge
  • Prioritize key topics based on their weight in the final examination
  • Practice time management during mock exams to improve speed and accuracy
  • Review all diagrams and tables in the course materials
  • Focus on understanding the key differences between the different types of tissues and cells
  • Create concept maps linking different organ systems and their functions
  • Practice answering essay questions to improve writing skills and clarity
  • Review all self-assessment exercises and identify areas for improvement

Questions students ask about this course

What is PHS201 about?

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of human anatomy. It explores the structure and organization of the human body, starting from basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, progressing through the cellular level, and culminating in an overview of major organ systems. The course also covers the anatomy of the skin, ear, and eyes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the human body's structural components and their interrelationships.

How many units does PHS201 have?

PHS201, Anatomy, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 219 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is PHS201?

PHS201 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Health Sciences.

Is PHS201 hard?

PHS201 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.

How long does PHS201 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.

How is PHS201 assessed?

PHS201 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with PHS201?

Medical Doctor, Nurse, Physiotherapist, Medical Laboratory Scientist and Public Health Officer.

More courses in Health Sciences

EHS205

Climate Change And Contemporary Issues

2 credit units

Open EHS205
PHS217

General Microbiology

3 credit units

Open PHS217
EHS508

Health Psychology And Sociology

2 credit units

Open EHS508