The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course provides an overview of all human systems: 1) circulatory system, 2) digestive system, 3) lymphatic system, 4) respiratory system, 5) urogenital system, 6) endocrine system, 7) nervous system and 8) sensory system. In addition to the knowledge presented within one system, the links with other systems will also be explained. For example, how hormones produced by the adrenal gland affect the functioning of different organs, how the lymphatic and circulatory systems are linked, how blood pressure affects the functioning of the kidneys, and so on.
A profound knowledge of human anatomy and physiology is essential for those who want to provide the best possible service to their clients and/or patients. A comprehensive and systematic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology enables an understanding of the complex processes of the human body. With this knowledge, the best solutions can be provided. At the same time, this knowledge does not have to be acquired only to provide a service. This knowledge is also beneficial for oneself, as many diseases are better understood if one knows human anatomy and physiology. Over the years, many of our clients have attended courses not so much to provide a service but to become more aware of their health. It is more accurate to say that the current course is also aimed at those who wish to become more knowledgeable about the health field.
1. Title of the Curriculum
Human Anatomy and Physiology
2. Curriculum Group
Therapy and rehabilitation
3. Learning Outcomes and Objective
Objective: to provide an overview of human anatomy and physiology across different systems.
Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of the online course at the basic level:
- understands the anatomy and physiology of the human circulatory system;
- knows the anatomy and physiology of the human lymphatic system;
- understands the anatomy and physiology of the human respiratory system;
- knows the anatomy and physiology of the human digestive system;
- knows the anatomy and physiology of the human endocrine system;
- understands the anatomy and physiology of the human urogenital system (urinary and reproductive organs);
- understands the various processes from ovum fertilization to childbirth;
- knows the anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system and sensory system;
- is able to find connections between different human systems.
Methods of Evaluation
The following evaluation methods are used to assess the achievement of the learning outcomes:
- nine multiple-choice module tests;
- answering questions (including descriptions of various processes) in nine different modules
- multiple-choice final test (27 questions)
- written assessment: description of the different systems of the human body.
4. Conditions for Starting Studies
There are no prerequisites for starting the studies. The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course is open to anyone who wishes to start learning human anatomy and physiology from the beginning or to refresh previously acquired knowledge. The course is primarily aimed at those working in the field of massage or planning to enter this field in the future. It is rather a beginner-level course that reviews the key aspects of the different systems of the human body.
5. Total Volume and Structure of Study
100 academic hours, of which independent learning (including e-learning) 100 academic hours.
The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course includes nine main modules. The achievement of learning outcomes is assessed at the end of each module.
Module I: the circulatory system
The first module analyses the human circulatory system, focusing on the heart. The systemic and pulmonary circulatory systems, which influence the organism's functioning in synergy, are discussed in parallel. As blood is pumped from the heart into the circulatory system, the role and composition of blood will be reviewed, and the online course will also focus on hematopoiesis. In addition, the online course will provide an overview of the body's fluids and fluid compartments, as they are closely related to the circulatory system. Understanding this topic will provide the basis for understanding the lymphatic system, which is the next topic after the circulatory system.
Module II: the lymphatic system
The second module will review the lymphatic system, an essential part of the human immune system and fluid circulation. Its main functions are removing excess tissue fluid, supporting the immune system, and transporting fats from the digestive tract to the bloodstream. The lymphatic system comprises lymph fluid, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and lymphoid organs. The online course will review these parts individually and highlight their primary functions.
Module III: the respiratory system
The third module reviews the respiratory system, focusing on the airways, the pleura, the mediastinum, and the muscles of respiration. The respiratory system is discussed in the first part of the online course because the lungs are involved in a pulmonary circulation system: the alveoli in the lungs are responsible for the oxygenation of the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide through the airways.
Module IV: Nervous System
Previous modules analyzed various systems of the human body. However, the nervous system is the system that regulates the function of all previously discussed systems. To facilitate understanding of the nature and functions of the nervous system, it has been placed at the center of the online course. This module focuses on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system with its various components.
Module V: Sensory System
The sensory system is classified under the nervous system, but in the online course, we created a separate module to help better understand how this system works. The sensory system focuses on the senses of smell, sight, taste, hearing, balance, touch, temperature, and muscle.
Module VI: Endocrine System
The sixth module reviews the endocrine organs that produce hormones. The endocrine organs are analyzed based on central, peripheral, mixed, and other types of organs. This module also highlights which organs are affected by these hormones.
Module VII: Digestive System
The digestive system centers around the digestive tract and digestive glands, which work together to break down ingested food and absorb nutrients from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Accordingly, the seventh module reviews the organs that form the digestive tract and those involved in producing digestive enzymes.
Module VIII: Urogenital System – Urinary Organs
In the eighth module, we address the urogenital system with a focus on the urinary organs. The urinary organs consist of the urine-producing organs (kidneys) and the urinary tract (renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra). These organs are responsible for the production, storage, and excretion of urine from the body. Their primary functions include maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, removing waste products, and regulating blood pressure. The normal functioning of the urinary organs is essential for overall health and proper body function. This module provides an in-depth examination of these organs, explaining their structure and functions.
Module IX: Urogenital System – Reproductive Organs
The ninth module focuses on the second part of the urogenital system – the reproductive organs. Reproductive organs are divided into external and internal organs in both men and women. In men, the reproductive organs include the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory sex glands, penis, and scrotum. In women, the reproductive organs include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. This module provides an overview of the different parts of the male and female reproductive organs and their functions. The primary functions of the reproductive organs are reproduction and hormonal balance.
6. Content of Study and Learning Methods
The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course includes the following topics:
- delineation of different fields;
- the structure of the heart;
- a systemic circulation and a pulmonary circulation;
- body fluids and fluid compartments;
- functions of blood, blood composition, hematopoiesis;
- organs of the lymphatic system;
- the amount and composition of lymph;
- airways;
- pleura and mediastinum;
- alimentary canal;
- digestive glands;
- central and peripheral organs of the endocrine system, mixed organs and other organs;
- urinary organs;
- other urinary organs;
- male reproductive organs;
- female reproductive organs;
- oocyte fertilisation, pregnancy, childbirth, etc;
- distribution of the nervous system: central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- sensory system: sense of smell, sense of sight, sense of taste, sense of hearing and balance, sense of touch and temperature, sense of muscle;
- etc.
The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course uses teaching methods such as video-based instruction, visual learning, analysis, independent study, written assignments, and tests.
7. Description of the Learning Environment
The online course takes place in a web-based learning environment integrated into the website and is available to participants 24/7. The course is based on a video format, where the content is delivered mainly in audio form: the course instructor explains the topic with a slide presentation in the background, and the instructor’s image is usually not displayed on the screen. To complete the online course, participants must create a user account on the website, have a stable internet connection, and use a device that allows watching videos and submitting assignments. A computer is recommended, but the course can generally also be completed on a smart device (e.g., a smartphone).
8. Conditions for Issuing Graduation Documents
After completing the Human Anatomy and Physiology online course, either a certificate or a notice will be issued. The prerequisite for issuing a certificate is the achievement of all learning outcomes. If the participant does not achieve all learning outcomes but completes at least 70% of the course, a notice will be issued. To achieve the learning outcomes, a considerable amount of independent work is required: completing written assignments (for example, answering questions, describing various processes, etc.), taking multiple-choice tests, a final test, and a written assessment. Submitted written assignments will be reviewed and provided with feedback within 1–3 working days. After that, the participant can move on to the next module.
A certificate or notice is issued electronically. If you wish to receive a certificate or notice in printed form and sent by post, the fee for printing and delivery within Estonia is €15; delivery abroad is arranged by agreement. The fee for printing and sending a certificate or notice has been set for a simple reason: the cost of special paper, printing, envelope, postage, and the time required for the entire process. We want to keep our main focus on organizing courses rather than spending excessive time on formalities. Issuing a certificate or notice electronically takes about 10 minutes, but on paper it takes several times longer. At the same time, we understand that some learners prefer a certificate or notice in printed form, which is why we provide this option for a reasonable fee.
9. Description of the Course Instructor’s Qualification, Learning or Work Experience Required for Conducting the Course or Studies
The course instructor must have completed studies (courses) in anatomy and physiology, preferably at a university level. In addition, the course instructor must have completed extensive massage studies and passed the professional massage practitioner qualification exam, as the current Human Anatomy and Physiology online course is primarily aimed at massage practitioners. The course instructor must also have at least 5 years of experience in teaching adults and organizing e-learning, as well as prior experience in delivering courses on human anatomy and physiology.
10. Where Can You Register for the Human Anatomy and Physiology Online Course? How Long Can You Access the Course?
You can register for the Human Anatomy and Physiology Online Course here.
The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course can be completed within one year after registration. The course can be taken at a convenient time and pace, as it is based on recorded video lectures.