The Human Anatomy and Physiology e-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.
The Human Anatomy and Physiology e-course is open to everyone who wants to start learning Human Anatomy and Physiology from the beginning, or who wants to refresh their previous acquired knowledge.
Volume, duration and structure of the online course
100 academic hours, of which independent learning (including e-learning) 100 academic hours.
The structure of the e-course on Human Anatomy and Physiology in Estonian version can be found here. The structure of the e-course on Human Anatomy and Physiology in English version can be found here.
The Human Anatomy and Physiology e-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
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 e-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: the digestive system
The digestive system consists of the alimentary canal and the digestive glands, which work together to break down the food eaten and ensure the absorption of nutrients from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Consequently, the fourth module reviews the organs that make up the alimentary canal and what are involved in producing digestive enzymes.
Module V: the endocrine system
The fifth module will review the endocrine organs, which produce hormones. Endocrine organs are analyzed by central, peripheral, mixed, and other organs. The fifth module also highlights which organs are affected by these hormones.
Module VI: urogenital system - urinary organs
Module VII: urogenital system - reproductive organs
Module VIII: the nervous system
Previous modules analyzed different systems of the human body. The nervous system, however, regulates the functioning of all the systems discussed earlier. To make it easier to understand the nervous system's nature and functions, the nervous system section has been placed at the end of the e-course. The eighth module focuses on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system, which has different parts.
Module IX: the 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.
Topics of the online course
The Human Anatomy and Physiology e-course includes the following topics:
- the structure of the heart;
- a systemic circulation and a pulmonary circulation;
- body fluids and fluid compartments;
- functions of blood, blood composition, hematopoiesis;
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Completing the Human Anatomy and Physiology online course will result in a certificate or notice. The certificate is issued based on the achievement of all learning outcomes. A notice will be issued when the e-course participant does not achieve all the learning outcomes but completes at least 70% of the e-course. To achieve the learning outcomes, you must do a certain amount of independent learning, including assignments with written feedback and multiple-choice tests. Your written assignments will be reviewed, and feedback will be provided within 24-72 (usually 36) hours. Then, you can proceed to the next module.
The certificate or notice within Estonia is free of charge; sending abroad is by agreement. We can also issue the certificate or notice electronically upon request.
In addition to the Human Anatomy and Physiology online course, what other e-courses could you complete?
The Human Anatomy and Physiology online course covers a large part of the human body, but the skeletal muscles are a relatively minor part of this online course. If you want to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the skeletal muscle system, it is recommended that you also complete the Functional Anatomy online course.
If you are interested in the field of massage, it is a good idea to acquire knowledge of Human Anatomy and physiology before studying massage types. Then, it is advisable to follow a course in one of the following types of massage, for example a Classical Massage online course.
As many human body systems are affected by sauna use, consider taking an e-course on sauna – Sauna and its effects on the body.
Where can I enroll in the Human Anatomy and Physiology e-course?
The Estonian version of the Human Anatomy and Physiology e-course can be found here.
The English version of the Human Anatomy and Physiology e-course can be found , here.