COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE PREFIX NO.:
COURSE TITLE:
LEC HRS/WK:
LAB HRS/WK:
CREDIT HRS/SEMESTER:
AHS 102
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
3.0
0.0
3.0
Distance Learning Attendance/VA Statement
Textbook Information
Student Code and Grievance Procedure
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course covers medical terms including roots, prefixes, and suffixes, with the emphasis on spelling,
definition, and pronunciation.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is delivered through the use of varied computer-based technologies. Students will follow a
course calendar with test deadlines but may also complete requirements before the deadlines only with
special permission from instructor.
COURSE COMPETENCIES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Module 1: Getting Started—Terms, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Basic Elements of a Medical Word
• Define the following terms: root word, prefix, suffix, combining form, compound word, plural word,
and eponym (a medical term that uses a person’s name).
• Identify parts of words.
• Use a simple formula to pronounce medical terms.
Suffixes
• Describe functions of suffixes.
• List and define suffixes for each function.
• Construct medical terms using these suffixes.
• Define medical terms using these suffixes.
Prefixes
• Identify prefixes according to: type, time and place, position and location, direction, number and
quantity, size and amount, color, shape, and ascending order.
• Define the prefixes and root words presented.
• Identify the correct pronunciation for each prefix and root word by utilizing the dictionary.
• Construct medical terms using these prefixes and root words.
• Define medical terms using these prefixes and root words.
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Module 2: The Cell, Tissues, Organs, and Body Structure
• Describe the basic structure of the body.
• Identify root words that relate to the structure of the cell.
• List and describe types of body tissue.
• Name the body systems, listing the organs in each system
• Define the terms related to the physical structure of organs or the system of the body.
• Define terms that relate to body position.
• Define terms that relate to the surfaces or depth of body parts.
• List and describe the major cavities of the body.
• Identify the quadrants and regions of the abdomen.
• Describe the anatomical division of the back surface of the body.
• Identify terms that are associated with specific areas of the body.
• Identify planes and directional aspects that are related to the body.
• Spell terms related to the body structure correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the body structure correctly.
Module 3: Skin, Nails, Nose and Lungs
Integumentary System
• Define the terminology related to the structure and function of the skin.
• Discuss the terminology related to the physical exam and diagnostic tests for common disorders
of the skin.
• Discuss the common disorders of the skin.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the integumentary system.
• Spell terms related to the integumentary system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the integumentary system correctly.
Respiratory System
• Discuss the functions of the respiratory system.
• Name the structures involved in respiration.
• Define terms related to the organs in the respiratory system.
• Define respiration and terms related to respiration.
• Discuss terms related to diseases of the respiratory system.
• Discuss terms related to diagnostic and surgical procedures performed on the respiratory
system.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the respiratory system.
• Spell terms related to the respiratory system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the respiratory system correctly.
Module 4: Stomach, Intestine and Other Digestive Organs
• Discuss terminology related to the structure and function of the GI tract.
• Describe the terminology needed for a physical exam of the GI tract.
• Discuss tests that help diagnose GI disorders.
• Discuss GI disorders and their treatments.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the respiratory system.
• Spell terms related to the GI system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the GI system correctly.
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Module 5: Heart and Blood Vessels
• Describe the parts of the cardiovascular system.
• Identify the structures and chambers of the heart.
• Trace circulation through the heart.
• Discuss the mechanisms involved in the initiation of the heartbeat.
• Describe the vascular system.
• Name the major arteries of the body.
• Discuss diagnostic terms, diseases, and treatments of cardiovascular diseases.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the cardiovascular system.
• Spell terms related to the cardiovascular system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the cardiovascular system correctly.
Module 6: Blood and Lymph
• List the functions of blood.
• Provide a brief description of the composition of blood.
• Describe the process that occurs in the formation of blood.
• Define terms related to blood cells.
• Discuss selected terms related to diseases of the blood.
• Discuss selected terms related to the treatment of diseases of the blood.
• Describe the structure and functions of the lymphatic system.
• List the organs in the lymphatic system and describe their function.
• Describe terms related to the diagnosis and conditions of the lymphatic system.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the blood, lymph and immune systems.
• Describe terms related to diseases of the immune system.
• Spell terms related to the blood, lymph, and immune systems correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the blood, lymph, and immune systems correctly.
Module 7: Bones and Muscles
• Discuss the functions of the skeletal system.
• List the parts of the skeletal system.
• Define terms and describe the structure of bones.
• State the functions of specific bones.
• Discuss selected terms related to diagnostic procedures of bones.
• Discuss terms related to diseases and treatment of the bone disorders.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the skeletal system.
• Spell terms related to the skeletal system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the skeletal system.
• Define muscle
• Describe three types of muscles in the body.
• Define terms which relate to the action of muscles.
• Define terms used in naming the major muscles of the body.
• Describe diagnostic terms related to muscle disorders, including signs and symptoms.
• Describe terms related to diseases of the muscles.
• Describe terms related to the treatment of muscle disorders.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the muscular system.
• Spell terms related to the muscular system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the muscular system correctly.
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Module 8: Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves and Senses
Nervous System
• Describe the nervous system.
• List the parts of the nervous system.
• Describe the structure that makes up the nervous system.
• Discuss terms related to diseases involving the nervous system.
• Discuss terms related to the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the nervous system.
• Discuss terms related to signs and symptoms of diseases of the nervous system.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology and clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the skeletal system.
• Spell terms related to the nervous system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the nervous system correctly.
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Tongue
• Define the terminology related to the structure and function of the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue.
• Discuss the terminology related to the physical exam and diagnostic tests for common disorders
of the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue.
• Describe the common disorders of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and surrounding structures.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology, clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the eyes, ears, nose, and tongue.
• Spell terms related to the special senses correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the special senses correctly.
Module 9: Hormones and Glands
• Describe an endocrine gland.
• List the common functions of the endocrine system.
• Define terms that are related to the endocrine system.
• List and describe the endocrine and exocrine glands.
• Discuss terms related to the disease conditions and treatment of endocrine diseases.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology, clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the endocrine system.
• Spell terms related to the endocrine terms correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the endocrine system correctly.
Module 10: Kidneys, Bladder, Urine and Reproduction
Genitourinary System
• List the organs in the urinary system.
• Define medical terms related to the kidneys and their functions in the body.
• Define terms related to the formation of urine.
• Define terms related to the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
• Discuss the process of urination.
• Describe selected terms related to disease conditions of the urinary system.
• Describe selected terms related to diagnosis and surgical treatment of the urinary system.
• List the functions of the male reproductive organs.
• Describe the organs and structures in the male reproductive system and define terms related to
each.
• Discuss selected terms related to conditions and disease of the male reproductive system.
• Describe selected terms related to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of the
male reproductive system.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology, clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the urinary and male reproductive system.
• Spell terms related to the urinary and male reproductive system correctly.
• Pronounce terms related to the urinary and male reproductive system correctly.
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Female Reproductive System
• List the external and internal organs in the female reproductive system.
• Describe the menstrual cycle, fertilization, implantation, and the processes of labor and delivery.
• Define terms related to the breast.
• Describe selected terms related to gynecological conditions.
• Define selected terms related to the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions.
• Describe selected terms related to obstetrical conditions and treatments of obstetrical patients.
• Discuss selected terms of pharmacology, radiology, clinical laboratory procedures, and
abbreviations as they relate to the female reproductive system.
• Spell terms related to the female reproductive system correctly.
• Pronounce key terms related to the female reproductive system correctly.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
The instructor will introduce the principles of Medical Terminology in class and/or through the use of the
learning management system. Students needing additional assistance may consult with the instructor
during posted office hours, by appointment, by phone, or by e-mail.
MINIMAL STANDARDS
Given an assignment, the student should demonstrate minimal course requirements identified in the
syllabus. Assessment and evaluation will be in the form of completion of non-graded homework/study
questions and completion of graded modular tests. A minimum grade average of 60 is required to pass
the course. However, if the student is majoring in a program in Allied Health Science or is a college
transfer student, a grade of 70 is required for the course to apply towards a degree/diploma or for transfer.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students will be responsible using the learning management system to gain competency, complete
exercises, and study. Students who do not participate in 10% of the course may be withdrawn. It is very
important for the student to inform the course instructor if he/she will be delayed in completing the weekly
requirements of the course (following the course/test schedule).
WITHDRAWAL
A student may withdraw from the class until midterm and receive a grade of W. The student should
contact the instructor to withdraw. After midterm, the situation or reason for withdrawal will determine a
grade of W or WF at the time of withdrawal.
ASSIGNMENTS
All students are responsible for attaining course competencies by completing the following requirements:
• Use of the learning management system, the homework/study questions, and textbook.
• Completion of assigned tests.
LATE OR MISSED ASSIGNMENTS
Students are expected to complete modules and homework/study questions and utilize the textbook to
prepare for exams. Students who fail to take a test on time without the instructor's prior
permission will receive a zero for the missed exam. It is the individual student’s responsibility to
contact the instructor if a test will be missed.
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ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
Any student who demonstrates an area of weakness or needs additional help may contact the course
instructor. If further referral is required, the student and instructor will discuss student support options.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Using another person’s work without giving credit to the source or copying another student’s work and
claiming it as one’s own work constitutes academic dishonesty. “Any student caught cheating or involved
in any other academic dishonesty will be given a grade of zero and will be subject to further disciplinary
action” (York Technical College Catalog and Handbook).
EVALUATION STRATEGIES
Grading Policy
Tests are to be taken on the assigned dates as instructed (in the Assessment Center for online students).
Students may take tests ahead of the test schedule with permission from the instructor.
All graded assessments assigned by the instructor will be averaged to determine the final grade. All class
tests must be completed. Each test is taken only once. A minimum test average (60) is required to
demonstrate competency and pass the course; if the student is majoring in a program in Allied Health
Science or is a college transfer student, a grade of 70 is required for the course to apply towards a
degree/diploma or for transfer. Students achieving a 90% average or above will be exempted from the
final exam.
Grading Scale
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
SCORE
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
Below 60
ENTRY LEVEL SKILLS
N/A
PREREQUISITES
RDG 100 and ENG 100 or equivalents; WEB 100 for online students
CO-REQUISITES
N/A
Disabilities Statement: Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact
of a disability should contact the Special Resources Offices (SR) at 803-327-8007 in the 300 area of
Student Services. The SRO coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with documented
disabilities.
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