Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Biology 1A)

Learn human anatomy and physiology. This is a solid foundation for work or further studies in human health, fitness or biology. It is a starting point that underpins many career paths.

Course Code: BSC101
Fee Code: S1
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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LEARN HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Acquire new knowledge or deepen your current knowledge of Human Anatomy and Physiology.

  • Learn at home, save money and time
  • Study this course if you want a strong foundation in human biology
  • Study this course if you want to gain strong study and research skills
  • Feel more confident in your understanding of anatomy and physiology - in depth study on each major system

How: by studying the 6 in-depth lessons each on a major system and completing the 6 assignments. This course comes with course notes, diagrams and self assessment tests (online and elearning only).

Why: because with ACS you learn at home at your pace in your time. This saves you money and hassle, leaving you free to focus on what you want.

This course is designed for people working or looking to work in the health care industry, or for people who want to have the basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. This is a foundation course for most of the certificates and proficiency awards in related disciplines or it may be taken as a very interesting stand alone course.

Student's comment -"Very pleased with the work" L. Lowery

Lesson Structure

There are 6 lessons in this course:

  1. Cells & Tissues
    • Explains the human body at a microscopic level, including the structure and function of cells, tissues and membranes.
  2. The Skeleton
    • Examines features of the human skeletal system.
  3. The Muscular System
    • Describes the human muscular system, in terms of structure and basic function.
  4. The Nervous System
    • Looks at the human nervous system, in terms of structure and basic functions.
  5. Digestion & Excretion
    • Explains different physiological systems of digestion and excretion in the body.
  6. Physiological Systems
    • Focuses on the different physiological systems of the body.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Explain the human body at a microscopic level, including the structure and function of cells, tissues and membranes.
  • Explain features of the human skeletal system.
  • Describe the human muscular system, in terms of structure and basic function.
  • Explain the human nervous system, in terms of structure and basic functions.
  • Explain different physiological systems of digestion and excretion in the body.
  • Explain different physiological systems of the body.

What You Will Do

  • Observe and identify parts of the human body
  • Dissect an animal heart (obtained from a butcher)
  • Observe different types of animal tissues (obtained from a butcher)
  • Prepare a summary explaining the function of the main types of human body tissues
  • Explain, in your own words, different problems that can occur with different human tissues
  • Explain cellular division (mitosis and meiosis)
  • Explain problems that can occur with different bones
  • Explain the purpose of different structural components of muscle tissue in a human muscle of your choice
  • Explain the function of a typical nerve cell using words and illustrations
  • Explain the function of the central nervous system using words and illustrations
  • Describe different physiological process which occur in the digestive system
  • Describe different physiological process which occur in a properly functioning excretory system
  • Broadly classify the effects of hormones
  • Explain different processes which occur in a properly functioning endocrine system
  • Describe the anatomy of the lung
  • List the parts of the respiratory system
  • Define inspiration and expiration
  • Discuss the trachea
  • Explain the processes that occur in a properly functioning respiratory system
  • Draw and label diagrams of the parts of the respiratory system
  • Research further information relevant to human anatomy and physiology using resources available to you (which may be different for different students)

Do You Understand the Skeleton?
 
Bones are living structures. They have blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves. They grow, are able to repair themselves and are subject to diseases. Bones are connected in a system of moveable and immovable joints to form the skeleton. The skeleton serves as a frame to which voluntary striated muscles are attached. It is also a site of red blood cell production or haematopoiesis and produces some cells of the immune system. Exercise can alter bone in that it can alter its strength in response to mechanical stress. The femur (thigh bone) of a weight lifter will be much thicker and stronger than that of a normal adult, for example. Regular exercise helps build muscle, but it also helps maintain and increase bone strength. Exercise causes the muscle to contract against the bone. This action stresses or stimulates the bone and the bone becomes stronger and denser. As we age we tend to lose calcium in our bones and sometimes the bones actually shrink through a process called demineralization which can cause osteoporosis. So, what can we do to keep our bones as strong as possible? In addition to consuming sufficient calcium throughout our lifetime, weight-bearing exercise is critical for keeping our bones healthy. "Weight-bearing" is key. For example, while swimming is terrific for heart health, it does not appear to keep bones well calcified. As we are enjoying our power walks and "pumping iron", it is great to remember that we are strengthening our bones as well as our hearts and muscles. Bone healthy exercises include walking, jogging, lifting light weights, resistance exercises using machines, biking, stair climbing, and cross-country skiing. The skeletal system consists of:
  • Bone tissue
  • Cartilage
  • Bone marrow
  • the periosteum (membrane surrounding bones)
 
"OSTEOLOGY" is the term used to describe the study of bones and the study of the treatment of bones.
 
 
BONE ANATOMY
There are several different types of bone which will be discussed later in this section.  A typical bone is made up of a shaft and two ends (known as extremities). The outer shell of a typical bone is known as compact bone. This layer is hard and covers most of the surface of the bone. The two extremities consist of spongy bone. This is made up of plates that form a porous network. The spaces within this network are usually filled with bone marrow which is a soft, fatty substance. Inside the shaft is the medullary cavity which is a hollow that is filled with bone marrow. Some bone ends are involved in joint movement. Where this occurs the extremity is covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage. This cartilage is called the articular cartilage and its job is to provide a friction-free surface to aid movement. Around the entire surface of the bone (except where there is articular cartilage) is a thin, fibrous membrane called the periosteum. Bone-forming cells are located here and are responsible for laying down bone to increase the width of long bones. It also lays down bone in response to healing at places where fractures have occurred.  
 

 


ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

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If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

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We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

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Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

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Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

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Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Karen Lee

Nutritional Scientist, Dietician, Teacher and Author.
BSc. Hons. (Biological Sciences), Postgraduate Diploma Nutrition and Dietetics.
Registered dietitian in the UK, with over 15 years working in the NHS. Karen has undertaken a number of research projects and has lectured to undergraduate university students. Has co authored two books on nutrition and several other books in health sciences.

Lyn Quirk

M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Over 30 years as Health Club Manager, Fitness Professional, Teacher, Coach and Business manager in health, fitness and leisure industries. As business owner and former department head for TAFE, she brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role as a tutor for ACS.

Jade Sciascia

Biologist, Business Coordinator, Government Environmental Dept, Secondary School teacher (Biology); Recruitment Consultant, Senior Supervisor in Youth Welfare, Horse Riding Instructor (part-completed) and Boarding Kennel Manager.
Jade has a B.Sc.Biol, Dip.Professional Education, Cert IV TESOL, Cert Food Hygiene.

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