Course Overview

Introduction to Applied Anatomy & Physiology

This course explores the interrelationships of body organ systems, chemical and cellular aspects, and the normal organization, structure, and function of the human body. The basics of metabolism, fundamental physiological needs, and homeostasis are introduced. All knowledge is applied to the clinical situation, human body systems, including a systematic and holistic approach to student body system assessments.

• Course Number: NURS 1080-YA

• Course Name: Applied Anatomy & Physiology

• Term: Fall/Winter 2025/2026

• Schedule: Monday/Wednesday 4:00PM - 5:30PM

Learning Outcomes

N1080 Learning Outcomes (Anatomy and Physiology)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding and use of appropriate anatomical and physiological terminology, including Greek and Latin terms.

2. Recognize and describe anatomical structures within all human body systems.

3. Identify and explain physiological processes of human body systems.

4. Apply anatomical knowledge to anticipate physiological responses.

5. Apply physiological knowledge to explain features of anatomical structures.

6. Identify and describe the anatomical and physiological relationships within and between systems of the human body.

7. Translate knowledge of anatomy and physiology to potential real-life situations and nursing care scenarios.

N1080Y1 Learning Outcomes (Holistic Assessment Lab and Theory)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate therapeutic and relational communication skills when conducting health histories.

2. Demonstrate components of both a focused and complete health assessment.

3. Use appropriate language when describing the rationale for, process of, and expected findings from a health assessment.

4. Explain and demonstrate proper health assessment techniques (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation).

5. Use personal and interpersonal technique with assessment tools (e.g., stethoscope, otoscope, reflex hammer).

6. Interpret the expected findings from a health assessment.

7. Synthesize the findings from a health assessment and begin to verbalize possible nursing interventions for health restoration, illness prevention, and health promotion.

8. Interpret the expected findings from a health assessment.

9. Verbalize safe professional care.

10. Demonstrate appropriate documentation of expected findings from a health assessment.

11. Demonstrate culturally competent care.

12. Relate knowledge of anatomy and physiology with health assessment techniques and findings.

13. Demonstrate a commitment to the acquisition of evidence-informed knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment for safe, accountable health assessment practices.

Required Course Resources

Textbooks

• Marieb & Hoehn (2024): Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th edition)

• Jarvis (2024): Physical examination and health assessment (4th Canadian ed.)

• Jarvis (2024): Student laboratory manual, Physical examination and health assessment (4th Canadian ed.)

Additional online resources, documents, and/or journal articles may be assigned.

Course Schedule Overview

Weekly Topics and Readings

The following table summarizes the main topics covered each week, along with the corresponding textbook chapters and lab activities.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

• Physiology: The study of the function of the body’s structural machinery.

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body, including catabolism and anabolism.

Health Assessment Techniques

• Inspection: Careful visual examination of the body.

• Palpation: Using hands to feel body parts for abnormalities.

• Percussion: Tapping on a surface to determine the underlying structure.

• Auscultation: Listening to the sounds produced by the body, typically with a stethoscope.

Example: Homeostasis Equation

Homeostasis can be represented as:

For example, body temperature regulation involves feedback mechanisms:

Applications in Nursing

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential for accurate health assessments and effective nursing interventions.

• Understanding physiological responses helps anticipate patient needs and recognize abnormal findings.

• Holistic assessment integrates physical, psychological, and social aspects of patient care.

Additional Info

• Students are expected to use evidence-informed knowledge and demonstrate safe, accountable health assessment practices.

• Course readings and lab activities are designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical skills.