BackMedical Terminology Syllabus and Course Structure Overview
Study Guide - Smart Notes
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Course Overview
Introduction to Medical Terminology
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to medical terminology, focusing on the structure, meaning, and application of terms used in health care. Students will learn to recognize, build, and analyze medical terms derived from Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Course Code: HCTAL 101 #6465
Term: Summer 2026 (May 22, 2026 - August 3, 2026)
Instructor: Professor Gloria Coschigano
Required Text: Rice, Jane (2021). Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals, 10th Edition
Course Format: Fully online, with quizzes and a final exam
Course Objectives
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Recognize and recall Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms
Apply rules to build medical terms from Greek and Latin word parts
Analyze/decode medical terms to derive definitions
Spell word parts and terms correctly
Recognize and define medical abbreviations
Use rules to build common plural forms of medical terms
Course Structure
Weekly Plan and Chapter Coverage
The course is organized into weekly modules, each covering specific chapters from the textbook. Students are expected to complete learning activities and quizzes for each chapter according to the syllabus calendar.
Week 1: Chapters 1-2
Week 2: Chapters 3-4
Week 3: Chapters 5-6
Week 4: Chapters 7-8
Week 5: Chapters 9-10
Week 6: Chapters 11-12
Week 7: Chapters 13-14
Week 8: Chapter 15
Week 9: Chapters 16-17
Week 10: Chapter 18 and Final Exam Preparation
Note: All quizzes must be completed by July 30 at 7pm. The final exam is open from July 31 at 7am until August 3 at 7am.
Assessment and Grading
Graded Assessment Types
Student performance is evaluated through quizzes and a final exam. The following table summarizes the assessment types and their weightings:
Assessment Type | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
Quizzes | 60% |
Final Exam | 40% |
Total | 100% |
Each chapter quiz consists of 10-20 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. The final exam covers all course material and is available during the last week of the course.
Course Logistics
Accessing Course Materials
Log onto Brightspace and access the course HCTAL 101 #6465.
Read announcements and register on the Pearson site for course materials.
Follow the syllabus calendar and weekly plan for chapter readings and activities.
Complete all quizzes and the final exam by the specified deadlines.
Key Topics Covered
Chapter Titles
The course covers the following main topics, each corresponding to a chapter in the textbook:
Introduction to Medical Terminology
Suffixes and Prefixes
Organization of the Body
Integumentary System
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Digestive System
Cardiovascular System
Blood and Lymphatic System
Respiratory System
Urinary System
Endocrine System
Nervous System
Special Senses: The Ear
Special Senses: The Eye
Female Reproductive System with an Overview of Obstetrics
Male Reproductive System
Each chapter focuses on terminology, structure, function, and clinical relevance of the respective body system.
Additional Information
All unit exams must be completed before the final exam is released.
Course ends and grades are submitted on August 3, 2026 at 7am.
For questions, contact Professor Coschigano via email.
Additional info: The syllabus provides a structured plan for mastering medical terminology, emphasizing systematic study and timely completion of assessments. Students are encouraged to use the textbook and online resources for optimal learning.
