Medical Sciences: Human Anatomy and Pathology

How do the body's organ systems work together to sustain life, and what can studying anatomy, disease, and modern medical science teach us about the world of healthcare?  In this course, we will explore the structure and function of the human body by studying its major organ systems and the ways they work together to maintain our health. Combining anatomy, physiology, and pathology, the course examines the relationship between normal body function and the diseases and disorders that can disrupt it, with a strong focus on medicine and clinical applications. Through hands-on laboratory experiences, students will examine anatomical structures, investigate how organ systems interact, how the immune system responds to infection, and how genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence health and disease. Using real-world medical case studies, students will learn how to analyze symptoms, interpret evidence, and explore how healthcare professionals diagnose and manage disease.  Students will examine a variety of diseases and disorders that affect one or multiple organ systems, examining how they influence physical health, daily life, and overall well-being while exploring the roles of the immune system, genetics, and environmental factors in disease development and progression. Students will also explore how modern diagnostic tools, laboratory testing, medical imaging, biotechnology, and emerging technologies contribute to disease detection, treatment, and prevention. By the end of the course, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the major human body organ systems, from the cellular level to the whole organism, the interconnectedness of these systems, the effects of disease on health and daily life, and the clinical and scientific approaches used to investigate, diagnose, and address health challenges.

 

 

The recommended prerequisites are not required but are helpful for success in this class: Biology I, Chemistry I, and Algebra I. Students should be prepared and comfortable participating in laboratory experiences such as organ dissections, analyzing scientific evidence, and engaging in discussions about anatomy, physiology, disease, and healthcare.

 

All students will need a laptop, tablet, or similar device to use for coursework in this class. We ask students to bring their own device or request to use one of the program's devices.  

 

Each ALP course provides approximately 68 instructional hours, comparable to one-half high school credit. Students interested in receiving credit should check with their school before enrolling, as credit decisions are made solely by the student's school or district. At the end of the program, students receive a grade report with the course description, overall grade, and instructor comments that may be shared with their school when considering credit.