EXFRM Musculoskeletal Anatomy Courses

Step 1: Complete and submit the EXFRM 2735 CE Unit course application form

Step 2: Proceed to create a UofA CERegister account 

Step 3: Register for a course section on CERegister 

Cost $285 + GST

Visit UofA Continuing Education for information on course withdrawal, refund, and transfer policy.

Coming soon

Visit UofA Continuing Education for information on course withdrawal, refund, and transfer policy.

Foundations of MSK Anatomy includes six learning modules delivered asynchronously and is typically offered over a six-week timeframe. All online learning activities will be delivered asynchronously so students can work through the learning activities at their own pace and may complete Part 1 in a shorter period. Students will be provided with clear learning objectives and learning activities for each module. Students can also ask questions through an online question and answer forum which will be monitored by the course instructor.

Introduction to the Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the Spine and Upper Extremities includes seven learning modules delivered asynchronously and is typically offered over a seven-week timeframe. All online learning activities will be delivered asynchronously so students can work through the learning activities at their own pace and may complete the course in a shorter period. Students will be provided with clear learning objectives and learning activities for each module. Students can also ask questions through an online question and answer forum which will be monitored by the course instructor.

Foundations of Musculoskeletal Anatomy (6 weeks)

This course covers the foundations of musculoskeletal anatomy by providing an overview of common anatomical terminology and terms of movement used in musculoskeletal anatomy, the structure and function of bone and cartilage, the structure and function of joints, the structure and architecture of skeletal muscle, and the anatomy of the peripheral and central nervous systems. This course is suitable for students with no prior knowledge in anatomy who are looking to learn the foundations of musculoskeletal anatomy before taking on a more challenging course.

Prerequisites: None

Overall Learning Outcomes

• Understand the anatomical terminology used to describe movements and relationships between different body parts and regions.
• Explain the structure and functions of different components of the skeletal system including bone, cartilage, skeletal muscle, and the nervous system.

Specific Learning objectives

• Define the anatomical position, anatomical planes, terms of movement and relationships between body parts.
• Describe the structure and function of the different types of cartilage and bone found in the skeletal system.
• Describe the classification and key features of the different types of joints found in the human body.
• Describe the gross and microscopic structure of skeletal muscle including the shape, structure and functions of muscle.
• Describe the structural and functional divisions of the nervous system.

Introduction to the Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the Spine and Upper Extremities (7 weeks).

This course provides an introduction to the musculoskeletal anatomy of spine and extremities. The topics covered include the bones, joints, muscles and movements of the spine, upper and lower extremities. This course is suitable for students with no prior knowledge in anatomy who are looking for an introductory level anatomy course or for those looking to refresh their musculoskeletal anatomy.  

Prerequisites: None, but the course “ Foundations of Musculoskeletal Anatomy” is highly recommended.

Specific Learning Objectives:

• Explain the anatomical arrangement and relationship between the bones, joints, muscles, nerves of the spine, upper and lower extremities.
• Explain how the muscles, joints and nerves of the upper and lower extremities work together to allow for functional movements.
• Describe the classification, structure, and movements of the joints of the vertebral column, the pelvis, the lower extremity, and the upper extremity.
• Describe the location, action, and nerve supply of the muscles of the vertebral column, the lower extremity, and the upper extremity.
• Describe the nerve and vascular supply to the upper and lower extremities.

There are no grades for this course. Instead, students receive a complete or incomplete score based on satisfactory completion of the course. To successfully complete the course students are required to work through all learning activities and achieve 60% on all the knowledge check quizzes at the end of each module. 

Iain Muir - Clinical Assistant Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation - Physical Therapy

Upon completion participants will be issued a faculty digital certificate noting the number of educational hours.

• Foundations of MSK Anatomy offers 35 educational hours.
• MSK Anatomy of the Spine & Upper Extremities provides 35 educational hours.

Contact Shawn Drefs at sdrefs@ualberta.ca.