Foundations of Musculoskeletal Anatomy for Human Movement

This course provides an introduction to the musculoskeletal anatomy required for understanding human movement. Specifically, the course will explore the basic structural anatomy of the bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the spine and extremities and how these function to allow for human movement. This course is suitable for students looking for an introductory level anatomy course focussing on musculoskeletal anatomy or for health-care practitioners looking to refresh their musculoskeletal anatomy. The course consists of two parts which will be delivered separately.

Now accepting applications for:

- PART 1 May 8 - June 23, 2023

- PART 2 February 27 - April 10, 2023

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We offer rolling enrollment for Part 1. This means that you may still register for the course anytime after the course start date but once added still have until the course end date to complete the course. The course runs over a 7 week time frame) to complete the course.

Questions? Contact Shawn Drefs at sdrefs@ualberta.ca

Fee Payment

Part 1 - $250 course fee.

Part 2 - $250 course fee.

*100% refund of the $250 course fee is available to students who withdraw before the first day of the course.

Course Payment Here

How to Apply

To apply to the course use the application link below. Please complete and submit the application then proceed to pay the $250 course fee (cost is per part) to confirm your registration.

Apply to PART 1 Apply to PART 2

Overall Learning Objectives

By the end of this course students will be able to:

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.
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.
Have an appreciation of how common injuries or conditions can impact normal functional movement

Format

Part 1 includes six learning modules delivered asynchronously and is typically offered over a six week timeframe. However, all online learning activities will be delivered asynchronously so students have the ability to work through the learning activities at their own pace and may complete Part 1 in a shorter period of time. 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.

Part 2 includes seven learning modules delivered asynchronously and is typically offered over a seven week timeframe. However, all online learning activities will be delivered asynchronously so students have the ability to work through the learning activities at their own pace and may complete the course in a shorter period of time. 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.

Part One: Learning Objectives

Part One: Foundations of Musculoskeletal Anatomy for Human Movement (6 weeks)

Part one provides the foundations of musculoskeletal anatomy and consists of six modules delivered over six weeks. The topics covered include anatomical terminology and terms of movement, 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. Prerequisites - none.

Specific Learning Objectives:

By the end of part one you will be able to:

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.

Part Two: Learning Objectives

Part two: Introduction to the Musculoskeletal Anatomy of the Spine, Upper and Lower extremities (7 weeks).

Part two provides an introduction to the anatomy of the spine and extremities and consists of seven modules delivered over seven weeks. The topics covered include the bones, joints, muscles and movements of the spine, upper and lower extremities with consideration of how these structures function together for human movement. Prerequisites - none but part one is highly recommended.

Specific Learning Objectives:

By the end of part two you will be able to:

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.

Assessment

There are no formal assessment requirements. Instead, students will be required to complete a knowledge check quiz before moving onto the following module. To successfully complete the course students will need to progress through all modules and knowledge checks within the duration of the course (6 weeks part 1, 7 weeks part 2). Students should expect to set aside 9-11 hours per week for learning.

Instructor

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

Recognition

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