Human Anatomy

Anatomy comprises the study of the structures that can be seen macroscopically (without the aid of magnification techniques), as well as microscopically (using such techniques). Microscopic Anatomy is also called Histology because the use of the microscope is intended for the study of tissues and cells, the basic components of the body organs. Anatomy is the basis for medical practice and, by extension, the basis of many other health science disciplines. It is essential to have a thorough anatomical understanding, in order to identify and interpret situations of pathology and disease in the human body or in any of its organ systems. Observation and visualisation are the primary techniques the student must use to learn Anatomy, as they are the basis for a proper physical examination, either directly or using modern imaging techniques.

Given the profile of the Nurse as a healthcare professional, he/she must be able to perform tasks that benefit the health and wellbeing of people, including the prevention of diseases of different organ systems and the exchange of information with other healthcare professionals. To acquire the relevant skills, it is first necessary to gain a basic knowledge of the human body, which the subject Human Anatomy provides.

Human Anatomy is a 6 ECTS credit subject, which are equivalent to a total workload of 150 hours, including contact hours (lectures, practice, seminars, etc.) and self-study. Human Anatomy is taught in the first semester of the first year of the Degree. As a core subject, Human Anatomy is related to other core and compulsory subjects of the syllabus, whose timing must be precisely and coherently coordinated to ensure the acquisition of professional skills for a Graduate in Nursing.

Human Anatomy is closely related to the following subjects: Human Physiology, Biology and Biochemistry, taught in the first semester, and Pathophysiology, taught in the second semester, which together comprise the basic training of the Undergraduate Degree. Human Anatomy is also essential to understand other compulsory subjects taught in later years, such as Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Health and nursing care throughout the life cycle, etc. All of them require some prior anatomical knowledge on the general organisation of the human body, in order to deepen into their respective fields. Reciprocally, to understand the Anatomy basics it is necessary to advance into some concepts of these subjects that will be developed further in the Undergraduate Degree.

Course will consist of 60hrs of in class work and 90 hrs of independent work outside the classroom.

Course includes computer practicals and a lab component.