Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus – FALL 2009
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE: Medical Terminology I
PREFIX/SECTION: HIMS 1120 5A
CREDIT HOURS: 4.5 quarter hours
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS: 9/3/09 – 11/12/09
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES: Thursdays – 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
NO CLASS DAYS: N/A
WITHDRAWAL DATE: 10/28/2009
CLASS LOCATION: Fort Omaha Campus, Bldg 10, Room 114
COURSE WEBSITE: http://angel.mccneb.edu
MEDICAL RESOURCE: www.onelook.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME: Ms. Tracey Hoult
OFFICE LOCATION: N/A
OFFICE TELEPHONE: N/A
FACSIMILE: N/A
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
EMAIL ADDRESS:
FACULTY WEB SITE: http://ctva.mccneb.edu/jchess
ACADEMIC AREA: Information Technology and E-Learning
DEAN’S TELEPHONE: (402) 457-2660
www.mccneb.edu/academicaffairs/contacts.asp.
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course assists the student in establishing a solid foundation of medical terminology and abbreviations. Prefixes, suffixes, and word roots used in the language of medicine are introduced. Emphasis is placed on understanding the medical vocabulary as it applies to the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the human body. The functioning of the body systems, clinical/surgical procedures, and therapies are studied. Normal, pathological, clinical, and laboratory considerations are examined in order to best prepare the student for entrance into the healthcare professions. Emphasis is also placed on correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the evolution of medicine and health care.
2. Understand the structure of the medical language as it relates to anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
3. Demonstrate the ability to correctly define, pronounce, and spell medical terms.
4. Differentiate types of medical terms and the relationships among terms relating to anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
5. Explain clinical procedures, laboratory tests, and abbreviations utilized in the field of medicine.
6. Analyze and interpret medical communications used to document health care.
7. Integrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills essential to career success in the health care field.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Textbook: The Language of Medicine, 8th Edition, 2007
Davi-Ellen Chabner (author), W. B. Saunders Company (publisher)
Optional: Medical Dictionary (Tabor's, Stedman's, Dorland’s), 5 x 7 index cards
Resource website: www.onelook.com and http://ctva.mccneb.edu/jchess
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
This course format is traditional, meeting on campus once per week. In each lecture during the course, the instructor will cover material the student needs to learn and accomplish. In addition, written handouts will be provided from time to time. These will be used to supplement the text material and expand the course. This course is based on the material presented within the textbook and handouts. The instructor may supplement this material, clarify points, and review the material. It is critical that the student accept the responsibility for the completion of all exercises, assignments, and reading materials. Class time will be devoted to discussing content, presenting enrichment materials, answering students’ questions, and additional learning activities.
Instruction will include lecture material presented by the instructor. Group discussion and demonstration will be utilized. Instruction will also include interactive sessions between the instructor and the students. During all lecture presentations and class activities, discussion opportunities will be provided. The student is encouraged to ask questions and clarify information as the instructor is lecturing or presenting material. All exercises and assignments are to be completed prior to class meetings so that the student is ready for discussion, review, and the weekly exams.
In addition to lecture, students will be asked to actively participate in class activities. This accommodates differing learning styles, aids in holding attention, and makes the class interesting and informative. Healthcare workers usually work as part of a team. Learning to be good team players is a valuable skill; therefore, several teambuilding activities will be utilized during class periods.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
Students will be expected to participate in all classroom activities; therefore, the students should have read the material prior to class meeting dates. Textual and supplementary worksheets will be provided. Students are totally responsible for all assignments and materials covered in class. Tests, oral and/or written, will be given on a weekly basis. Homework is due each week. The student will have specific assignments to read and master. These assignments are indicated in the course schedule and/or outlined by the instructor. It is recommended that each student make or purchase index study cards on designated terminology and meanings of terms each week. This will serve as both a reinforcement following lecture and as a study aid to be utilized for the duration of the course. An assignment submitted in one class at Metro cannot be submitted for credit in any other class.
For this course, chapter exams will be given as annotated in the course outline of this syllabus and will cover the material from lectures, exercises, assignments, handouts, and reading materials. At the instructor's discretion, additional credit questions may be included. Additional credit questions will be counted with the total test score if the question is answered correctly, but will not be counted against the student if answered incorrectly. All tests will be taken in closed book form unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Use of text, notes, and other sources of outside information will not be allowed during the administration of the tests unless specifically directed by the instructor.
A short research project on a medical-related topic is assigned in lieu of a midterm exam. A final medical-related research project is due at the last class session. This assignment gives students the opportunity to acquire information about traveling throughout the world. From time to time extra credit opportunities may be provided.
Make-up Test Procedures:
Students MUST be present on the day of an announced test. If the instructor is informed BEFORE THE TEST concerning a valid absence, other arrangements MAY be made. There will be no retakes of tests. Test dates are not firm and are, therefore, subject to change. If the instructor is informed of a valid absence before a test or quiz, arrangements may be made for the student to take a make-up exam at one of the following Metro Testing Centers listed below. Students will have one week in which to make up the test at the Testing Center.
Elkhorn Valley - 289-1278 South Omaha - 738-4613 Sarpy Center - 537-3800
Late Assignments:
Chapter assignments should be turned in when due. Assignments may be turned in up to one class period late; however, the total points given on any late assignments will be reduced by one letter grade. Assignments turned in more than one week late will not be accepted.
Grading Policy:
The following grading scale will be used:
A = 90 – 100% / D = 60 – 69%B = 80 – 89% / F = below 60%
C = 70 – 79%
The final grade will be determined by a student’s performance in the following areas, each of which is weighed by the following percentage formula:
Tests and quizzes / 60%CHAPTER REVIEWS AND ASSIGNMENTS / 20%
CLASS ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION / 15%
RESEARCH PROJECTS / 5%
Maintenance of Student Records:
The instructor will make every effort to return tests, papers, assignments, etc., during the following class period. Generally, chapter tests are graded in class. Final grades will be entered through Metro’s online grading system. Tests, research projects, and grade sheets will be held by the instructor for one year.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes. This will be done in accordance with FERPA guidelines.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Attendance, active participation, and timely submission of assignments affect learning and grading in this course. To remain eligible for financial aid, students are responsible for meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Data published in the Class Schedule at www.mccneb.edu/schedule/ may be disenrolled from the class. There is no appeal for this disenrollment. A student who fails to meet class attendance expectations may receive a final grade mark of FX, indicating an absence-related failure, or a failing (F) grade.
The student will have specific assignments to read and master. These assignments are indicated in the course schedule and/or outlined by the instructor. In order to create an atmosphere where optimal learning takes place, students are expected to:
· Have read the material prior to class meeting date.
· Participate in all classroom activities and discussion sessions online and in the classroom. The online participation is graded.
· Allow equal opportunity for all class members to participate.
· Show respect for the opinions of others by voicing disagreements in a courteous manner.
· Respect the diversity of cultures, opinions, and viewpoints in the classroom.
· Listen to the instructor as well as to each other and treat all class members with respect.
· Strive for perfect attendance; be punctual (arrive on time and return from breaks on time)
· Come to class prepared (pen/pencil, textbook, paper, class supplies, homework assignments, etc.)
· Complete and turn in all assignments on time
· Take responsibility for missed content (if absent from class).
· Follow the instructor’s guidelines regarding food and drink in the classroom.
· Attend the entire class session.
· Refrain from reading other materials, books, newspapers, etc., during class.
Electronic Devices Usage
- Usage of portable electronic devices (including cellular telephones and musical devices) will not be allowed during class. Calls/pages should be answered/made before or after class.
- Use of the Internet will not be allowed during class except at the specific direction of the instructor. Use of computers to check e-mail or search the Internet during class will result in no credit for that day's class participation.)
Disruptive Classroom Behavior:
Certain student behavior will result in the lowering of the course grade by at least one grade level, may result in an "F" grade for the course, and may result in the student's suspension or expulsion from the college. The college reserves the right to exclude at any time students whose conduct is deem undesirable or injurious to the best interests of the College or of the students. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:
· Dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information or signatures on assigned work.
· Intentional disruption, obstruction, or interference with the process of instruction.
· Racist, sexist, and other disrespectful comments.
Attendance Statement:
The course will be covered partially by assigned portions of the text and may be presented in a sequence different from the text. Material may also be covered that is not in the text. Attendance is necessary to understand the course material. Each student is expected to recognize the importance of class attendance and promptness. Chronic tardiness and absences may result in a reduction in the final grade by 10%. Students will receive full credit for each class attended in full (not tardy/stay for the completion of a scheduled class). Students will receive no credit for class participation if electronic devices are used inappropriately.
Excessive absences or unsatisfactory progress will subject the student to administrative withdrawal from the course. A student who misses a class for any reason is expected to cover the material missed on his/her own. All work must be made up to the satisfaction of the instructor. An incomplete grade may be given in the event of a genuine emergency, and generally only if a student has attendance of 90 percent or better and has completed 80 percent of all assignments.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct (http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.html.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Nationally there have been increased incidences of cheating and plagiarism among the college and university student population. Although any case of cheating is cause for concern, it is an especially egregious violation in the medical and healthcare training fields. Patients trust their healthcare team with the most personal medical concerns and expect healthcare team members (including health information management personnel) to be competent and skilled in their area of expertise. This cannot be achieved if cheating or plagiarism is taking place during the educational process. Cheating of any kind in this field is an ethical violation and cannot be tolerated. In the healthcare community there is no room for individuals who are willing to compromise ethics for expediency.
All students are expected to abide by College policies. These policies exist so that all students may pursue their educational goals in a fair and non-threatening environment. Students are reminded that materials they may use as sources for this course may be subject to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library webpage at http://www.mccneb.edu/library, by your instructor, or by the College’s Copyright Officer. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. The disciplinary procedures are available in Student Services.