Technical Procedures I Syllabus for 2017-2018
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>West Campus Building C 106</p>

Office Hours

Mondays-Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fridays are available by appointment.

The best way to reach me outside of class time is to email me through the course in Blackboard (listed above). IF you e-mail me AFTER 5:00 ON FRIDAY, you will NOT receive a response until sometime on Monday.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MRTS-2244-001 Technical Procedures I

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: HITT 1305<br> Corequisites: MRTS 2260 and MRTS 2432</p>

Course Description

Introduction to the fundamentals in the preservation, disinfection and restoration of human remains. Presentation of treatment planning and application in preparation for professional practice. If this course is offered online, it is an enhanced online course that requires students to come to Amarillo during the semester for an on-site lab. Students should be prepared to be in lab at their expense, M-F 8am to 5pm for one week. No exceptions will be made to the required lab.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 6 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Embalming: History, Theory and Practice. Mayer, Robert G., Fifth Edition ISBN # 978-0-07-174139-2

 

Supplies

You will be required to access course content through AC CONNECT.  The online-based instructional activities are delivered through a course website that is hosted on a learning management system called Blackboard. AC CONNECT may be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online learning activities, using either on or off campus computers, are available on dates and times to be provided by the instructor. You must have access to and the willingness to use computers, the internet, and web browsers. You are expected to view audio and video assisted instructional modules, use e-mail, take quizzes and exams, read both paper and electronic materials, and locate internet or web based learning resources. The instructor will require students to participate in online and onsite discussions and engage in team and individual communication exercises. The online instructional materials and experiences are designed to supplement the course lectures and textbooks.  Therefore, you must have access to a computer, active internet service, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader, RealPlayer and exhibit computer competency.

 

Student Performance

 

Subject Description:
 
A study of the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance. The subject includes the study of the phenomenon of death in the human body and government regulations applicable to the embalming process.

 

 

Students should:
 

  1. Login to online classes on a regular basis.Attend Class
  2. Keep up to date with due dates and postings.
  3. Read and understand required readings
  4. Read assigned text book material
  5. Complete learning tasks for each module
  6. Be honest  
  7. Do not violate the AC academic integrity policy. (Do not cheat) * 
  8. Ask questions
  9. Actively participate in classroom/online discussion
  10. Do not judge other students
  11. Treat everyone with respect
  12. Follow and respect all rules and policies of this class, department and Amarillo College
     

*Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class and will result in a grade of 0 on the exam or assignment involved that cannot be replaced or dropped. Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities for a specific description of academic dishonesty. Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students at Amarillo College.

 

 
 
 Objectives:
 
 
Upon satisfactory completion of a course of study in embalming, the student should be able to:
 
1. Explain the concepts of sanitation, disinfection, temporary preservation, and restoration of human remains;
 
2. Explain the implications of the types of death to embalming;
 
3. Define and employ the necessary terminology to facilitate communication with members of allied professions and the public;
 
4. Demonstrate adequate methods of self-protection from communicable and infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals;
 
5. Demonstrate and explain adequate methods of personal and environmental protective measures in the art and science of embalming;
 
6. Demonstrate the proper disposal of contaminated materials from the embalming process;
 
7. Discuss the proper methods of    disposal of blood and bodily fluids;
 
8. Demonstrate the use of embalming instruments, equipment and sundries;
 
9. Demonstrate embalming techniques and procedures;
 
10. Document the embalming techniques and procedures with written reports;
 
11. Explain embalming treatments for infections, communicable diseases, traumatic and pathological conditions;
 
12. Explain those conditions whereby notification of death to public officials is required;
 
13. Describe and solve the problems related to the embalming procedures necessitated by disaster situations and;
 
14. Demonstrate and explain how the handling, treatment and disposition of the dead human body meets the sociological, psychological, theological, physical and legal requirements of family and community.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students should:

 

  1. Attend class.  Will also be required to log-in to AC Connect.
  2. Be prepared.
  3. Read and understand required readings.
  4. Read assigned text book material.
  5. Be honest.
  6. Do not violate the AC academic integrity policy. (Do not cheat).
  7. Ask questions.
  8. Actively participate in group discussions.
  9. Do not judge other students.
  10. Treat everyone with respect.
  11. Follow and respect all rules and policies of this class, department and Amarillo College.
  12. Remember the oath of confidentiality.

*Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class and will result in a grade of 0 on the exam or assignment involved that cannot be replaced or dropped. Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities for a specific description of academic dishonesty. Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students at Amarillo College.

Due to unforseen contingencies, some of the class policies may be derived on a case by case basis.  This is for face to face courses.

 

  1. If you desire to utilize micro-cassette recorders, you must obtain permission from the instuctor.
  2. Unnecessary class room disruptions (including pagers, cellular phones, digital watches, etc) are not allowed and may have a negative effect on your final grade. Turn them off or put them on silent mode.
  3. Do not answer your phone in the classroom. Walk into the hallway
  4. Chewing gum will be allowed as long as I can not hear you chewing it. Popping, rolling, cracking or any other obnoxious oral noises will not be tolerated
  5. Sleeping in class is rude. For each occurrence, the student's grade will drop one letter and the student will be asked to leave the classroom
  6. Reading the newspaper, working on assignments or studying for an exam for another class is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. For each occurance, the student's grade will drop one letter grade and the student will be asked to leave the classroom
     
  7. No student should come to class under-the-influence of alcohol or drugs. If the odor of these substances are smelt upon your person will be asked to leave the classroom
     
  8. NOTE: Modifications or additions applied to this syllabus may be made by the instructor as needed.

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Policy:

  • Examinations = 25% of your final grade
  • Final Exam (comprehensive) = 30% of your final grade
  • 1 Project = 10% of your final grade
  • Quizzes/Short Assignments (Scheduled or unannounced) = 20% of your final grade
  • Homework = 5%
  • Short Assignment = 5%
  • Discussion Questions = 5%

Any grade below a 75 is considered failing and the course will have to be repeated.  Two grades of 'F' within the program courses results in removal from the program.
 

Grading Scale

  • A=92-100
  • B=83-91
  • C=75-82
  • F=74 and below
  • (To pass the State and National Board Exams, you must score a 75 or better. Please note that we gear our grading policy towards that standard. Be aware of this as you take this class and all other MRTS courses.)

Each student is responsible for ensuring the integrity of his/her own work. Cases of academic dishonesty will result in either zero points or administrative withdrawl from the Mortuary Science Program. There will be no tolerance for missed due dates, assignments, projects, quizzes or tests. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCH TURNED IN AND IN ON TIME. If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late. ALWAYS KEEP COPIES OF YOUR WORK (projects, assignments, clinical paperwork, etc.). Students should have a back up plan for computer problems. Most public libraries have internet access for students' use.

ALL course work is expected to be typed with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. PROOF READ your work before submitting. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.

Class Discussions Participation Grading Scale (In addition to 100 word minimum; and correct grammar, punctuation and spelling):

  • Outstanding Contributor: Contributions in class reflect exceptional preparation. Ideas offered are always substantive, provide one or more major insights as well as direction for the class. Challenges are well substantiated and persuasively presented.
  • Good Contributor: Contributions in class reflect thorough preparation. Ideas offered are usually substantive, provide good insights and sometimes direction for the class. Challenges are well substantiated and often persuasive.
  • LATE WORK (ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS...THIS IS IMPORTANT !!!
  • ·  If an assignment/project is not completed and turned in by 11:59 PM of the due date, you will receive a ZERO (0) for the assignment. No exceptions unless prior arrangements have been made with me IN ADVANCE OF THE DUE DATE
    QUIZZES/EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY:
    No quiz or exam make-ups will be given. You are given at least 3 days to take a quiz or exam. There is ample time given to plan ahead to take your quiz or exam. Remember to have a back-up plan in case of computer problems. Every assignment, quiz, exam or project has a due date clearly stated in the weekly checklist. Pay close attention to those due dates
    Expect exam questions to be from lecture material, assigned textbook readings, handouts, etc. Expect multiple choice, True/False and essay questions. PRINT OFF ALL YOUR QUIZZES AND EXAMS AS MANY OF THE QUESTIONS FOR THE MID TERM AND FINAL COME FROM EARLIER
    ·  In this class, your Mid Term and Final Exam will be proctored.  Please read the following so you will be familiar with it.
    · What is a proctored exam? A proctored exam is an exam that is administered by an individual who supervises the student while they are taking the exam. The proctor's function is to ensure the integrity and security of the exam in a secure environment.     
  •  
  •  Concerning proctors... you will be given specific instructions on how to find a proctor. There will be certain requirements and information needed before the proctor can be approved.
    ·   Please copy all exams and quizzes. Many of the questions for the Mid Term and Final exams are from previous tests.
    ·  IF you are within driving distance of Amarillo College's West Campus, you may set up an appointment with the instructor to take your final exam in the instructor's presence using your own laptop and the schools wireless internet access. If the instructor for THIS course allows, you may take a written version in their presence on a date set by the instructor.

MANDATORY SKILLS BUILDING/TUTORIALS

     In an effort to improve student retention, the following policy is in place for this course:

If a student fails an exam (excluding the final), they will be required to schedule a visit with the instructor (over the phone or in person), complete an additional assignment an retake the exam.  All this must be done prior to being able to take the next assigned exam.  If you fail the second attempt, the higher of the two grades will be entered in the grade book.  Failure to complete the tutorial and retake the exam during the required time will result in not being able to take the next assigned exam.  This will result in a zero (0) on the next exam and place you in serious jeopardy of failing the course.  Exams, quizzes and assignments in this course deserve serious attention on your behalf, and the tutorial requirements are instilled in this program to help you succeed.

Attendance

ONLINE ATTENDANCE for ONLINE COURSES:  You are expected to log-in at least twice a week.  It is recommended you log-in three times a week (beginning, middle and end of the week).  You will be expected to submit assignments when due and take/complete quizzes and exams during the assigned times.

COURSE COMMUNICATION: The instructor will make announcements through course email and course announcements. It is IMPORTANT that you log-in at least three times a week not only for course material, but for emails and announcements as well.

 

 

 

Calendar

NOTE: This class is set up for a 16-week semester. I have divided the course into 8 Modules. Each module contains two weeks of materials, assignments, quizzes/exams and such. I will open a new module every two weeks with Module 1 being opened on the first class day. Module 2 will be opened on the first day of Week 3 and so on. Below is a calendar describing what will be presented each module and week. As the instructor, I reserve the right to change materials, due dates, assignments, quiz/exam dates and such at my discretion.

ON-CAMPUS CLASS:  We will stay as close to the calendar as possible to preserve the integrity of the course and time frames.

Expect exam questions to be from lecture material, assigned textbook readings, handouts, Websites, etc. Expect multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank and essay questions.

THE FINAL EXAMINATION WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE. Do not ask the instructor any questions regarding the exam. When finished with an exam, submit the exam and answer sheet to the instructor and leave the classroom quietly.

The final exam will be given on the date published in the official Amarillo College Schedule of Classes. It will be a comprehensive examination.

COURSE CALENDAR:

Module 1: August 21 - September 3  

Module 2: September 4th - September 19th (Quiz)

Module 3: September 18th - October 1st   (Exam #1)

Module 4: October 2nd - October 15th (Quizzes)

Module 5: October 16th - October 29th 

Module 6: October 30th - November 11th  (Exam #2)

Module 7: November 13th - November 26th (Exam #3)

Module 8: November 27th -  December 12th (Final Exam must be completed by  Dec. 11th or 12th

OUTLINE OF MATERIAL TO BE INTRODUCED

I. ORIENTATION AND INTRODUCTION
A. General
B. Classification of embalming
C. Need for embalming
D. History of Embalming
E.
Professional and ethical conduct
F. Sanitation
G. OSHA Rules
H. FTC

II. DEATH
A. Definition
B. Terms associated with death
C. Types of death
D. Signs of death
E. Tests for death

III. PRE-EMBALMING CHANGES
A. Antemortem
B. Postmortem

IV. TECHNICAL ORIENTATION OF EMBALMING
A. Equipment
B. Instruments
C. Supplies

V. PREPARATION OF THE BODY
A. Embalming analysis
B. Initial treatment of the body
C. Position of the body
D. Posing the features

VI. SELECTION OF ARTERIES
A. Considerations and precautions
B. Definitions
C. Most commonly used arteries in embalming
D. Factors governing selection
E. Proper technique for raising vessels
F. Sutures for closing incisions
G. Other methods of closing incisions

VII. VASCULAR INJECTION
A. Procedure
B. Methods
C. Pressure discussion

VIII. TYPES OF EMBALMING AND CHEMICALS
A. Vascular
B. Cavity
C. Supplemental Fliuds
D. Jaundice
E. High Preservatives
F. Accessory Chemicals
G. Mold Preservation

IX. DILUTION
A. Primary
B. Secondary
C. Signs of Distribution
D. Signs of Diffusion

X. DRAINAGE
A. Purpose
B. Procedures
C. Methods
D. Stimulating distribution and diffusion
E. Components of drainage
F. Difficult problems

XI. CAVITY TREATMENT
A. Considerations
B. Abdominal regions
C. Trocar Guids
D. Aspiration and injection equipment
E. Materials to be aspirated
F. Purge


XII. AUTOPSIES OR POSTMORTEM EXAMINATIONS
A. Regional
B. Exploratory
C. Partial Autopsy

XIII. ORGAN AND TISSUE RECOVERY
A. Organs recovered
B. Treatment of organs recovered
C. Tissue recovered
D. Treatment for tissue recovered

XIV. POSTMORTEM CONDITIONS AND THEIR TREATMENTS
A. Discolorations
B. Vascular difficulties
C. Decomposition
D. Dehydration
E. Body fluid accumulation
F. Deformities & malformations
G. Radiation
H. Infants
I. Treatment of the body to be shipped
J. Preparation of obese bodies

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERY METHOD:

  • The FALL 2017 semester is a 16-week semester.
  • The course material will be divided into 8 Modules.
  • Beginning with the 1st week of the semester, Module 1 will be opened. It will contain Week 1 & Week 2 materials (readings, assignments, dates, etc.). Once a Module is opened, it will remain open until the day of the final exam.
  • Module 2 will be opened on the Monday of Week 3 and so on. Sometimes things change, so it is important to log-in at least three times a week as stated before.

NOTE: The instructor may change materials, assignments, due dates, quiz/exam dates and such at his discretion.

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

If a student has a grievance with the course instructor, the following “due process” protocol will apply. The student must follow the protocol steps in the order shown.

1. Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor. The instructor should be contacted by the student before the conclusion of the course.

2. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the course instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the immediate supervisor of the instructor within one week of the student–instructor meeting.

3. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Mortuary Science Program Director, the student should seek satisfaction from Dean of Health Sciences within one week of the student–division chairperson meeting.

4. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the dean, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) within one week of the student–Dean meeting.

5. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Vice-President of Academic Affairs, the student should seek satisfaction from the college President within one week of the student–VPAA meeting. The decision of the President will be final.

Syllabus Created on:

08/09/17 2:53 PM

Last Edited on:

08/16/17 6:40 PM