Medical Terminology I Syllabus for 2020-2021
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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

HITT-1305-008 Medical Terminology I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Study of medical terms through word origin and structure. Introduction to abbreviations and symbols, surgical and diagnostic procedures, and medical specialties.

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

Paper, pens, pencils, index cards, and dependable Internet Provider.

 

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes:  Identify, pronounce, and spell medical terms; use terms in context; build and analyze medical terms; and use medical references as resource tools.

COURSE GOALS:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze medical words by using the tools of word analysis by dividing them into component parts, (prefixes, combining forms, & suffixes), which will enable the student to understand complex terminology easier.
2. Relate the medical terms to the structure and function of the human body in the context of how the body works in health and disease.
3. Become proficient in the spelling and pronunciation of medical terminology.

COURSE COMPETENCIES:
Upon completion of the following chapters, the student will be able to do the following with at least 70% accuracy as evaluated by the faculty in the program:

Chapter 1 - Basic Word Structure

1. Divide medical words into their component parts.
2. Find the meaning of basic combining forms, prefixes, & suffixes of the medical language.
3. Use the combining forms, prefixes, & suffixes to begin to build medical words.

Chapter 2 - Terms Pertaining to the Body as a Whole

1. Define terms that apply to the structural organization of the body. Identify the body cavities & recognize the organs contained within those cavities.
2. Locate & identify the anatomical & clinical divisions of the abdomen.
3. Locate and name the anatomical divisions of the back.
4. Identify the terms that describe positions, directions, & planes of the body. Identify the definitions for new word elements & use them to understand new medical terms.

Chapter 3 - Suffixes

1. Define new suffixes & review material presented in previous chapters.
2. Analyze words using new suffixes with combining forms to build & understand terminology.
3. Name & know the functions of the different types of blood cells in the body.

Chapter 4 - Prefixes

1. Define basic prefixes used in the medical language.
2. Analyze medical terms that combine prefixes & other word elements.
3. Discuss the Rh condition as an example of an antigen-antibody reaction.

Chapter 5 - Digestive System

1. Name the organs of the digestive system & describe their locations & other functions.
2. Describe disease processes & symptoms that affect these organs.
3. Define combining forms for organs and the meaning of related terminology using these word parts.

Chapter 6 - Digestive System Suffixes and Terminology

1. Define new suffixes & use them with digestive system combining forms.
2. List & explain abbreviations common to the digestive system.
3. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper context.

Chapter 7 - Urinary System

1. Name the organs of the urinary system & describe their locations & functions.
2. Define various pathological conditions affecting the urinary system.
3. Recognize the use & interpretation of urinalysis as a diagnostic test.
4. Learn the meaning of combining forms, prefixes, & suffixes of the urinary system.
5. List & explain abbreviations pertaining to the urinary system.
6. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 8 - Female Reproductive System

1. Name the organs of the female reproductive system, their locations, & combining forms.
2. Explain how these organs & their hormones function in the processes of menstruation & pregnancy.
3. Identify abnormal conditions of the female reproductive system & of the newborn child.
4. List and explain abbreviations related to gynecology & obstetrics.
5. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 9 - Male Reproductive System

1. Name, locate, & describe the functions of the organs of the male reproductive system.
2. Define abnormal & pathological conditions that affect the male reproductive system.
3. Differentiate among the different types of STDs.
4. Define combining forms used to describe the structures of the male reproductive system.
5. Discuss abbreviations pertinent to the male reproductive system.
6. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 10 - Nervous System

1. Name, locate, & describe the functions of the major organs & parts of the nervous system.
2. Learn the combining forms & make terms using them with new & familiar suffixes of the nervous system.
3. Define pathological conditions affecting the nervous system.
4. Describe abbreviations pertaining to the nervous system.
5. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 11 - Cardiovascular System

1. Name the parts of the heart & associated blood vessels & their functions in the circulation of blood.
2. Describe the pathway of blood through the heart.
3. Define major pathological conditions affecting the heart & blood vessels.
4. Define combining forms that relate to the cardiovascular system.
5. Discuss abbreviations pertaining to the cardiovascular system.
6. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 12 - Respiratory System

1. Name the organs of the respiratory system & describe their location & function.
2. Identify pathological conditions that affect the respiratory system.
3. Recognize and learn medical terms that pertain to the respiratory system.
4. Recognize relevant abbreviations pertaining to the respiratory system.
5. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 13 - Blood System

1. Identify terms relating to the composition, formation, & function of blood.
2. Differentiate among the different types of blood groups.
3. Identify terms related to blood clotting.
4. Build words & recognize combining forms used in the blood system.
5. Describe pathological conditions affecting blood.
6. Recognize relevant abbreviations used in connection with the blood system.
7. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 14 - Lymphatic and Immune Systems

1. Identify & analyze the structures and terms related to the lymphatic system.
2. Learn terms that describe basic elements of the immune system.
3. Describe terminology of various pathological conditions affecting the lymphatic & immune systems.
4. Identify abbreviations pertaining to the lymphatic & immune systems.
5. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 15 - Musculoskeletal System

1. Define terms relating to the structure & functions of bones, joints & muscles.
2. Describe the process of bone formation & growth.
3. Locate & name the major bones of the body.
4. Analyze the combining forms, prefixes, & suffixes used to describe bones, joints & muscles.
5. Describe musculoskeletal disease conditions & terminology related to bone fractures.
6. Recognize relevant abbreviations pertaining to the musculoskeletal system.
7. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 16 - Skin

1. Identify the layers of the skin & the accessory structures associated with the skin.
2. Build medical words using the combining forms that are related to the specialty of dermatology.
3. Describe lesions, symptoms, & pathological conditions that relate to the skin.
4. Recognize relevant abbreviations that pertain to the skin.
5. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 17 - Sense Organs: The eye and the Ear

1. Identify locations & functions of the major parts of the eye and ear.
2. Learn the meaning of the combining forms, prefixes, & suffixes most commonly used to describe the parts of the eye & ear.
3. Describe the pathological conditions that affect the eye & ear.
4. Recognize relevant abbreviations that pertain to ophthalmology and otology.
5. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

Chapter 18 - Endocrine System

1. Identify the endocrine glands and their hormones.
2. Gain an understanding of the functions of hormones in the body.
3. Locate & name the major bones of the body.
4. Analyze the combining forms, prefixes, & suffixes related to the endocrine glands & their hormones.
5. Describe the pathological conditions & terminology related to the endocrine system.
6. Recognize relevant abbreviations that pertain to the endocrine system.
7. Apply new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts.

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

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:
It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw  from a course. 
Failure to officially withdraw may result in the student receiving a grade of “F” in the course.

If a student wishes to withdraw / drop the course you must notify the instructor in writing by email.
Students are not automatically dropped from their class roles as a result on non-attendance.

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:
A student who has a problem with the course or the course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor.  If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the Program Director, Associate Dean Of Health Sciences, the Dean of  Health Sciences, Associate Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the President -- IN THAT ORDER.   Please refer to the current Online Amarillo College catalog for complete explanation of the grievance procedures

CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND PAGERS:
Pagers and telephones are disruptive during class time.  Telephones must be turned off during class time with the exception of emergency personnel, pagers must either be turned off or set on vibrate during class time.   Please notify me in writing if you fall in this category, otherwise failure to comply will result in you being asked to leave class for that day.  You will still be responsible for the material covered in class.  If you feel that you will have an emergency during class time, leave the number of the student services office and they will contact you immediately.  The number is 371-5300. 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the college rules & regulations & is punish

• Copying from another student’s test paper.
• Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
• Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator/instructor.
• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an administered/unadministered test.
• Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
• Bribing another person to obtain an administered/unadministered test or information about an administered/unadministered test.
•  Using the course textbook and/ or notes is considered cheating.     

“Plagiarism” shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work. 

“Collusion” shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION METHOD

QUIZZES:
Quizzes will be given at the discretion of the instructor.
Quizzes may or may not be announced by the instructor.
Material covered by these quizzes will consist of review material or new material assigned in class.
Quizzes may be given orally, fill in the blank, matching, crossword puzzles, or online.

• Spelling Quizzes
A spelling quiz will be administered at the beginning of class.
The student must attend the entire class in order to have the spelling quiz grade count.
If a student leaves class at the break the spelling quiz will NOT count for a quiz grade.
 

ONLINE QUIZZES:
Quizzes will be administered Online through AC Connect (Blackboard). 
Online Quizzes will OPEN @ 6:00pm on the assigned date.
Online Quizzes will CLOSE @ 11:59pm on the assigned date.
Online Quizzes will be available for 48 hours.
Time limits will vary according to the number of questions per quiz.

IF A QUIZ IS MISSED, THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP QUIZZES..

        Daily quizzes will be worth 20% of your FINAL GRADE.  
       No quiz grades will be dropped.
 

MAJOR EXAMS:
    There will be eight (8) exams, seven (7) major exams and a COMPREHENSIVE final exam, given in this course. 
    Exams dates are listed in this syllabus and will be announced during class and will be posted on the AC Connect course calendar.

    All major exams will be taken On-line including the final exam.

    The student will have a 78 hour window or 3 day window to take the exam.
    The student will have 80 minutes to complete an exam.
    Once an exam is started the clock is running, remember you have only 80 minutes to complete the exam. 
    As you answer each question, the student must submit the answer and proceed to the next question.
    When the student is finished with the exam, the student must submit the exam for grading.
   The student will be able to see their exam score after the exam has been submitted for grading

    Exams will open at 6:00 pm on the assigned date. 
    Exams will close at 11:59 pm on the DUE DATE.
   
    THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUPS GIVEN FOR ON-LINE EXAMS!

The lowest major exam grade will be dropped IF the student has COMPLETED** ALL seven (7) major exams, has 3 absences or less, has attended any required tutoring sessions, and has completed** the Final Comprehensive Exam.

 Exam 7 will not be one of the exams dropped!

**Completed means ALL questions in the exams have been answered. 

If for any reason a student has NOT completed all seven (7) major exams, has NOT attended required tutoring sessions, has more than three (3) absences, or has NOT completed the Final Exam the lowest major exam grade will NOT be dropped. 

Again Exam 7 will not be one of the Exams dropped!

MAJOR EXAMS WILL BE WORTH 40% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE

Students with questions regarding examination results may review examinations, under the supervision of the AH faculty, by appointment only. 

Grade Scale:
A  =    90.0 - 100. %
B  =    80.0 - 89.9 %        
C  =    70.0 - 79.9 %
F  =    69.9 or less %

Note:  A "D" is NOT possible in the Medical Terminology course.

When the student returns to class after an absence, the student will be expected to fully participate in any class activities including quizzes or exams. 
There are NO makeups on missed quizzes.
There are NO makeups on missed exams.
 

FINAL EXAM:

IMPORTANT!...ALL STUDENTS,  REGARDLESS OF GRADEPOINT AVERAGE, WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE COMPREHENSIVE FINAL. 
If the student FAILS to take the Final Exam the lowest major exam grade will NOT be dropped!

• You will have a COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM, WHICH IS WORTH 40% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE. 
• THE FINAL EXAM WILL BE GIVEN ON-LINE THROUGH AC Connect.
• The final exam will have 250 questions.
• The student will have 3 hours or 180 minutes to complete the Final Exam.
• Once an exam is started the clock is running, remember you have only 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the exam.
• As you answer each question, the student must submit the answer and proceed to the next question.
• When the student is finished with the Final exam, the student must submit the Final exam for grading.
• The student will be able to see their Final exam score after the exam has been submitted for grading.
• If the STUDENT misses the designated time for the FINAL EXAM, a grade of zero (0) will be given for the exam, unless an incomplete has been granted. 
• Arrangements to receive an incomplete "I" grade for the course must be made prior to the date of the final exam.  Incompletes are granted only for emergency situations such as hospitalization of the student, serious injury to the student on the day of the final exam, etc. 
• An incomplete will not be granted for situations involving vacation plans, transportation difficulties, appointments, etc.
• Students who need to request an incomplete must do so prior to the scheduled time of the final exam with appropriate documentation given to the instructor. 

Final grades will NOT be rounded in this course.

Students are advised to keep a record of all quizzes and major exam grades in order to be informed of their academic progress.

GRADING SUMMARY:
Daily quizzes     =    20 % of the final grade.
Major Exams     =    40 % of the final grade.
Comp. Final     =      40 % of the final grade.
                                100 % Total Grade

TUTORING:

1.  Any student scoring less than 70% on any major exam will be required to attend a tutoring session before the next scheduled major exam.

2.  Completing the tutoring requirement before the next scheduled major exam will earn the student two (2) points added to the last major exam.

3.  Failure to attend a required tutoring session will result in the student not being able to drop the lowest major exam grade excluding Exam 7.

4.  Tutoring sessions will be validated by the signature of the tutor on the forms provided to the student by the course instructor and the student will be required to return the signed form to their instructor.

5.  Any exceptions to the above requirements must be made with your instructor in a timely manner.
 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY: 
"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. 
Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class."

Any student who is chronically late to class or leaves early or is absent more than 3 times during the course is in danger of earning a failing final course grade.

Students who come to class late (15 minutes) or leave class early will be recorded as absent unless prior arrangements with instructor have been made and approved.

Students will sign the attendance roster and roll will be called after the break.

Students who have more than 3 absences in this course will lose the ability to drop their lowest exam grade even if the student completed all 7 Major Exams and has completed the Comprehensive Final Exam.
 
DATES OF IMPORTANCE:
October 26th                First day of class
December 9th             Last day to DROP or WITHDRAW from a course.
December 15th-17th   Comprehensive Final 

Calendar

Additional Information

HELP:  General Questions
You may email askAC@actx.edu or you may call (806) 371-5000. 

HOURS:     AskAC

Monday through Thursday  8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fridays  8:00 am to 5:00 pm  Summer closes 5:00 pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday,  and Holidays

HELP:
Student Help Center:   371-5992  (The Underground)

The Student Help Center provides Amarillo College Students with technical assistance. 
If a student needs to update their computer or check for viruses, the center will provide these services FREE OF CHARGE to AC Students.
Your instructor highly recommends that students take advantage of these services!

Location:  Ware Student Commons, Washington Street Campus - The Underground (Basement)

Hours:
Monday - Thursday     8:00am to 9:00pm
Friday                             8:00 am to 5:00 pm

 

**LAST DAY TO DROP OR WITHDRAW FROM A COURSE:
Wednesday, December 9th.  Academic Withdrawal form must be processed by December 9th.

Suggested Dictionaries:  
Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary   
Stedman's  Illustrated Medical Dictionary
Tabers Medical Dictionary

There are NO manuals  required in this course.

There are numerous websites located in the textbook.