COURSE DESCRIPTION

Medical Terminology I is an introduction of basic medical terminology utilizing a programmed, word-building system to learn word parts to construct and analyze new terms. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage and pronunciation of medical terms.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

WebCT Tutor Online Learning Tool (required by textbook publisher)
The Language of Medicine, 7^th edition by Davi-Ellen Chabner

COURSE GOAL

It is the intent of this course to help the student incorporate the tools necessary to be successful in Medical Terminology I. The online component of this course is meant to accompany the textbook and should not be used as a substitute.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Identify and define the word parts most frequently used with the major body systems and specialties.
Properly spell, define, and pronounce medical terms associated with each body system studied.
Define unfamiliar medical terms by analyzing the word parts and verifying the definition in a medical dictionary.
Identify pathological conditions common to body systems studied in the course.
Identify laboratory tests, clinical procedures, and abbreviations studied in the course.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

Medical Terminology is designed to be a self-paced course which allows the learner to work on the course at times that are convenient for him/her. However, a requirement of the course is that each student complete Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 exams no later than the 5^th week of the semester and the mid-term must be taken no later than the 6^th week of the semester. The remaining 6 exams and final exam must be completed by the end of the semester. If you do not complete the tests in the given time, you will forfeit those points, which could lead to a failing grade. You may work ahead of schedule and complete the course earlier than the end of the semester.

I recommend that you first read through each chapter and complete all the exercises at the end of each chapter. Second go into WebCt and work through the Module for the chapter, reading and completing all activities. Third, take the Online Mastery Quiz for the chapter. Fourth, take the Online Mastery Exam, which is a timed exam. In addition, you can work through the activities included in the CD-ROM that came with your textbook. You should plan to spend from 8-12 hours per week working on this course.

TESTING POLICY

Medical Terminology I consists of Chapters 1-12 in your textbook. Medical Terminology II consists of the remaining chapters. You will have 12 exams to complete plus a PROCTORED mid-term exam covering Chapters 1-6 and a PROCTORED final exam covering Chapters 7-12. (I will give you a list of which words to study for the mid-term and final exams.)

Chapter tests include between 50 and 60 questions consisting of multiple choice, true/false, and matching. The mid-term will have 80 questions worth 2 points each and the final exam will include 115 questions worth 2 points each. Your grade is calculated from an accumulation of CHAPTER EXAMS, MID-TERM EXAM, AND FINAL EXAM points earned divided by the total points possible. The Online Mastery Quizzes are NOT part of your grade; however, WebCt will score them for you. I will use the grading scale below to arrive at a final grade:

90-100%     A
80-89%       B
70-79%       C
60-69%       D
below 60% F

PROCTORED EXAMS

For your proctored exams (mid-term and final), you will need to go to a location where someone will be willing to proctor (monitor) you while you are taking your exam. This will be done online, so you will need to find a place that has appropriate access to the Internet. A proctor may be someone in your local school or library, or if you live within driving distance of NIACC, you may take the tests in the Student Learning Center located in Beem Center. You will need to provide me with a contact name and telephone number, and I will make the arrangements.

Kacy Larson