Medical Terminology MDCA-1313 Syllabus and Course Overview

Study Guide - Smart Notes

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Course Overview

Introduction to Medical Terminology

This course provides a practical application of a medical vocabulary system. It includes the study of structure, recognition, analysis, definition, spelling, pronunciation, and combination of medical terms from prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms. The course is designed for students pursuing careers in health professions and aims to build a foundational understanding of medical language.

Course Code: MDCA-1313
Credits: 3
Location: Brookhaven Campus, Room M136
Schedule: Tues/Thurs, 9:30am–10:50am
Instructor: Professor Nehal Rangnekar

Learning Outcomes

State-Defined Learning Outcomes

Define terms and abbreviations related to the structural organization of the body.
Analyze and identify terms and their components from a list, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms.
Pronounce, spell, and write medical terms correctly.

Instructor-Defined Learning Outcomes

Identify and define roots, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes used to create medical terms.
Combine prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms to build medical terms.
Interpret and use medical terminology in context.
Identify and group related medical terms by major organs and systems of the human body.
Apply proper usage of important abbreviations for these body systems.

Course Materials

Textbook: MyLab Medical Terminology with Pearson eText for Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals (Author: Jane Rice, Edition: 10th, ISBN: 9780135703185)
Technology: Reliable internet access, computer with camera and microphone, Respondus LockDown Browser and Webcam for exams.

Graded Work and Evaluation

Assessment Breakdown

Type	Weight	Notes
Chapter Quizzes	25%	18 quizzes (25 points each), 25-minute time limit, lowest 2 dropped
Midterm Exam	35%	Comprehensive, 120-minute time limit, Respondus LockDown Browser required
Final Exam	40%	Comprehensive, 120-minute time limit, Respondus LockDown Browser required

Grading Scale

Grade	Range	Notes
A	90–100%	Passes; must maintain 78% average for program progression
B	80–89%	Passes
C	78–79%	Passes
F	0–77%	Failing; must retake course

Course Schedule (Topics by Week)

Week	Topics
1	Course Orientation/Syllabus, Introduction to Medical Terminology
2	Suffixes and Prefixes, Organization of the Body
3–4	Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System
5–6	Digestive System, Cardiovascular System, Blood & Lymphatic System
7	Midterm Exam
8	Respiratory System, Urinary System
9	Endocrine System
10	Nervous System
11	Special Senses: The Ear, Special Senses: The Eye
12	Female Reproductive System, Male Reproductive System
13	Mental Health
14	Final Exam (Chapters 1–16)

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance and participation are required for success.
Late Work: Late work is not accepted except in extreme cases with instructor approval.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of dishonesty are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
Use of Artificial Intelligence: Unauthorized use of AI tools for assignments is not permitted unless specified by the instructor.
Accommodations: Students with disabilities should contact the Accessibility Services Office for accommodations.

Support and Institutional Policies

Contact your Success Coach for academic and career support.
Technical support is available for eCampus and other online resources.
Refer to Dallas College policies for information on Title IX, discrimination, and student conduct.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Medical Terminology course, including all major body systems and foundational language skills necessary for health professions. Students are expected to use the required textbook and online resources for assignments and exams.