Anatomy Learning Institute
Purpose
In response to the growing national and international demand for anatomy education, research, and clinical training, the Anatomy Learning Institute (ALI) at Point Loma Nazarene University was established to prepare graduates through invaluable, hands-on clinical experience to become quality healthcare and life sciences professionals.
The ALI is dedicated to using evidence-based practices to promote excellence in the scholarships of teaching, discovery, application, and integration of the anatomical sciences.
Scholarship of Teaching
The Anatomy learning Institute aims to provide different opportunities to meet the needs of our learners, including undergraduate and graduate courses in the four core anatomical sciences: gross anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, and embryology.
Knowing that our students come with different strengths and challenges, the ALI utilizes universal design as an educational framework to minimize barriers, build on skills, and maximize learning. We offer in-person, online and hybrid learning opportunities to undergraduate, graduate learners along with other continuing education opportunities.
Scholarship of Discovery
The Anatomy Learning Institute participates in a diverse range of scholarship. Below is a list of areas that are being investigated by faculty at the Institute.
- Clinical Application of Anatomy: Utilizing anatomical knowledge to improve patient care has been documented in the literature. We are interested in investing the diverse application of anatomy in medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, athletic training, etc.
- Teaching and Learning in Anatomy: Anatomy is the cornerstone of all health science disciplines, therefore it is crucial to investigate ways to improve the learn and teaching process. We are interested in investigating different ways to improve student learning and experience.
- Bioethics: Working with body donors is a privilege which everyone should treat with utmost respect. This opportunity provides learners and educators with a chance to address important topics such as respect, dignity, death and dying, and self-care. We are interested in investigating the impact.
- Body Donor Research: Working with body donors is considered to be a superior way to learn anatomy and improve patient care. We are interested in maximizing the generous gift made by our body donors to improve education, research and training.
Scholarship of Application & Integration
The ALI aims to partner with members of the local community to implement many initiatives such as:
- High Schools Outreach program: the anatomy labs will be open to encourage students to engage with science and learn about the wonderfully created human body.
- Medical Equipment Companies: Providing the space to develop and improve medical equipment will help improve patient care which is a critical element of the ALI’s mission.
Faculty
Founding Director - Joy Balta, Ph.D.
Nicole Cosby, Ph.D.
University of Virginia
Yoojin Choi, Ph.D.
Harvard University
Brandon Sawyer, Ph.D.
Arizona State University
Study of structural organization of the human body from cellular to organ system level of organization and its application to clinical scenarios. Gross and microscopic anatomy of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems of the human body.
Study of the physiological principles, function, integration, and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular to organ system level: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems of the human body.
Study of structural organization of the human body from cellular to organ system level of organization and its application to clinical scenarios. Gross and microscopic anatomy of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems of the human body.
This course provides students with an intensive eight-week experience in anatomical cadaver dissection and the application of structure to kinesiological function. The primary purpose of this course is to provide clinicians with a solid anatomical basis for understanding normal and abnormal function of the musculoskeletal system. This information is essential for the development of effective treatment interventions.
This course focuses on the relationship of the human nervous system to performance of occupations. Specific neurological systems covered will include sensory, motor, limbic, cognitive, visual, and vestibular and ventricles that correlate to common conditions seen by occupational therapists. Cases and lab experiences will assist the student in integrating neurologic concepts.
To provide students with an understanding of embryological events related to the development of a particular body region or system.
Study of structural organization of the human body from cellular to organ system level of organization and its application to clinical scenarios. Gross and microscopic anatomy of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems of the human body.
This course provides students with an intensive eight-week experience in anatomical cadaver dissection and the application of structure to kinesiological function. The primary purpose of this course is to provide clinicians with a solid anatomical basis for understanding normal and abnormal function of the musculoskeletal system. This information is essential for the development of effective treatment interventions.
In this course, students will gain a theoretical understanding of the skills and pedagogical approaches needed for the teaching of human anatomy using evidence-based approaches.
In this course, learners will have the opportunity to work alongside a faculty member to engage with anatomy students. Learners will have the opportunity to work with anatomy students in lecture and laboratory setup. They will use evidence-based approaches to prepare and deliver learning materials.
This course focuses on the relationship of the human nervous system to performance of occupations. Specific neurological systems covered will include sensory, motor, limbic, cognitive, visual, and vestibular and ventricles that correlate to common conditions seen by occupational therapists. Cases and lab experiences will assist the student in integrating neurologic concepts.