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
Joy Balta, M.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D.
Founding Director
University College Cork, Ireland
Nicole Cosby, Ph.D.
University of Virginia
Yoojin Choi, Ph.D.
Harvard University
Anabel Flores, Ph.D.
Director of Educational Effectiveness
University of Michigan
Brandon Sawyer, Ph.D.
Arizona State University
To view requirements for majors, minors, and certificates, see the Degree Program Information page.
ANA 2000 Human Anatomy (4 Units)
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.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 2001 Human Physiology with Lab (4 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 4000 Clinical Anatomy (3 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 4002 Gross Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System (3 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 4009 Applied Neuroanatomy (3 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Prerequisite(s): ANA 4000 or consent of instructor.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 4020 Human Embryology (3 Units)
To provide students with an understanding of embryological events related to the development of a particular body region or system.
Letter grade.
ANA 5000 Clinical Anatomy (3 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 5002 Gross Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System (3 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Prerequisite(s): ANA 2000, BIO 1030 and BIO 1040, or consent of instructor and must be enrolled in the Master of Science 3+2 program.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 5003 Teaching and Learning Anatomy (1 Unit)
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.
Letter grade.
Also offered as ANA 6003.
ANA 5004 Anatomy Clinical Practice (2 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Also offered as ANA 6004.
ANA 5007 Research Methods (3 Units)
This course is an introduction to research methods to acquaint the student with analyzing the professional literature. The course will explore both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics will include: 1) selected techniques and designs used in research, with special emphasis given to planning, conducting, and reporting of research; and 2) applied statistical analysis and interpretation of data from the field of medical sciences. Students will produce an original pilot research project proposal including preliminary statistical design.
Letter grade.
Also offered as ANA 6007.
ANA 5009 Applied Neuroanatomy (3 Units)
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.
Letter grade.
Fee: Course fee applies. See "Special Fees" in Financing a PLNU Education.
ANA 5010 Human Gross Anatomy (6 Units)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of normal clinical anatomy through an integrated anatomical approach to the study of human body structure. Students will work in small groups and actively participate in full anatomy cadaver dissection labs. These labs are complemented with lectures covering the systematic and developmental anatomy of the human body within a clinical context.
Letter grade.
Also offered as ANA 6010.