Draft Anatomy, Physiology, and Scientific Reasoning for Future Physicians

Please note that this is a draft version of the syllabus and therefore adjustments will be done before the start of the course

Semester & Location:	Summer Session 3 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Biology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Prerequisite(s):	One year each of biology and chemistry at university level.
Faculty Members:	This course will be taught by a visiting faculty (current students please use the Canvas Inbox)
Program contact:	Science and Health Department: shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director:	Susana Dietrich
Time & Place:	TBA

 

 

Course Description

This course is tailored for students preparing for the MCAT, focusing on strengthening their understanding of anatomy and physiology while building essential skills in scientific reasoning. Through dynamic lectures, virtual reality tools for enhanced visualization, and case-based learning, students will explore key body systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems, with an emphasis on their interactions and role in maintaining homeostasis. 

The curriculum highlights physiological processes, system interconnections, and problem-solving, equipping students to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios – critical for medical studies and an essential aspect of the MCAT. Students will engage with passage-based questions and test preparation strategies to sharpen critical thinking, analytical skills, and exam readiness. 

Combining interactive instruction, applied learning, and practice exercises, this course with assist students in their pre-med journey and MCAT prep. 

 

Please note that this is not an official MCAT prep course, but rather a tool students can use in addition to other available MCAT prep courses. 

 

Learning Objectives

•    Understand the core concepts of homeostasis, membrane transport, gradient-driven flows, and cell-cell communication in physiologic systems.
•    Understand the functional anatomy and physiology of the nervous, musculoskeletal, respiratory, urinary, and endocrine systems, and the dynamic interactions among these systems to regulate and maintain homeostasis.
•    Integrate organ system physiology with molecular and cellular mechanisms.
•    Use noninvasive instrumentation to collect and analyze physiologic data.
•    Use scientific reasoning skills to analyze and interpret MCAT-style passages and case studies, applying physiology concepts to novel experimental and clinical scenarios.

 

Faculty

TBA

Approach to Teaching

Classroom time would be structured to include a balanced mix of lectures, clinical
case studies (worked in small groups), use of VR equipment for better understanding of systems and visualization of structures, and targeted practice with MCAT passages and MCAT
discrete questions (i.e., not linked to a passage). Lectures would incorporate Think-Pair-Share
activities and class polling software to increase student engagement.

Readings

There will be readings from the following e-book The Complete Blausen Human Anatomy & Physiology Experience (URL: https://www.vitalsource.com/products/the-complete-blausen-human-anatomy-amp-physiology-blausen-medical-vblausenap1), as well as recent scientific literature, all of which will be posted on Canvas. See schedule for the readings of specific classes.

 

Field Studies

The field studies are an integral part of the course where we get a chance to see how theory presented in the classroom translates into practice in the field. For this course the plan is to run a combination of physiology simulation experiments plus hands-on activities in which the students collect their own (ECG, EMG, and/or spirometry) data.

 

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk

 

Expectations of the Students

The course will be a mix of interactive lectures, class discussions, group work, student presentations, and feedback sessions. While the faculty is responsible for the overall structure of the class, all of us will contribute to the production of knowledge. All students are expected and encouraged to engage actively in class sessions.

 

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.
The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

Assignment	Percent
Attendance & Participation	15%
Quizzes	40%
Reports from field study assignments	15%
End-of-term exam	30%

 

Policies

Attendance

You are expected to attend all DIS classes and activities when scheduled, and I will monitor attendance. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Excused absences include only serious illness and participation in religious holidays.

If you miss multiple classes, the Director of Academic Support, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well. In the case of multiple absences, you will need to provide a doctor’s note.

Missing class: You must always notify your instructor about an absence a reasonable time in advance. Each failure to notify your faculty of an absence in advance will result in a deduction of 2 points off your final participation grade.

 

Class room etiquette

A good learning environment requires that everyone is present, prepared, and participating. Out of respect for both faculty and fellow students, we expect you to be on time and to participate in the full duration of the class.

Laptops and phones in class: Use of phones and computers are not allowed during class, unless prompted by the professor. Usage of laptops or phones not related to the class is always unacceptable, and will reduce your participation grade significantly.

Make-up classes: There are a few open slots for make-up classes in the syllabus in case of unexpected cancelled classes. Please note that there may be organized mandatory classes during these time slots.

 

Assignments

Assignments and tests are submitted via Canvas. Submissions exceeding the word limit will be penalized by a third of a grade per additional page or part thereof (A- becomes B+, B becomes B- etc.).

Late assignments will be accepted within reason, if you notify your faculty in advance. However, your grade will be reduced by 2 thirds of a grade for each day or part thereof that it is late (A- becomes B, B becomes C+ etc.).

 

 
Academic Regulations 

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

 

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