Anatomy and Physiology for Pre-Med

 

Semester & Location:	Fall 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Biology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Prerequisite(s):	One year of biology and one year of chemistry at the university level.
Faculty Member:	Josephine Nolte Peterlin (current students please use the Canvas Inbox)
Program contact:	Science and Health Department: shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director:	Susana Dietrich
Time & Place:	Tuesdays and Fridays, 13:15-14:35 Location TBD

 

Course Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on key systems and functions critical for medical studies. Through engaging lectures, use of VR for better understanding and visualization, and case-based learning, students will study the structure and function of the body’s major systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. 

Special emphasis is placed on understanding physiological processes, homeostasis, and the interconnections between different organ systems. Students will develop critical problem-solving skills and strengthen their ability to apply anatomical and physiological concepts to real-world scenarios. 

 

Learning Objectives

• Identify and describe the structural organization of major human organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems.
• Explain the fundamental physiological principles that maintain homeostasis, including membrane transport, gradient-driven flows, and mechanisms of cell–cell communication.
• Apply principles of anatomy and physiology to explain how individual organ systems function under normal physiological conditions.
• Analyse how multiple organ systems interact to regulate internal conditions and maintain physiological homeostasis.
• Evaluate physiological responses in case-based scenarios involving changes in internal or external conditions.
• Integrate cellular and molecular mechanisms with organ-level physiology to explain complex physiological processes.
• Communicate and present physiological concepts clearly using appropriate scientific terminology in written, visual, or oral formats.

 

Faculty

Josephine Nolte Peterlin M.D. from the University of Copenhagen (2020) with clinical experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Herlev Hospital and Sjællands University Hospital in Roskilde and Nykøbing Falster. Additional experience includes Internal Medicine and specialized psychiatric care for patients with eating disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Current academic and research interests focus on obstetrics, gynecology, and perinatal health. B.Sc. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Montana State University (2012). Born in Denmark and raised in both Denmark and the United States. With DIS since 2017.

Approach to Teaching

This course uses lectures, case studies, laboratory investigations, physiological modelling, and anatomical study to explore the principles of human physiology. Students actively engage with physiological concepts from the cellular to organ-system level, applying their knowledge to understand how the body maintains homeostasis in health and disease. A field study session at the Medical Museion further connects physiological concepts to broader scientific and societal perspectives.

Systems Covered 

Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology

• • Anatomical terminology
  • Levels of organization, body regions, anatomical planes, organ systems
  • Membrane transport
  • Electrochemical gradients
  • Cellular communication
  • Feedback systems
  • Cell structure and organelles
  • Tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous)
  • Cellular adaptation and repair
  • Integrated Clinical Physiology & Review

1. Musculoskeletal System
• Bone structure and function
• Skeletal organization
• Joint anatomy and movement
• Skeletal muscle structure
• Muscle contraction
• Biomechanics and posture
• Calcium homeostasis
2. Nervous System
• Neural signalling
• Synaptic transmission
• Autonomic regulation
• Neural integration
• Anatomy
3. Endocrine System
• Hormonal signalling
• Hypothalamic–pituitary axis
• Metabolic regulation
• Reproductive endocrinology
• Anatomy
4. Cardiovascular System
• Cardiac physiology
• Blood pressure regulation
• Microcirculation
• Oxygen transport
• Anatomy
5. Respiratory System
• Ventilation
• Gas exchange
• Oxygen transport and CO₂ removal
• Regulation of breathing
• Anatomy
6. Digestive System
• Nutrient digestion and absorption
• Liver metabolism
• Energy homeostasis
• Anatomy
7. Lymphatic & Immune System
• Basics of the innate and adaptive immunity
• Lymphatic circulation
• Anatomy
8. Urinary System
• Filtration and reabsorption
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Acid-base regulation
• Blood pressure control
• Anatomy

Readings

• Scanlon, Valerie, and Tina Sanders. Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, F. A. Davis Company, 2003. ProQuest Ebook Central.
• Select pages from Netter's Anatomy Coloring Book, 3rd. Ed provided as handout.
• Extra material posted on Canvas

Field Studies

There will be two field studies during the semester. 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. Details of the field studies will be provided at a later date.

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	7.5%
In class participation	7.5%
Midterm	15%
Case study	30%
STEAM assignment	20%
Final	20%

Assignments

Case Study 1 & 2

Students will complete two collaborative case-study assessments during the semester. Working in small groups, students will analyze clinically relevant scenarios and integrate key course concepts, including anatomical terminology, structure–function relationships, physiological mechanisms, quantitative reasoning, and principles of homeostasis.

Case studies will require students to identify and describe relevant anatomical structures, interpret physiological changes or disturbances, apply appropriate calculations or data analysis, and use evidence-based reasoning to explain how normal physiological function is maintained, disrupted, or restored.

Groups will submit a written analysis through Canvas. In addition, each student will complete a brief individual peer evaluation, assessing the participation, collaboration, and contribution of their fellow group members to the group’s work. Each Case Study Assignment will be 15% of the final course grade.

STEAM Assignments

Throughout the semester, you will complete STEAM Anatomy Assignments using selected pages from Netter’s Anatomy Coloring Book. Activities will include coloring, labeling, visual mapping, and brief annotations to reinforce anatomical structures, spatial relationships, and structure–function connections.

These assignments are intended to become useful study notes. Relevant pages will be collected at the end of the semester for grading and returned before the Final assessment. 

Grading will focus on completion, accuracy, and thoughtful engagement, not artistic ability!

Midterm

Final

The final exam will be an online, timed, open-book multiple-choice examination consisting of approximately 30 questions covering material from the entire semester. The exam accounts for 20% of the final course grade and will be available within a 2-hour testing window.

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.).

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.

 

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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