Functional Anatomy (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

On completion of the course, the student can: - Master key terminology related to musculoskeletal anatomy - Name the joints and muscles that are central to locomotion and describe their structure and function. - Identify by palpation the main anatomical structures of the body - Understand the role of different types of muscular work in the various phases of common gym movements - Name the basic structures and functions of the nervous musculoskeletal system - Describe the mechanisms of muscle activation and contraction - Explain the muscle mechanical and neural factors that influence force production

Content (course unit)

The course introduces the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, the origins of movement and the basics of force generation. Anatomical terminology: - Structure and basic function of the musculoskeletal system: general bone, joint and muscular anatomy of parts of the body: skull, spine, thorax, shoulder girdle, upper limb, pelvis, lower limb. - Kinesiology of the neuromuscular system: structure of the central and peripheral nervous system, muscle structure, mechanisms of muscle activation and contraction, nerve muscle fusion and peripheral muscle innervation, basics of mechanics of movement and force generation. - Biomechanics: muscle work

Location and time

This course is entirely self-paced, online and self-study. Final assignments must be returned by the end of July 2026.

Exam schedules

The course content is divided into three examination units: Part 1) Anatomical terminology and the neuromuscular system Part 2) Pelvis and lower limbs Part 3) Torso, skull and upper limb For each section, there will be an exam and, if necessary, two re-exams. The exams will be opened according to a schedule agreed between the students and the supervising teacher. The exams will be taken in Moodle.

Assessment methods and criteria

The grade for the course is determined on the basis of three exams as follows: 1) Introduction and Biomechanics 20% of the grade 2) Pelvis and lower limbs 40% of the grade 3) Torso and upper limb 40% of the grade The exams will be marked as follows: 50% of the total exam score (e.g. 30/60p) is required to pass. To obtain a grade 2, the score must be 58-68% of the total score. For a grade 3, the score required is 69-79% of the total score. For grade 4, the score required is 80-89% of the total score, and a mark of 5 is more than 90% of the total score.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

This course is entirely self-paced, online and self-study. The course includes video lectures based on body parts, short instructional videos focusing on a single topic, exercises and applied tasks.

Learning materials

Reittiopas ihmiskehoon (2022), A. Biel. ISBN: 978-952-7489-09-3 Reittiopas ihmiskehoon, opiskelijan työkirja (2022), A. Biel. ISBN: 978-952-7489-10-9 Ebook: Color Atlas of Human Anatomy, vol. 1 Locomotor system (2013) Learning environment: Visible Body Muscle premium & Visible body Anatomy & Physiology.

Student workload

The scope of the course is 5 credits, which means a workload of 135 hours.

Further information

The assessment consists of numerically graded anatomy exams. The course can be accredited as part of FT00CJ95 Functional Anatomy course (7 cr).