Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

ALH 104 - Medical Terminology

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
NT
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course explores the specialized language used within the medical profession. Emphasis is placed on the definition, pronunciation and spelling of medical terms with focus on building medical words using prefixes, word roots, suffixes and combining forms. To further advance a working knowledge of these terms, vocabulary is taught in relation to the basic anatomy, physiology and pathology of body systems.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Interpret the meaning of medical terms by analyzing the basic elements of the terms.
  2. Classify medical terms in relation to basic anatomy, physiology, and pathology of body systems.
  3. Identify medical terms correctly.
  4. Pronounce medical terms correctly.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Introduction of Medical Terminology

5.00

Body Structure

3.00

Integumentary (Skin and associated structures) System

3.00

Muscular System

2.00

Skeletal System

2.00

Cardiovascular System

4.00

Blood, Lymphatic and Immune Systems

4.00

Respiratory System

4.00

Digestive System

3.00

Urinary System

3.00

Reproductive System

3.00

Endocrine System

4.00

Nervous System

4.00

Special Senses

3.00

Pharmacology, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery, Oncology

4.00
Total Hours:51.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Discussion
  2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  3. Lecture
  4. Multimedia Presentations
  5. Reading Assignments

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Oral Presentation
  3. Homework
  4. Short papers
  5. Multi-Media Presentations

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read the chapter about the respiratory system and be prepared to discuss root words and combining forms regarding the respiratory system.
  2. Read about diagnostic imaging and be prepared to discuss terms regarding X-Ray procedures.

Writing Assignments

  1. Write a one page paper about heart disease, incorporating at least 15 medical terms introduced in the cardiovascular chapter.
  2. Write a one page paper about the anatomy of the respiratory system to include at least ten medical terms from the respiratory system chapter.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Find a media advertisement about a pharmaceutical product research its usage and be prepared to interpret medical terms within the ad.
  2. Read the medical record analysis at the end of the musculoskeletal chapter and be prepared to interpret the underlined terms.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Fremgen, Bonnie. (2015). Medical Terminology, A Living Language. Prentice Hall, 6th.

Other Learning Materials

Visual aids, some provided by Butte College Allied Health Department.

Minimum Qualifications

Emergency Medical Technologies

Health (Masters Required)

Health Information Technology

Licensed Vocational Nursing

Nursing (Masters Required)

Respiratory Technician

Respiratory Technologies