Get an introduction to different human body parts and their functions, from organ systems to cell structure and tissues.

14,274 enrolled on this course

the upper torso of a body with view of bones and organs
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

Explore how your body works through the study of body anatomy

How does the body work? What is it made of? What are the different parts of the human body and what are their functions?

From cells to organ systems, this course will introduce you to the basic components that make up the human body.

You’ll discover what molecular structures are, and classify different types within the body.

As you learn more about cell structure, you’ll find out about human tissue and its function, and explore the different organs systems within the body and what they do.

You’ll also gain basic physiological knowledge and learn how your body works, and how to influence it.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds DR.

Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds KIRSTY KIEZEBRINK: Welcome to this programme on understanding the body. I want to tell you a little bit about what you can expect to learn through this programme, which is made up of a range of short courses. Each one lasts about three weeks. In this programme, we’re going to take you from the smallest part of the body, the DNA, and through the cells– into how the cells cluster to make tissues. And then how the tissue makes into a bigger system called an organ. And that’s things like your heart, your brain, and how they all interact together. Why would you want to study that, is really quite straightforward.

Skip to 0 minutes and 42 seconds We want to know why you maybe got a cold last week, but your best friend who sits next to you all day, they didn’t catch it. What’s the difference in your bodies? Why is one of you more susceptible? We’ll also look how does what you eat turn into making the body. So how come you eat food, and then your hair grows, your nails grow, your bones are turning over? We’re making new blood every day. How does the body do that? It’s an amazing process. And we’re to take you through exploring how those steps happen.

Skip to 1 minute and 13 seconds So maybe you’re considering going on to do post-graduate studies, and that would be something like a master’s or even possibly a PhD, but the studies you want to do require science in the entrance requirement. And you might not have either enough science yet, or you maybe haven’t covered science in your undergraduate degree. This course will allow you to gain credits from the University of Aberdeen, which we recognise by other universities, to enable you to apply there to study for a master’s programme. And in particular, it’s one of the entrance requirements for coming onto University of Aberdeen to study with our human nutrition programme or our clinical nutrition programme.

What topics will you cover?

  • What are molecules
  • Cellular components and structure
  • What are tissues
  • The key organs in the body
  • Organ systems

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Classify the different types of molecular structures used in the body
  • Describe and identify the basic components that make up cells and tissues within the body
  • Describe and identify the organs within the body
  • Compare the organ systems within the body and describe their function

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at anyone interested in what the body is made up of. No existing knowledge of biology or chemistry is required.

Who will you learn with?

I am a Research Assistant at the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen. I work alongside researchers in the Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health.

I am a Research Fellow at the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen. I am currently researching genetic factors that influence joint health and arthritis.

Who developed the course?

University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen is the 3rd oldest Scottish and 5th oldest UK University. With 14500 students from 120 countries, it is a world leader in medical research, energy, environment, law and business.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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