Medical Terminology I (Coursera)

Offered by Rice University,
Medical Terminology I (Coursera)

This course will discuss the importance of learning medical language as well as introduce basic word parts and concepts applied in medical terminology. We will also learn about common organization and terms seen in medical records before moving into system-specific terms for the integumentary system (skin), musculoskeletal system (muscles and bones), and urinary (kidneys).

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Course 1 of 3 in the Medical Terminology Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Welcome to Medical Terminology Part 1
Specialization introduction, integument, movement, and micturition
Introduction to Medical Language and Records
Greetings! Welcome to the Introduction to Medical Language and Records module. This is the foundational module designed to set you up for success in the remainder of the specialization. We will begin by examining the purpose of medical language. Then we will explore common word parts and the guidelines for building and breaking down medical terms. We will also explore health records and look at a common template used for all health records: the SOAP note. We will conclude with a list of abbreviations unique to this module but frequently used in health records.
Though the amount of memorization in this module can be a bit overwhelming, this information is CRUCIAL to your success in all future modules. Your investment in this early material will pay dividends for the remainder of the specialization! Let's get started...

WEEK 2
Integumentary System
Salutations! Welcome to the first of our body system modules: The Integumentary System. This module will introduce you to medical terms related to the skin. Following the SOAP note format, we will look at common complaints, tests, diagnoses, and treatments used in dermatology. Without further ado, let's get comfortable with our own skin...

WEEK 3
Musculoskeletal System
Hello! Welcome to the musculoskeletal system module. This module will introduce you to medical terms related to the muscles and bones. Following the SOAP note format, we will look at common complaints, tests, diagnoses, and treatments used in orthopedics. As your musculoskeletal system says to your body, let's get moving...

WEEK 4
Urinary System
Hi! Welcome to the urinary system module. This module will introduce you to medical terms related to the kidneys and bladder. Following the SOAP note format, we will look at common complaints, tests, diagnoses, and treatments used in urology and proctology.
Course Final Assessments and Conclusion
Congratulations on making it to the final assessment module of this course! This module is going to look a little different from the rest. The good news: you don't have watch any more lectures, take any notes, or play any Quizlet game in this module. The other news: you DO have to take an exam. But don't worry. As long as you've paid attention in the previous modules, you've got this. Besides, this exam is fun! You will see.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Medical Terminology II (Coursera) Coursera
Rice University

Medical Terminology II (Coursera)

This is the second course of the Medical Terminology specialization. It builds on the basic concepts of medical terminology with the introduction of new roots, terms, and abbreviations specific to the endocrine system (hormones). The body's transportation and defense systems (cardiovascular, blood, and lymphatic) will also be covered as well as the respiratory system (lungs).

Jun 29th 2026
4 Weeks
Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Urinary, and Respiratory Systems (edX) EdX
University of Michigan,MichiganX

Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Urinary, and Respiratory Systems (edX)

Learn the multifaceted structures and functions of the cardiovascular, urinary, and respiratory systems. This course is a primer for the cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems in which students learn the pertinent details of the structures and functions through a combination of lectures, videos, labeling activities and quizzes.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Musculoskeletal Health: A Public Health Approach (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Public Health England

Musculoskeletal Health: A Public Health Approach (FutureLearn)

Learn about the important public health messages of how to maintain good musculoskeletal health (MSK). Using the evidence to inform public health policy decisions for good MSK. Having and maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system is crucial for your overall health. So, what public health approaches can policy makers and organisations take to ensure that for everyone? On this three-week course you’ll learn about the importance of maintaining good musculoskeletal health.

May 31st 2021
3 Weeks
Ergonomics in Design (edX) EdX
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST,HKUSTx

Ergonomics in Design (edX)

The course is designed to provide a basic understanding of ergonomics in design through the introduction of human anatomy, anthropometry, and modeling techniques with the aim of improving safety, productivity, comfort and health of people. Ergonomics is the application of scientific information about people in order to design products and systems so that they are safe, productive, comfortable and healthy for people to use.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
The Musculoskeletal System: the Science of Staying Active into Old Age (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The University of Sheffield

The Musculoskeletal System: the Science of Staying Active into Old Age (FutureLearn)

Demystify the ageing Demystify the ageing process and learn how our everyday behaviours are likely to affect our long-term musculoskeletal health. On this course, you’ll learn why our bones, joints and muscles function less well as we age, and discover how best to live well as we get older.

Available now
3 Weeks
Deep Time: Discovering an Ancient Earth (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Deep Time: Discovering an Ancient Earth (Coursera)

Ever since our ancestors ventured onto the African savanna, human beings have searched, explored, and wondered about the world. Nowadays, and certainly for most, science is the vehicle that takes us along a path towards understanding nature. It can bring us from sub-atomic realms to the most distant galaxies. Largely through the discipline of geology, science allows us to push back the mists of time and peer into a past measured in billions of years, and aptly referred to as “Deep Time.” Climb on board!

Jul 6th 2026
4 Weeks
Quality Control and Regulatory in Cosmetic Science (Coursera) Coursera
Olay

Quality Control and Regulatory in Cosmetic Science (Coursera)

This course explores the multifaceted world of cosmetic science and quality assurance. You will explore the historical evolution of cosmetic regulatory landscapes, gain insights into cutting-edge safety assessment methodologies, and delve into the principles and practices of quality systems. The course emphasizes a holistic approach, ensuring participants understand the importance of regulations, enhance their expertise in safety assessments, and master the principles of quality control in cosmetic manufacturing.

Jul 6th 2026
4 Weeks
Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles (Coursera) Coursera
University of Alberta

Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles (Coursera)

Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles is a four-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing terrestrial animals return to water. This course examines the diversity, adaptations, convergence, and phylogenetic relationships of extinct marine reptiles. Students will explore three major groups of marine reptiles: ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs.

Jul 8th 2026
4 Weeks
Medical Terminology and the Human Body Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
MedCerts

Medical Terminology and the Human Body Fundamentals (Coursera)

In this Introduction to Medical Terminology and the Human Body course, you will learn about the medical language that is used to describe the human body. Throughout each Lesson, the roots of terms are explained to help students understand how medical terminology works in healthcare and to increase their knowledge and understanding of the material discussed.

Jul 6th 2026
4 Weeks
Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong (Coursera) Coursera
Yale University

Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong (Coursera)

How can you tell if the bold headlines seen on social media are truly touting the next big thing or if the article isn't worth the paper it's printed on? Understanding Medical Studies, will provide you with the tools and skills you need to critically interpret medical studies, and determine for yourself the difference between good and bad science. The course covers study-design, research methods, and statistical interpretation. It also delves into the dark side of medical research by covering fraud, biases, and common misinterpretations of data. Each lesson will highlight case-studies from real-world journal articles.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks