1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology across the life-span
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological, physical and chemical principles underpinning homeostatic functioning and regulation across the life-span
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of pharmacology and therapeutics including the application, effects and side-effects of medicines which are applicable to introductory paramedic practice
Knowledge and Understanding,
Application

4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of medicines management and legislation as they apply to paramedic practice
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

This module will introduce you to the main concepts of anatomy and physiology, which underpin prehospital emergency care. It will start by exploring basic biological and physical concepts, as well as key anatomical, medical and physiological terminology.

This will then inform an exploration of body systems, incorporating anatomical structure (i.e. where things are) and physiological processes (i.e. how it works in the context of normal bodily function).

Subjects explored will include:
• Cells & Tissues – The basic building blocks of life, and how they form our more complex structures.
• Nervous System – How we communicate, regulate and co-ordinate movements and sensitivity.
• Endocrine System – Longer-term regulation of bodily functions.
• Musculoskeletal System – The maintenance of our physical body structure and how we are able to facilitate movement.
• Cardiovascular System – Transport of substances around the body, cardiac structure, and the electrical conduction system of the heart.
• Respiratory System – The structures, mechanisms and principles involved in gas exchange to provide oxygenation of our bodily tissues.
• Urinary System – How we regulate excretion of waste products via the kidneys.
• Gastrointestinal System – Digestive processes and the body’s ability to obtain nutrients from food.
• Reproductive Systems – This will include an understanding of basic anatomy as well as an examination of the processes behind pregnancy including physiological changes. We will also discuss an overview of genetics.
• Lymphatic System & Immunity – How the body defends itself against invading pathogens.
• Skin & Thermoregulation – How the body regulates temperature control, salt and water content, in the context of maintaining a healthy homeostatic balance.

Throughout each of these systems we will briefly explore some key pathophysiological concepts, examining how physiology changes both through mechanism of disease, across the age range and during pregnancy. You will also study an introduction to fundamental pharmacology as it applies to paramedic practice.

These subjects will give you a good grounding in normal human anatomy and physiological function in preparation for further study in these areas at higher levels of the course. This knowledge will also inform your clinical practice as you learn to assess various bodily systems in practice.

The assessment for this module is a 60 minute unseen Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination which will cover all of the learning outcomes.

You will receive a mock examination prior to the end of formal teaching to prepare you for the summative assessment itself.

To pass the module you will need to achieve a mark of 40% or higher. This assessment is weighted at 100% of the mark for this module.

Due to the professional nature of this programme no compensation within or between modules is permitted. All elements of assessment in all modules must be passed.

Learning will be divided between online lectures (approx. 10 hours) and class-room learning (approx. 26 hours). The exact distribution of this time may vary slightly between cohorts depending on the needs of each individual group.

Each subject will begin with an online introduction to the material, which will be supported by teaching staff and is designed to be interactive and flexible for you to engage with at your own pace.

Incorporated into these will be tasks and activities, which will help to form the basis of face-to-face tutorial sessions to reinforce your learning.

Lead lectures will be also utilised for a few of the more complex subject areas, and you will be encouraged to work in groups to facilitate collaborative learning.

You will also be expected to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning and prepare for the assessment. This is expected to consist of approximately 114 hours over the course of the module, and may comprise of use of the library facilities, recommended reading, online activities through the virtual learning environment, or other activities that promote your learning of this module.

COLBERT, B.J. (2012), Anatomy and physiology for nursing and healthcare professionals, 2nd edn, Pearson Education, Harlow.
COMERFORD, K. MAYER, B. (2008) Pathophysiology made incredibly visual! Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
HERLIHY, B.L. (2014), The human body in health and illness, 5th edn, Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri
KATZUNG, B., TREVOR, A. (2015) Basic and clinical pharmacology. New YorkΏ: McGraw Hill Education,.
MARTINI, F. H. & BARTHOLOMEW, E. (2011) Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology 9th Ed. San Francisco: Pearson
PEATE, I. & NAIR, M. (2016) Fundamentals of anatomy & physiology for nursing and healthcare students. 2nd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester
PORTH, C.(2015) Essentials of pathophysiology: concepts of altered health states. 4th ed. (International edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer
SCOTT, W. (2012) Pathophysiology made incredibly easy! LondonΏ: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Virtual Learning Environment
IT resources
Library resources

Enrolled onto the following award;
BSc(Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science

This module will introduce you to the main concepts of anatomy and physiology, which underpin prehospital emergency care. You will study key body systems, incorporating anatomical structure (i.e. where things are) and physiological processes (i.e. how it works in the context of normal bodily function). This will form a foundation of knowledge on which we can build clinical knowledge and subjects such as mechanism of disease and pharmacology, which will be studied in future modules.