This module will introduce you to the main concepts of anatomy and physiology important in the delivery and understanding of patient care.

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 an introduction to the following Biological Science based subjects, including an introduction to the pathophysiology of common conditions:


Cells & Tissues – The basic building blocks of life, and how they form our more complex structures.
Micro-organisms – how bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites effect the human body.
Physical and cognitive development across the lifespan.
Nervous System – communication, regulation, and co-ordination: How does the nervous system co-ordinate responses to maintain homeostasis.
Musculoskeletal System – The composition of our skeleton structure and how we can 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 principals involved in gas exchange to provide oxygenation of our bodily tissues.
Gastrointestinal System – Digestive processes and the body’s ability to obtain nutrients from food.
Introduction of basic pharmacological and pathological principles.
The basic anatomical and physiological differences between adults and children.

Skills based subjects:

The safe use of equipment
Infection, Prevention and Control (including categories of waste, types of waste decontamination, laundry disposal).
Basic assessment skills of physiological area. Adults and children.
History taking models - how do we structure a patient interview and why?
Assessing risk in the dynamic environment.
Basic Life support (Adult and Paediatric).
Principles of Primary and Secondary survey.
First Aid Principles
Standards of conduct, performance, and ethics

Note:

This module runs in conjunction with Introduction to Human Biology and Clinical Skills 2.

Students will draw from the Communication and Professional Development module to inform the patient assessment, whilst utilising knowledge of biomedical sciences to form judgements and differential diagnosis.

1. Multiple Choice Question and Short answer examination, based on Human Biology. (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2).

2. Graded history taking OSCE. (Learning Outcome 3).

Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge and application of appropriate history taking to inform an assessment and management strategy

3. Basic Life Support OSCE. (Learning outcome 4).

Students will demonstrate safe and effective Basic Life Support in accordance with the UK Resus council BLS algorithm.

All assessments must be passed to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Learning will consist of lead lectures, debates, seminars and pre-recorded content. This will be supplemented by online study materials and clinical simulation.

Online materials will be used to introduce subject areas and will be delivered through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE). This will then be built upon through lead lectures.

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.

Specialist guest lectures, service users and carers will also be included to give students an in-depth professional and personal experience of key subject areas.

You will also be expected to undertake your own self-study on this module, comprising approximately 140 hours. You will have guidance on which issues and areas to look at, but this study is designed to help expand your knowledge and appreciation for the key subject matters, and to allow you time to prepare for assessments.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology & human growth across the life span.
Knowledge and Understanding.

2. Demonstrate an awareness of pathophysiology and how it relates to a range of common conditions.
Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Problem Solving.

3. Demonstrate safe and appropriate clinical assessments in response to a diverse range of patient conditions, across the lifespan.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application.
4. Demonstrate application of appropriate patient treatment and management, including the safe use of equipment.
Application.

Clinical skills sessions.
Simulation.
VLE (Virtual Learning Environments).
Classroom.
Library support.
Academic Mentor support.
Group tutorials.
Lectures.
Seminars.

Blaber, A. and Harris, G. (2012) Assessment Skills for Paramedics, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.

McFadden, R. (2019), Introducing Pharmacology for nursing and Healthcare, 3rd edn, Oxon: Routledge.

Peate, I. and Nair, M. (2016) Fundamentals of anatomy & physiology for nursing and healthcare students, 2nd edn, Chichester Wiley-Blackwell.

Scott, W. (2012) Pathophysiology made incredibly easy!, London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Waugh, A. and Grant, A. (2018), Ross & Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, 13th edn, UK: Elsevier.

Enrolled on BSc (Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science.

In this module you will start to explore human biology, anatomy, and physiology and how this relates to patient presentation. You will also look at the history taking models, developing questioning to support your care. Understanding the importance of these key elements provides you with a foundational understanding of patient assessment and treatment.