1. Describe the normal structure and functions of the human body relevant to paramedic practice.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply an understanding of common disease processes and how they affect wellness across the age range

Knowledge & Understanding

Application & Problem Solving

3. Recognise how human physiology varies between typical and atypical states

Knowledge & Understanding

4. Demonstrate your understanding of basic pharmacological principles, including how medicines are used, administered and monitored in paramedic practice

Knowledge & Understanding

Assessment 1:

Structured Short Answer Test (SSAT) – 60 minutes

Weighting: 50%

Assesses module learning outcomes 1 and 3

This closed book assessment evaluates your understanding of the normal structure and function of the human body and your ability to recognise how physiology varies between typical and atypical states. The 60-minute structured short answer test requires concise, accurate responses that apply foundational bioscience concepts to clinical scenarios relevant to paramedic practice.

Rationale: A timed written assessment allows you to demonstrate essential factual knowledge and emerging analytical skills underpinning safe patient assessment. This format is appropriate for Level 4 learning and ensures you can evidence the foundational scientific understanding required for professional practice.

Assessment 2:

Case-Based Workbook – three submissions of 500 words each

Weighting: 50%

Assesses module learning outcomes 2 and 4.

This assessment enables you to apply your understanding of common disease processes and basic pharmacological principles to realistic, age-diverse clinical situations. The workbook comprises three short case studies, provided by the module leader, requiring you to explain how conditions affect wellness across the lifespan and how medicines are used, administered and monitored in paramedic practice.

Rationale: Case-based learning promotes the integration of theory with developing clinical reasoning. This assessment encourages you to relate bioscience knowledge to authentic pre-hospital contexts, supporting your ability to articulate how physiology, pathology and pharmacology inform safe and effective patient care.

This module introduces the foundational biosciences that underpin safe paramedic practice. Content includes:

Normal human structure and function, including key cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine, renal, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems.

Homeostasis and physiological regulation across the lifespan, with consideration of paediatric, adult and older-adult variation.

Common disease processes and their impact on wellness, including infection, inflammation, metabolic imbalance, trauma and degenerative conditions.

Recognition of typical and atypical physiology, linking changes in observations to underlying pathophysiology and early indicators of deterioration.

Basic pharmacological principles, including drug actions, routes of administration, legal and safety considerations, and the monitoring of medicine effects in paramedic practice.

Application of digital clinical tools (e.g., JRCALC) to support decision-making related to physiology, pathology and medicines management

Build the scientific foundations you need to become a safe, confident and future-ready paramedic.

This module introduces the core biosciences that underpin pre-hospital assessment and decision-making. You will explore how the human body functions in health, how common disease processes affect wellness across the lifespan, and how physiological changes signal deterioration. You will also develop an understanding of basic pharmacology and the safe use of medicines in paramedic practice. By connecting theory to real clinical scenarios, this module provides the essential scientific grounding for your ongoing professional development.

Learning will focus on developing your theoretical understanding of human biosciences and how this knowledge underpins safe paramedic practice. Teaching will be delivered through lead lectures, seminars, debates, discussions and pre-recorded content, with an emphasis on applying scientific principles to clinical reasoning and assessment. This will be supported by online study materials accessed through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), which introduce key concepts prior to taught sessions. There will also be formative opportunities to receive feedback on knowledge and understanding gained throughout the module.

Tutorials will build on this online material through structured tasks and collaborative activities designed to reinforce and extend your learning. Specialist guest lectures, service users and carers will contribute additional professional and lived experience to deepen your understanding of core subject areas.

Waugh, A. & Grant, A. (2023). Ross & Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness (15th ed.). Elsevier.

The most widely used UK bioscience text for undergraduate health programmes. Clear, accessible explanations of A&P with strong visuals.

Marieb, E.N. & Hoehn, K. (UK adaptation 2019–2022). Human Anatomy & Physiology (Global/UK editions). Pearson.

Although American authors, the UK-adapted editions are widely used in British HEIs and remain the most comprehensive A&P resource for beginners.

Craft, J., Gordon, C. & Tiziani, A. (2020, UK reprint 2022). Understanding Pathophysiology. Elsevier.

Excellent introduction to the mechanisms of disease, inflammation, infection, cell injury and systemic disorders — ideal for MLO2 and MLO3.

McCance, K. & Huether, S. (UK edition, 2022). Pathophysiology: The Biological Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. Elsevier.

More detailed than Craft & Gordon, offering robust explanations of disease processes. Useful for case-based assessments at Level 4.

Lilley, L., Collins, S., Snyder, J. & Nabhani-Gebara, S. (2020). Pharmacology and Medicines Management for Nurses (UK Edition). Pearson.

A clear, UK-focused introduction to pharmacology principles, medicines safety, routes of administration and monitoring — directly supports MLO4.

VLE - Blackboard (Virtual Learning Environments).

Microsoft Teams

Simulation Centre

Hi Fidelity Simulation Equipment

Classrooms.

Library support.

Academic Mentor support.

Group tutorials.

Lectures.

Seminars.