1. Analyse the key concepts of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology under circumstances relevant to paramedic practice
Analysis
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

2. Analyse the biological, physical and chemical principles underpinning homeostatic functioning and the manifestations of homeostatic compromise
Application
Analysis

3. Analyse the principle concepts of applied pharmacology and therapeutics as they apply to paramedic practice including the application and effects of medicines which are applicable to paramedic practice
Application
Analysis

4. Demonstrate depth of knowledge and understanding of medicines management, record keeping and legislation in relation to pharmacological and therapeutic interventions as they apply to paramedic practice Knowledge and Understanding

This is a dynamic and exciting module that will be focusing on pathophysiology and pharmacology and will also allow you the opportunity to review and build upon your prior knowledge of human biology from Level 4.

Pathophysiology

You will be exploring the pathophysiology specifically associated with body systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, renal and endocrine systems. This will incorporate a review of key anatomy and physiology where necessary, and in-depth examination of a wide range of pathophysiological conditions commonly encountered in prehospital emergency care.

Throughout this, you will be exploring some of the changes across the age-range and during pregnancy which may affect normal physiology. Not only will you look at the pathophysiological conditions, but also the clinical features commonly encountered with those conditions and the impact they may have on the patient.

Pharmacology

Throughout the module, you will also be increasing your knowledge of drug legislation including medicines management and legal frameworks. You will explore the concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and how they apply to drugs administered and encountered by paramedics across a range of patients.

In addition, you will be exploring the effects of some of these drugs and how they may be affected by pathophysiological conditions spanning the age range, as well as learning about how to recognise and manage adverse drug reactions. You will also be critically analysing polypharmacy, evaluating how drugs can interact and the impact upon the patient.

The assessment for this module is a 135 minute exam, split into two halves.
• 45 minutes will be spent on a Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) paper.
• 90 minutes will then be spent on a Short Answer Question paper.

The exam will occur at the end of the main teaching block for this year and will cover all the learning outcomes.

Each part of the exam is weighted at 50% each. Both elements of the exam must be passed at 40% to obtain an overall pass mark in the module.

A formative exam will be undertaken earlier on in the block to assist with consolidation of knowledge and to help direct revision.

Teaching for this module will use a combination of online lectures and class-room learning (approx. 62 hours) introducing key subjects. This will be supplemented by group tutorial sessions and online study materials.

Formal taught sessions will include frequent formative assessments and opportunities for students to engage in interactive activities. Group work (approx. 8 hours) will also be used to encourage collaborative learning and to consolidate key subjects.

A formative exam will be conducted prior to the module assessment to allow students to gauge their knowledge and provide feedback on their progress.

VLE
IT resources
Library resources

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

COLBERT, B.J. (2012), Anatomy and physiology for nursing and healthcare professionals, 2nd ed, Pearson Education, Harlow.
COMERFORD, K. MAYER, B. (2008) Pathophysiology made incredibly visual! Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Fulcher, E., Fulcher, R. & Soto, C. (2012) Pharmacology Principles and applications: a worktext for Allied Health Professionals. 3rd Edition Missouri; Elsevier
Galbraith, A. (2017) Fundamentals of pharmacology: an applied approach for nursing and health. London: Routledge the original list was light on pharmacology
HERLIHY, B.L. 2014, The human body in health and illness, 5th ed, Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri
McCance, K. L. (2019) Pathophysiology: the biologic basis for disease in adults and children. Ebook available.
Nagaratnam, N. (2016) Diseases in the elderly: age-related changes and pathophysiology. Ebook available
PEATE, I. & NAIR, M. (2016) Fundamentals of anatomy & physiology for nursing and healthcare students. 2nd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester
PEATE, I. Edt. (2018) Fundamentals of Applied Pathophysiology – An Essential Guide for Nursing and Healthcare Students. 3rd Edition. Chichester: John Wiley and sons. Available as EBook
PORTH, C. (2015) Essentials of pathophysiology: concepts of altered health states. 4th ed. (International edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer
Rogers, K. M. A. (2011) Paramedics! – test yourself in pathophysiology. Ebook available.
SCOTT, W. (2012) Pathophysiology made incredibly easy! London: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Porth.
SIMONSEN, T. (2006) Illustrated pharmacology for nurses. London: Hodder Arnold.