Module Descriptors
POST MORTEM: EXPLORING RATIONALE AND NEED FOR CHANGE
XCPD70587
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader:
Email:
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 28
Independent Study Hours: 122
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
  • ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Texts
Coroners (Amendment) Rules(2005)www.tso.co.uk
Dorries, CP (2004) Coroners Courts: A Guide to Law and Practice. 2nd Edition Oxford
Human Tissue Act 2004 www.tso.co.uk
Shepherd R (2003) Simpsons Guide to Forensic Medicine. 12th Ed Arnold ISBN 0-340764228

Other texts and resources will be indicated in the module handbook.









Module Resources
Library
Study skills/ IT support advisors
Tutorial support
Access to a computer and the internet
Utilising e mail facilities


Module Learning Strategies
Contact Hours: (28)
8 hours - Lead lectures
5 hours - Tutor led seminars
6 hours - Student led seminars
9 hours - Student presentations

Independent Study Hours: (122)
30 hours - Library & IT use
52 hours - Self-directed study
20 hours - Development of critical incident writing skills
20 hours - Peer discussion

VLE will be utilised to distribute teaching and learning materials



Module Indicative Content
The purpose of this module is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to assist them in seeking consent for post-mortem examinations. Advising the relatives of those whose death has been referred for medico-legal investigation: they must be thoroughly familiar with the legal, ethical and medical aspects.

The role of the coroner and coroner's court in dealing with the deceased and their relatives
Post mortem - rationale (includes specific exemplars eg vCJD)
Post mortem - personal and legal issues.
Legal issues - cremation and burial
Handling the deceased - a multi-cultural approach
The impact of post mortem upon the relatives of the deceased
Post mortem and forensic examination
Post mortem - where it can go wrong
The need for change and change theory
Module Additional Assessment Details
Written Assignment:
Part 1: a critical incident requiring change to improve on service provision that relates to the critical incident (addressing LO's 1 & 2)

Part 2: a written proposal for change (addressing LO's 2 & 3)

Formative assessment: students will receive formative assessment via feedback on classroom presentation of case studies which may be used as the basis for summative assessment. Formative assessment will also take place during the module and be given via individual tutorials and classroom presentation.