This is a core module for students studying Biomedical Science. The module aims to develop scientific, academic and research skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate the application of these skills to the study of physiology. Research methods and employability skills are taught within the context of biomedical and associated employment opportunities. The module is designed to enhance students' understanding of the recurring physiological themes in non-communicable diseases, relating physiological systems to common chronic diseases and likely mechanisms involved. The module will further develop the study of human physiology from level 4, covering topics such as endocrinology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular, reproductive and respiratory physiology.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Research Methods
Employment skills
Medical Physiology
This module has two 'strands' that deliver topics relating to physiology as well as generic scientific and employability skills. The two strands interconnect so that the generic skills are delivered in the context of physiology and related topics. The scientific skills element focuses on interactive, research-informed teaching that covers a range of essential skills including scientific writing, locating and critically evaluating research papers, experimental design and statistics, and ethical issues relating to scientific research. An awareness of employability skills will be developed through the completion of a self-reflection log throughout the year and an investigation in to a relevant industry, including the knowledge and skills base required by employers. The self-reflection log requires students to reflect on their academic and personal development and is discussed periodically with personal tutors. Underlying theory and principles will be delivered through lectures, supported by workshops, meetings with personal tutors, guided independent study and materials supplied electronically on Canvas.
The medical physiology element will consist of lectures, practical laboratory sessions (with pre-practical tutorials) in which knowledge and skills developed throughout the module will be applied, interactive quiz sessions, group discussions, review/revision sessions, and web-based exercises.
The scientific and employability skills will be inherently linked and associated with the physiology context of the module. Engagement in class discussions and completion of assignments facilitates the development of communication, numeracy, ICT and independent learning key skills.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures (57h) Laboratory practical classes (6h) Tutorials/seminars (13h) Workshops (12h) | 88 |
| Guided independent study | 212 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessments consist of (a) an essay to be assessed via the personal tutorial scheme (30%) which develops abilities in scientific writing and critical evaluation of published scientific literature that were introduced at level 4, (b) an on-line test on statistical analyses of scientific data (20%) and (c) an examination (50%) that assesses knowledge and understanding. Formative assessment includes a self-reflection log on scientific, academic and employability skills developed throughout the year, with discussion and feedback provided by personal tutors. Full guidance for all assessments will be provided in lectures and seminars. Practical laboratory classes will be formatively assessed and feedback provided in preparation for summative assessment in the examination.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Appreciate the importance of experimental design in physiological research, and select, apply and interpret appropriate statistical tests for data analysis. | Practical laboratory proformas (F); statistics test (S); |
| Locate, analyse and critically evaluate research papers, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues relating to biological and physiological research | Essay (S) |
| Present concise, analytical and objective scientific information relating to physiology in the form of essays, reports, scientific literature reviews. | Essay (S), examination (S) |
| Reflect on their personal and academic skills, and to research potential employment opportunities in biomedical industries, demonstrating an awareness of the attributes and skills needed to achieve their aspirations. | Self-reflection log & discussions in personal tutorials (F) |
| Discuss selected specialised physiological systems and pathological changes in such systems. | Examination (S), Essay (S) |
| Perform selected physiological experiments accurately and safely, and record and analyse experimental data | Practical laboratory proformas (F) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Physiology examination | Written Exam | 50% |
| On-line statistics test | Coursework | 20% |
| Essay | Coursework | 30% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
The most recent editions of:
Core Text(s):
Barrett K. E, Susan M. Barman S. M, Scott Boitano S. Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, McGraw-Hill Companies.
Johnson S & Scott J. Study & Communication Skills for the Biosciences. Oxford University Press.
Widmaier, E., Raff, H, Strang, K. Vander's Human Physiology, McGraw-Hill.
Bear, Connor & Paradiso. Neuroscience, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
Boron and Boulpaep. Medical Physiology
Field, A. Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. 4th Ed. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Hall, Guyton and Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology, Saunders.
Klabunde. Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
Levick Introduction to Cardiovascular Physiology, Hodder Arnold.