Professional/Short course Human Anatomy and Physiology

Entry year: 2025/26
Course code: USSKA3301
Application: University
Level: Professional/Short Course
School: School of Applied Sciences
Campus: Frenchay
Delivery: Face-to-face
Course Director: Dr Chris Moore

Introduction

Modules can be offered either individually or collectively if you have had your first degree evaluated by the IBMS and require further Top-up studies in order to complete the educational requirement for IBMS accreditation.

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a core module for multiple programmes and so must cover an appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge to service all requirements, both accredited and non-accredited.

This 30 credit level 4 module aims to deliver specialist knowledge through taught lectures, together with inductive tutorials and seminars to enable application and problem-solving utilising this knowledge. Student learning will be further supported through the University's e-learning environment, Blackboard, with provision of materials and activities to guide independent study.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Use and understand basic anatomical terminology
Explain the principles of physiological control mechanisms
Describe the differences between different connective tissue types and relate key properties to their function
Identify major bones of the human skeleton, including key surface landmarks
Describe the position, orientation, and gross anatomy of major organs to their respective systems
To Explain relationships between the function and location of key systems
Describe the structure and function of the endocrine and nervous systems
Understand the sensory and locomotor aspects of the nervous system
Describe the principles of diagnostic imaging and show a working knowledge of simple interpretation
Demonstrate practical skills in data observation, collection, handling and report writing, and relate outcomes to the relevant physiology.

For an applicant looking to top-up an undergraduate degree to obtain an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) accreditation, please refer to the Biomedical Science module top-up for IBMS/HCPC accreditation for more information.

Careers / Further study

This module contributes towards:

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science
BSc(Hons) Biological Science
BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Science)
BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Physiological Science).

Structure

Content

The module content typically covers:

Anatomical terminology as it relates to body posture and describing orientation of organs/limbs in a clinical setting
Major skeletal structure, including an introduction to bone growth and development
Connective tissues: Introduction into cell types that make up the various connective tissues, and the function of connective tissue in the human body
Major muscle groups, including their relationship to connective tissues
Histological structure of endocrine, nerve and muscle tissues.
Endocrinology; structure and function of the key endocrine organs and its relationship to homeostasis and normal function
Introduction to the Nervous System to include gross anatomy of the brain and spine. The electrochemical nature of nervous signals. Membrane and action potentials, nerve conduction, synaptic transmission.
An introduction to the pharmacological nature of the autonomic nervous system. The neurotransmitters and receptors involved in autonomic function.
Structure of the heart and its associate with major blood vessels, including lung structure and its relationship to the heart and associated function
The structure of the organs that make up the GI system, with focus on adaptations of each to carry out specific functions relating to stages of digestion
The structure of the kidneys and bladder, including nervous control of micturition
Structure and function of the male and female reproductive system.
The process of human development from fertilisation to adulthood.

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstration, practical classes and workshops; fieldwork; external visits; work based learning; supervised time in studio/workshop.

Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading, case study preparation, assignment preparation and completion etc.

Assessment

The Assessment Strategy has been designed to support and enhance the development of subject-based knowledge and skills, whilst ensuring that the Learning Outcomes are achieved.

The controlled conditions assessment for this module comprises MCQ or Varied Online Question (VOQ) style questions covering theoretical (lecture based) knowledge and understanding.

Coursework will primarily assess practical knowledge and skills relevant to the lectures, by way of an online portfolio consisting of multiple mini-tasks covering the breadth and depth of the practical sessions.

Formative assessment will also be available throughout both semesters by way of online formative quizzes that are designed to give the student's the opportunity to test their own understanding of the lecture material without the final grade counting towards their overall mark.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Funding may be available to support your learning. Please contact your Trust Education Lead. If you work in the Private, Independent and Voluntary Sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.

Dates

Please see our timetable for full date information.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158