Professional/Short course Human Anatomy and Physiology

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.