Principles of Health Sciences for Physiotherapy

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Describe key anatomical and physiological changes associated with a range of common pathologies and health conditions e.g. pain and common musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.
• Build on your basic understanding gained in semester one to describe the detailed structure and function of relevant body systems, e.g. musculoskeletal/nervous system.
• Describe pharmacological principles relevant to clinical practice e.g. theories of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and the mode of action of common therapeutic drugs.
• Describe key psycho-social factors, such as adherence, memory, mental health and related models, which can influence health behaviours.
• Understand the legal framework for supplementary and independent prescribing, working under patient group directions and patient specific direction.

Links will be made with relevant topics studied in Foundations of Health Sciences to underscore the progression from foundation knowledge to advanced aspects of anatomy, physiology, health psychology and pharmacology developed within this module. Students will be encouraged to build upon the framework that recognises the inter-dependence of body systems and psychology of the individual.

The material delivered in the shared lecture programme may include:

Musculoskeletal System

• Human Anatomy: exploration of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This will be supported through self-directed study with access to key electronic learning resources such as Anatomy.TV
• Pathophysiology: nerve damage, effects of ageing on the neuromuscular system

Nervous System

• Structure and function of the spinal cord and brain, including reticular systems, vestibular system, basal ganglia, brain stem and cerebellum
• Motor and sensory systems, afferent and efferent pathways
• Integration of motor & sensory systems
• Muscle tone, balance and co-ordination
• Pathophysiology: e.g. acute or chronic pain conditions, neurodegenerative disorders

Pharmacology

• Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics including relevant examples of commonly used drugs. Current guidelines for independent prescribing.

Psychosocial Science

• Mental health
• Aspects of memory and development across the lifespan
• Adherence
• Perception

This module will use a blended-learning approach, with a range of teaching and learning activities. You will be directed to attend lead lectures and/or seminars which are identified as essential to underpin your knowledge and future practice. You should also develop the skills and initiative necessary to manage your own independent learning as part of your professional responsibility.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Assessment tasks

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: A series of example answers will be provided.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.