Human Anatomy and Physiology

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, 

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.