Medical Physiology and Therapeutics BSc

This module aims to enhance and consolidate study and academic skills, demonstrate how the interplay between science, society and individuals impacts on health, and expand awareness of contemporary areas in medical physiology and therapeutics. Diverse topics spanning academic, practical, sociological, biological, statistical arenas are included in readiness for undergraduate studies and future employment. Practical application of information is essential as is involvement in group discussion and debate.

This module aims to further develop your understanding of human neurobiology from modules taken in year one. The module provides an overview of the anatomy, physiology, molecular, and cognitive aspects of nervous system function. The pathology of nervous system disease and injury is taught alongside a wide range of practical neurodiagnostic techniques; both current and developing therapeutic approaches are considered. This module is made up of lab work and taught classes, including some problem-based learning exercises. You may also share a large number of your lectures and undertake problem-based learning sessions with our medical students. This is especially useful if you are considering applying for graduate entry medicine after your degree in medical physiology and therapeutics.

This compulsory module provides an overview of pharmacology (drug action) and therapeutics (the treatment of disease using drugs and other non-pharmacological methods) to help underpin study in other modules in years two and three. In addition, through seminars from clinical academics and case studies, you will learn about the principles of the therapeutic approach in a range of common diseases (e.g. diabetes, renal disease and cancer). Assessment of learning in the module includes use of an innovative ‘integrated therapeutics’ essay, in which you are able to demonstrate in-depth scientific understanding of the modern multi-pronged approach to treatment of disease.

In this module you will examine the core concepts in human reproduction. The emphasis of the module will be on physiological and biomedical mechanisms that underpin both male and female reproductive function, including pregnancy and birth. You will also learn about factors contributing to infertility and the main pathophysiological mechanisms implicated. Options available for treating infertility and the impact of the environment on reproductive outcomes will also be discussed. This module will consist of lectures and tutorials and scheduled problem-based learning sessions.

Examine a selection of acquired and inherited cancers, and develop an understanding of the role of the genes involved and how they can be analysed. To study for this module you will have a two- or three-hour lecture once per week.

This module aims to teach the major methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Core anatomy and physiology is delivered alongside applied teaching focused on the acquisition of clinical diagnostic skills including, palpation, sphygmomanometry, auscultation, and electrocardiography. This knowledge will need to be applied to mock clinical cases and a detailed report on the findings of the diagnostic tests from one of these cases will be assessed. This module will allow students to develop generic clinical skills, consolidate previous learning, and develop group work and written communication skills.

This module extends basic understanding of respiratory physiology. You will develop an understanding of the biomedical basis for a range of common respiratory diseases in the UK (e.g. occupational, chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer), and the means by which they are investigated and diagnosed. Principles of management will also be discussed. You will also develop a wide range of clinical skills for diagnosis, including: percussion and basic palpation of the chest wall and thorax, auscultation of the breath sounds. The core anatomy and physiology will be delivered alongside applied teaching which focuses on the acquisition of clinical diagnostic skills in practical classes. The module facilitates the development of group work and written communication skills and requires you to apply your knowledge to mock clinical cases and write a detailed case study report.

This module deals with the major factors influencing skeletal muscle structure and function in the context of medical physiology and therapeutics. It covers topics including physical activity and skeletal muscle health, nutrition and skeletal muscle health, and ageing and skeletal muscle health. It also explores clinical and research-based techniques for assessing muscle metabolism, structure and function.

Core physiology content is delivered alongside applied teaching, which focuses on the acquisition of practical skills relevant to both clinical and research environments, and allows students to apply and develop generic skills such as group work, data handling and written communication skills. The module requires that students apply their knowledge from lectures and practical sessions to write a persuasive report for a non-specialist audience, based on their understanding of the importance of skeletal muscle health.