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Concepts in Health & Medical Sciences

This module aims to give students a basic grounding in key topics, theories, principles, language, nomenclature and learning activities which will underpin ongoing study in the health and medical sciences.. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the different skills, techniques and perspectives that will frame ongoing study.

After completing the module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the key concepts, theories and principles which will underpin an understanding of health and medical sciences
2. Demonstrate appropriate use of standard terminology and nomenclature across a range of health care disciplines and interacting fields of interest, and appreciate the differences and similarities in scope and language through applied examples
3. Extract, compile and interrelate relevant information from a variety of resources
4. Demonstrate integration of information and concepts across the disciplines of health sciences and medical sciences

Systems: Cell to Society

In the medical sciences, you will be introduced to cell cycle regulation, cell division and cell communication, principals of genetics and epigenetics, elements of developmental biology and parental transfer of information, and anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, bones and muscles in health and disease.

In the health sciences, core concepts such as health behaviour, different health belief models and the interrelationships of population health and health and gender will be discussed. Topics such as the ethical debates surrounding organ donation, transplant, consent and autonomy will be explored alongside professional boundaries and regulatory functions in health and care.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of curable and incurable diseases and conditions. You will consider that problem solving in health might not mean problem eradication, but management of problems in the short and long terms. Students will learn to appreciate different, sometimes competing, points of view with regard to management and how this can affect responsible, emotionally intelligent strategic plans.

After completing the module, you will be able to:

1. Illustrate familiarity with the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding of disease and systems related to health

2. Show a basic understanding of topics related to inheritance and the molecular and cellular basis of human development
3. Describe basic aspects of human anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems in health and disease
4. Show awareness of approaches to modern diagnostics and precision medicine and the nature of curable and incurable disease
5. Distinguish the concepts of health beliefs, behaviour and ethics and how they can impact provision of good care
6. Identify scope, illustrate boundaries and highlight interrelationships within global health, public health and professional practice in health

7. Develop and use reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Illness: Susceptibility & Inequality

In the medical sciences, students will cover the anatomy and physiology of reproductive and endocrine systems. Students will start to investigate some of the challenges associated with reproductive ageing and fertility in an ageing population. The field of oncology will be introduced including topics such as the molecular basis of cancer, tumour physiology, tumour immunology, diagnosis, treatment and management.

In the health sciences, systems of governance, decision making in health and basic health economics will be re-visited, framed around the availability of life extending drugs. There will be exploration of ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in health, the differences between research and therapy and the value in preventative medicine interventions.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of health and susceptibility to disease across the human life, health and socioeconomic span and the problems therein. You will consider responsible use of new and existing technologies and their potential role in managing problems in health and care in these areas.

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Illustrate familiarity with the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding, prevention and management of non-communicable diseases and promotion of healthy ageing
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan and for different populations
3. Interrelate basic aspects of human anatomy and physiology of the reproductive and endocrine systems in health and disease
4. Demonstrate familiarity with the field of oncology and to understand multidisciplinary care of cancer management
5. Use applied examples and a relevant model to explain a challenging and interlinked concept in health
6. Demonstrate an awareness of socio–economic relationships with chronic non-communicable diseases and long term conditions
7. Develop and use reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Wellbeing: Mental Health and Neurobiology

In the medical sciences, you will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system in health and disease, and circadian rhythm as these relate to wellbeing and mental health. Earlier study in genetics and epigenetics will be re-visited to consider relationships between environment, genome and epigenome.

In the health sciences, the states of stress, anxiety and depression will be investigated at a societal level with a focus on systems of care, the law and the balance between autonomy and best interest. The concepts of deviation and bias will be explored as they are considered both positively and negatively by society.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of rehabilitation, recovery and continuing care, contrasting physical trauma with different states of mental health. You will consider your own bias and perspectives and explore the underpinning values and ethical principles which interact in this area.

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Illustrate familiarity with the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding of wellbeing and mental health
2. Identify the principles of rehabilitation, how these are applied and by what services
3. Interrelate the factors, signs and symptoms that prompt investigations in mental health, how these are managed and by what services
4. Describe how ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic factors are related to mental health
5. Explore the link between wellbeing and environmental factors
6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of circadian rhythm, central nervous system and to explore the relationships between physical and mental health
7. To develop and use reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Methods of Enquiry

In this module you will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Introduction to data analysis (thematic, inferential, descriptive)
• Purpose of peer review and quality assurance
• Concepts of bias, inference and controls
• Introduction to different types of evidence, evidence quality, and using evidence in research

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic familiarity with the use of appropriate research designs and methods to answer health-related research questions
2. Use appropriate research methods (quantitative, qualitative and systematic literature review) to obtain and process data so it may be simply interpreted
3. Use different methods/styles to communicate information effectively

Food: Nutrition and Malnutrition

In the medical sciences, you will cover the anatomy and physiology of the renal and gastrointestinal systems. This will underpin the knowledge and understanding needed for study of nutrition, metabolism and disease, covering topics such as digestion, absorption of macronutrients, nutritional principles and energy, impact of malnutrition, obesity and diabetes. You will also consider multigenerational effects of malnutrition on reproduction and health.

• In the health sciences, the role of the World Health Organisation and Public Health England will be introduced as it relates to the global health problems of hunger, malnutrition, obesity and diabetes. You will consider the role of the food industry, dietary choices, food safety and the role of media through use of examples. The lens of responsibility and influence will be used to view many of the discussions taking place in this module.

  The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of dietary choice with regard to health and sustainability. Factors such as influence and parental responsibility will also be discussed through a case involving childhood obesity.

  By the end of the module you should be able to:

  1. Develop a broad understanding of the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding of local and global problems surrounding nutrition and malnutrition
  2. Use anatomical and physiological information about the GI and renal systems to inform an understanding of diet and metabolism
  3. Explore the concepts of food availability, food safety and regulation of the food industry locally and globally
  4. Interpret the evidence of multigenerational effects of malnutrition on reproduction and health
  5. Identify patterns associated with food related diseases and the burden on society
  6. Discuss public health, legislation and policies with regard to nutrition related condition
  7. Develop and use strategic planning and reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward structured ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Infection: Prevention and Outbreaks

In the medical sciences, you will cover in some depth the areas of immunology in response to pathogens. You will learn about organisation and development of the immune system, its activation upon stimulation, microbiology and the defence mechanisms against different pathogens. A key highlight will be discussions surrounding resistance to drugs and antibiotics including the causes, and possible next steps. Different contexts for the use of technology in these fields will also be discussed.

In the health sciences, patient safety, occupational health and wellbeing and risk assessment at work will form the large topic area of prevention. Different expectations and different workplaces (for example an office vs the military) will bring out the complexities in understanding how and why people might expose themselves to pathogens for a humanitarian goal. The concept of, and methodologies surrounding, epidemiological investigation will serve to link public health, patient safety and the biomedical and health sciences.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of viruses and bacteria. You will consider that problem solving in this area might be industry based, environment driven and population focussed. There will also be discussion of the possible complex nature of research involving infection, prevention and outbreaks.

By the end of the module you should be able to:

1. 1. Develop a broad understanding of the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding of infectious diseases
   2. Interrelate the underlying mechanisms of the immune response to pathogens to inform an understanding of the transmission and transduction of infectious disease and the role of technology for managing infectious disease outbreaks
   3. Appreciate the ethical, legal, economic and social implications of infectious disease
   4. Investigate the relationships between the immune system, socio-economic factors and patient/population vulnerability
   5. Explore public health, patient safety and harm prevention strategies in the field of infectious disease
   6. Explore in-depth epidemiology and biomedical aspects of a communicable disease
   7. Develop and use strategic planning and reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward structured ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Interactions: Environment and Genes

In the medical sciences, you will cover interactions between epigenome, genome, environment and health. Areas such as pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical trials will provide discussion of specific case vignettes. You will also revisit circadian rhythm and sleep and their complex interaction with many previous module content areas.

In the health sciences, the extended topic of planetary climate change will be introduced. The concepts of decision making in health will be re-visited and extended to include interactions between politics, policies and the law.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of diseases which can be caused by the external environment, and corresponding the importance of understanding the internal environment for the treatment of disease and illness.

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Develop a broad understanding of the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding environmental associations with health
2. Describe the effectiveness and dynamics of therapeutic interventions and to explain the steps required for ethical approaches and clinical trials
3. Analyse the relationship and interaction between environmental factors, genetic material, health and disease, and explore the broad implications of environmental change for the continuation of a sustainable society
4. Interrelate socio-economic, occupational and industrial factors, and a healthy environment
5. Identify local and global causes and consequences of conflict-induced displacement
6. Present your research findings related to a health problem covered in the interaction module
7. Develop and use strategic planning and reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward structured ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Pathways 1 (Optional)

Pathways 1 is designed to allow experiential exploration of an area of special interest. Within this module you will be asked to choose a Pathway option and attend corresponding learning sessions. Options will be drawn from a range of areas relating to the wider context of the course and could include Clinical skills, Health Psychology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Exercise as Medicine, and Laboratory skills. Options will be reviewed annually and the offer may differ from year to year.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain how your new learning enhances your own skills and abilities
2. Appraise in depth topics of relevance to your personal and professional development
3. Develop greater competence in your own skills and abilities
4. Communicate the results of your academic work verbally, visually or in writing
5. Consider potential career paths in the context of your chosen option

Each option will also have its own distinct learning outcomes in addition to the general ones above.

Pathways 2

Pathways 2 is designed to allow experiential exploration of an area of special interest. Within this module you will be asked to choose a Pathway option and attend corresponding learning sessions. Options will be drawn from a range of areas relating to the wider context of the course and could include Clinical skills, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Exercise as Medicine, Health Psychology, and Laboratory skills. Options will be reviewed annually and the offer may differ from year to year

Learning outcomes

1. Explain how your new learning enhances your own skills and abilities
2. Appraise in depth topics of relevance to your personal and professional development
3. Develop greater competence in your own skills and abilities
4. Communicate the results of your academic work verbally, visually or in writing
5. Consider potential career paths in the context of your chosen option

Each option will also have its own distinct learning outcomes in addition to the general ones above.

Project Planning

The aim of this module is to provide you with the basic skills and knowledge you will require to successfully undertake your dissertation project.

During this module you will be introduced to project planning, research methods and statistical analysis and you will learn what constitutes a good plan and the important considerations. You will understand how to define technical goals and milestones and appreciate the importance of monitoring progress and adapting the project objectives as in light of progress made and learning gained including risk and contingency planning.

Key steps in undertaking a major, original piece of research and writing a project dissertation will be explained, including how to define research questions, identify and review current literature, and correctly report and reference evidence and avoid plagiarism.

You will learn how to communicate ideas simply and unambiguously by correctly structuring a report. You will recognise the different styles of scientific writing and will recognise different sections in a paper. You will learn how to successfully structure and write various sections of a paper, including abstract, introduction, result, discussion and conclusion. Furthermore, you will learn how and when to use informative figures and tables and how to write an informative captions.

In addition, in this module students will explore ethics and legislation in research and how to conduct ethical research. You will consider how to recognise and respect values of others and how different values can impact research views and positions.

By the end of the module you will be able to:

1. To compare and critique the various research methods and techniques employed in health and medical sciences
2. To engage successfully with the ethical processes and procedures which regulate research activity in health and medical sciences
3. To demonstrate understanding of the research process and how to plan and conduct a research project
4. To develop an understanding of data management techniques in accordance with relevant legislation

Advanced Cases in Health and Medical Sciences

In this module you will investigate three advanced contemporary cases, spending two weeks per case. The three cases will cover authentic and complex global and local health problems. The cases will integrate and expand on the areas covered in years 1 and 2. This module will further engage you in a transdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, providing unique opportunities to practice your holistic approach to investigating problems in health and go deeper in your analysis of the issues that arise from the cases to explore issues including health policy.

By the end of the module you will be able to:

1. To investigate complex interrelated real-world challenges in health and medical sciences
2. To evidence responsible and judicious strategic decision making through well-established reasoning and teamworking skills when considering cases
3. To design and develop case-based learning materials which aim to advance knowledge of health problems faced by individuals and society
4. To develop and use strategic planning and reasoning skills to engage with others and develop innovative teaching materials that explore the global burden of disease
5. To reflect on case-based learning as a lens through which to review real world challenges in health and medical sciences

From Bench to Bedside: Impact Through Scientific Research

In this module you will explore how scientific discoveries are moved along a virtual path from the laboratory/data collection stage into real-world practice, leading to improved human health and health promotion. During this module, you will learn important concepts such as what is scientific communication and how to successfully disseminate scientific findings from a variety of perspectives and for a variety of purposes. Furthermore, you will be introduced to the concept of innovation and how innovation is needed to address some of the challenges faced by healthcare systems.

You will cover the following topics:

• Translation and translational research
• The nature of impact and how this varies in accordance with context
• The limits of research and how the field of knowledge can be extended in non-standard situations
• The role of health promotion and the need for research communication which is specifically aimed for different audiences
• Techniques for communication and stakeholder engagement within health science
• Innovation and thinking creatively

By the end of the module you will be able to:

1. To communicate scientific topics effectively to a diverse range of audiences, making scientific research more accessible
2. To describe a pathway to impact from fundamental discovery and primary research to policy and/or practice
3. To evaluate the impact and limits of scientific research for health promotion
4. To demonstrate understanding of some of the challenges faced by healthcare systems and the need for constant innovation

Digital Health and Technology

During this module, you are introduced to the varied uses of technologies in health and care settings. Furthermore, challenges associated with big data and artificial intelligence will be explored as well as their benefits for managing local and global health problems.

By the end of the module you should be able to:

1. To critically review the current digital landscape in health and care locally and globally and analyse impact on inequalities and access
2. To demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts of big data, analytic algorithms and other emerging digital technology/analytics and their application in health
3. To assess and critique the use of artificial intelligence in health and care with use of an example
4. To formulate recommendations for application of emerging digital technologies in relation to local and global health problems as well as their potential consequences/challenges/ limitations

Dissertation Project

The module offers you the opportunity to work independently, under limited supervision, on an area of health and medical science of your choice. You will learn to take responsibility for the direction and management of a research project through to completion and submission. There is no specific syllabus for this module. The topic of the dissertation will depend on the mutual interests of the student and the student's chosen supervisor.

During this module you will gain hands-on experience of formulating appropriate research questions, planning and undertaking a project, analysing data, peer review and writing their project in form of a paper. The paper will be in a format suitable for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal and will demonstrate knowledge and appraisal of a wide range of relevant literature and show that this has been applied to the design, execution and reporting of the project. There will be online material on key skills relevant to dissertation planning and oral presentation.

By the end of this module you should be able to:

1. Work independently to plan, manage and complete a cohesive project
2. Develop practical and cognitive skills of analysis and synthesis in the context of investigation within the fields of health, biomedical and medical sciences
3. Evaluate and communicate complex project information using written and oral formats
4. Critically appraise own findings and their relevance within the project scope
5. Demonstrate responsible research behaviour
6. Become immersed in complex disciplinary language, engage with interdisciplinary approaches and identify professional limits

Transdisciplinary perspectives: local and global problems in health

In this module you will experience practice sessions utilising transdisciplinary perspectives to answer questions about local and global problems in health using sustained thought, planning and writing. The focus will be on extending existing knowledge into new and different contexts.

By the end of the module you should be able to:

1. Consolidate knowledge and its application across a diverse range of topics, disciplines and research areas in health
2. Make ethically sound reasoned recommendations to improve health using a transdisciplinary approach
3. Adapt successfully to challenging and complex enquiries which require an extended understanding of health and medical sciences
4. Review and extend existing cumulative knowledge to address new challenges in health and medical sciences