PM1A-Fundamentals of Physiology

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 50 [25 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PM1B Medicines Discovery, Design, Development and Delivery and PM1C Introduction to Professionalism and Practice
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Leanne Black
Email: l.e.j.black@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An understanding of human physiology is essential for pharmacists as it allows students to understand the normal function of the human body and therefore the basis of therapeutic agents and lifestyle interventions. The module will also provide an important basis from which to understand the pathophysiology associated with the systems and the therapeutics studied in later modules. In order to understand the function of physiological systems, it is crucial to understand the structure of mammalian cells and how this relates to cellular functions, many of which are targeted therapeutically. These concepts are introduced within the first part of the module. In parallel, gene function and basic science of single celled organisms (microbiology) is taught to illustrate the difference between complex multicellular organisms and microbes and help to introduce the role of microorganisms in pathophysiology. After developing an understanding of the basic cell biology, the module then introduces physiology of major organ systems using the concept of homeostasis and the disruption of homeostasis as the basis of illness; a concept also developed through later modules. To support this understanding, greater detail is provided for biochemical and metabolic pathways that underlie these processes. At the end of this module students will have achieved the fundamental knowledge that is required to understand therapeutics, pharmaceutics and major public health issues studied in later years within the MPharm programme.

Aims:
To introduce pharmacy students to the essential concepts of biology, microbiology, biochemistry and key concepts and principles of physiology using an integrated cellular and system-based approach.
To help students to begin appreciating the roles of the professional pharmacist, in community and in hospital practice, and in the pharmaceutical industry and also develop a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to healthcare.
To facilitate students' understanding and evaluation of therapeutics and pharmacy practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be expected to:

1. Outline the structure and function of a mammalian cell and the basic cellular processes that underpin physiology, including cellular and tissue communication and basic critical appraisal of the related health literature.


2. Outline the basic concepts of microbiology and identify how microorganisms can affect normal human physiology and relate this to public health issues.


3. Use basic laboratory aseptic technique.


4. Outline the principles of genetics (DNA and genetic code) and identify how changes in genetic function affect physiology and pathophysiology.


5. Outline the physiology of tissues and organ systems relating them to the concept of homeostasis and normal human physiology and be aware of pathophysiological conditions.


6. Outline fundamental biochemical processes including structure and function of proteins and relate them to physiology and pathophysiology.


7. Outline principles of enzyme kinetics and relate this to chemical kinetics taught in PM1B.


8. Outline metabolic pathways and relate changes to a basic understanding of human physiology.


9. Summarise the scientific basis of drugs as therapeutic agents and relate this to therapeutics and patient-centred care


10. Show knowledge and understanding of the main skills required for clinical pharmacy including useof diagnostic tools, recognition of disease symptoms and the promotion of good health


11. Show the ability to gather, interpret and critically evaluate and utilise information.

Additional outcomes:
Through practical classes, group and individual work that will also support the personal learning portfolio, the student will develop skills required for different learning outcomes that are assessed in other Part 1 modules and later in the programme. This module helps students to develop reflective practice and