module specification

Applied Science modules (Applied Sciences 1 & 2) run in first and second semesters of the first year respectively, and they support the development of knowledge and processes involved in biological (anatomy and physiology), biomechanical, and psychosocial aspects, required for understanding health and wellbeing within a biopsychosocial context. This is facilitated through engagement with the core sciences of anatomy, pathology physiology, kinesiology, psychology, and sociology. Specifically, the modules develop the understanding of human functioning, dysfunction and recovery processes.

Applied Sciences 1 module (PT4050) runs in the first semester and will explore topics in anatomy, physiology, and health sociology. Anatomy topics will introduce students to the normal structure and function of the human body including structural and functional anatomy of the lower limb and respiratory system. Physiology topics will explore cellular and muscle physiology including associated pathophysiology. Kinesiology topics will consider the biomechanics of levers and pulleys and their application to the understanding of human movement such as gait. Health sociology contents will include an exploration of the social contexts of human experience including the social determinants of health.

Specifically, in this module, you will:
• Develop a systematic understanding of biological and biomechanical sciences that underpin health and well-being in individuals and populations.
• Gain a detailed understanding of human tissue at the cellular and tissue level, encompassing their structure, function, and organization.
• Demonstrate an understanding of biological and biomechanical knowledge to interpret the signs and symptoms seen in individuals affected by dysfunction in contemporary practice.
• Explore scientific concepts on how common problems may affect human function using the biopsychosocial model.

Co-requisites: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1 (PT4000), Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2 (PT4052)
Available for Study Abroad? NO

The module covers underlying sciences that support Physiotherapy practice: anatomy, physiology, sociology, and pathology. In the anatomy strand, the histology of tissues (cell structures, organelles; blood vessels), musculoskeletal system of the lower limbs (bones, joints and muscles of the hip, thigh, leg and foot) and cardiorespiratory systems (lungs, pleura, heart, blood vessels) are explored (LO1). In physiology strand, students cover exercise physiology, lung biomechanics, cardiac physiology, gaseous exchange, and respiratory drive (LO1) as well as biomechanics of levers and pulleys and how they underpin the knowledge of the human (LO2, LO4). Sociology strand provides an opportunity to consider social and cultural influences on health of individuals and populations (LO2, LO4). Pathology enables students to explore responses of muscle, nerve, and bone tissue to injury, ageing and disease (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).

Anatomy
• Histology of cells, organelles and tissues.
• Musculoskeletal anatomy: lower quadrant – bones, joints and musculature, innervation, lumbar plexus, lower limb neurology, surface anatomy of lower quadrant structures.
• Respiratory anatomy: thoracic cage, respiratory muscles, lungs and pleura

Physiology
• Human movement, muscle physiology (skeletal and smooth muscle), biomechanical principles of human movement; exercise physiology; lung biomechanics, function, carriage of oxygen, gas exchange, respiratory drive.

Sociology
• Social determinants of health and global health challenges such as class, ethnicity, sexuality, power differential, intersectional experiences, protected characteristics, cultural differences, and impact on healthcare.

Pathology
• Response of muscle, bone and nervous tissue to injury, disuse

Indicative topics are delivered through taught sessions, guided study, blended learning, case study exploration, seminars, immersive clinical simulation, and the use of additional supportive resources including the use of dissection sessions to explore and apply anatomical knowledge using pre-dissected specimens. Tutorial sessions provide opportunities to apply the knowledge and understanding to interpret common conditions.

By the end of this module students should:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the components of human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics including the dynamic relationships of human structure and function as related to the lower limb and respiratory systems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of social sciences concepts to needed to identify dimensions of human functioning that may be affected in individuals with dysfunction including the social and cultural influences on the health of individuals and populations.
3. Explain the effects of pathological processes underlying common clinical conditions seen in contemporary practice.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the biopsychosocial model to make decisions about health and functioning in individuals and populations.

Module Reading List