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 understanding of biological (anatomy and physiology), biomechanical, and psychosocial aspects, underpinning 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, including dysfunction and recovery processes.

This Applied Science 2 module (PT4054) runs in the second semester  and seeks to extend students development of knowledge and understanding of underpinning science for physiotherapy practice in anatomy, physiology, and psychology.  Anatomy topics will include structural and functional anatomy of the upper limb, peripheral nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Physiology topics will explore homeostasis and nerve physiology including associated pathophysiology. Kinesiology topics will consider the biomechanics of shearing forces and their application to the understanding of human movement such as upper limb movements. Psychology contents will include an exploration of human experience across lifespan and illness behaviour including stress and anxiety.

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, biomechanical, and psychological 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-requisite: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1 (PT4000),

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2 (PT4052)

Available for Study Abroad? NO

Anatomy
• Histology of nerve cells, cardiac muscles, organelles, and tissues.
• Musculoskeletal anatomy: upper quadrant – joint structure, ligaments, muscles, innervation
• Peripheral nervous system: lower motor neuron, brachial plexus, motor, and sensory nerves
• Cardiac anatomy: heart, and coverings, mediastinum etc
• Biomechanics of human movements: upper limb, reaching and ballistic movements.

Physiology
• Cardiovascular physiology, cardiac centre, blood pressure
• Nerve Physiology, action potentials, neuromuscular junction, Cardiac muscle physiology, autonomic nervous system.

Psychology
• Lifespan psychology, Health beliefs and behaviours, stress and anxiety, mental health
.
Pathology
• Responses to injuries affecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems

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 upper limb, peripheral nervous and cardiovascular systems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of concepts of psychological sciences to identify dimensions of human functioning that may be implicated in individuals with dysfunction including mental health and health-seeking behaviours.
3. Explain the effect of pathological processes underlying common clinical conditions seen in contemporary practice.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of human functioning to account for the signs and symptoms associated with common conditions presented by patients seen by Physiotherapists, including the impact of the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors on the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations.

Module Reading List

Anatomy
• Gordon Betts, J. Peter Desaix, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, James A. Wise, Mark Womble, Kelly A. Young, and Openstax. Anatomy and Physiology. 1st ed. Openstax, 2013.
• Soames, Roger W., Nigel Palastanga, Richard Tibbitts Anatomy and Human Movement E-Book Ed 7 Elsevier Health Sciences

Physiology
• Bear, Mark F., Connors, Barry W, and Paradiso, Michael A. Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 4th ed. Philadelphia; Wolters Kluwer, 2016.

Psychology & Sociology
• Boyd D. and Bee H. (2020). Lifespan Development. 8th Global Edition. New York: Pearson. e-version https://www.pearson.com/uk/educators/higher-education-educators/program/Bee-Lifespan-Development-Global-Edition-8th-Edition/PGM2705517.html?tab=formats
• Ogden J. (2019). Health Psychology. 6th edition. McGraw-Hill Education. e-version ISBM 978-1526847126
• Russell L (2014). Sociology for Health Professionals. First Edition. London, England. Sage.

Pathology
• Mohan, H. (2018) Essential Pathology for Physiotherapy Students. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
• VanMeter, K., Hubert, R. J., VanMeter, K. and Gould, B. E. (2023) Gould’s pathophysiology for the health professions. 7th edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.