Module Advanced Pathophysiology and Diseases in Practice

You will undertake a literature review during this module.

This can be an extremely rewarding experience as you get to select an area of study (a particular condition in this case) that you want to focus on, reading in depth around the topic and developing your understanding of it. You will produce a 3500 word written assignment that demonstrates your understanding of the pathophysiological processes involved in the development of this condition.

If you select a suitable topic (you will have the opportunity for frequent contact and guidance from the module tutor in this respect) you will expand you understanding of the primary condition that you are focusing on, along with many underlying physiological and pathophysiological principles that will be useful in the understanding and management of a range of conditions.

It is important to bear in mind that there are no taught sessions during this process, and the onus is very much on the student to engage with the process of learning, including liaising with the tutor throughout.

There are various activities during the first couple of weeks that aim to familiarise you with the basic structure of a literature review and performing a decent literature search. You will make a couple of brief online “postings” in which you begin to explore potential topics (and can see what your colleagues are proposing to study / have dialogue with them should you wish to), and are encouraged to make contact with the tutor during this period to seek guidance / advice. This is an important and ongoing process – knowing what not to cover is often as important as what to cover, and the tutor will aim to guide you effectively through ongoing dialogue. You will also have the chance to submit the first 1000 words of your review half way through the module (through Turnitin) and will receive individualised written and audio feedback on this).

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the links between abnormal cell function and disease by evaluation and synthesis of a range of contemporary literature sources.
2. Discuss how the learning achieved during this module might translate into enhancements in practice.

Indicative Core Bibliography

• Norris,T., Lalchandani,R (Ed) (2018) Porth’s Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States (10th Edition), Lippincott.

OR

• Norris, T. (2019) Porth’s Essentials of Pathophysiology [5th Ed] London : Wolters Kluwer

Should you need a pharmacology text (generally not required, but this is gold standard)

• Ritter, J., Flower, R., Henderson, G. (2018) Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology [9th ed] London: Elsevier

The University also has a wide range of e-books that can be accessed by students for free.