BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) / Course details

This unit aims to give students a robust understanding of the workings of the human body. It will also develop the students' understanding of the knowledge and practical application of anatomy and physiology which will then be applied to the principles and safe practice within healthcare professions. This unit will be taught alongside Optometry students - their unit code is (OPTO10392).

This unit aims to promote:

• An integrated understanding of structure and function of human neurosensory systems and motor systems.
• Clinically oriented knowledge of sensory processes in human body relevant to healthcare professional practice in Audiology and Optometry.
• Understanding of illustrative disorders of structure and function of the above systems.
• A knowledge of the methods used to assess and measure the function of such neurosensory and motor systems.
• Skills in problem solving and self-directed learning using various resources.

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe the basic structure and function of the autonomic nervous and somatic nervous system, somatic motor and sensory pathways, common peripheral nerves (including the main ascending and descending neurosensory pathways and example reflex pathways associated with these systems).
• Describe the basic histology and function of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle; Excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle; Motor units and receptors, comparison of smooth and skeletal muscle contraction; Common muscle groups.
• Describe the basic function of the main sensory receptors relevant to audiology and optometry (including, but not restricted to, the cochlea and vestibular systems, the eye and associated structures, somatosensory receptors).
• Give an overview of some of the more common diseases that affect these neurosensory systems as a whole or individually.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles underpinning the routine investigations and procedures carried out in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients referred to Audiology, Neurophysiology, Ophthalmic and Vision Science (including, but not limited to, behavioural, electrophysiological and other measures of sensory thresholds and other measures of neurosensory function).

Intellectual skills

• Describe key structures and functions within the neurosensory and motor systems.
• Summarise the processes involved in the control of a range of body systems.
• Outline the structural and functional factors contributing to the maintenance of health and the development of disease.
• Organise their knowledge into coherent descriptions and explanations of structure and function of major anatomical body systems and how these may be challenged or changed by the disease process

Practical skills

• Demonstrate skills in identifying potential factors and diseases affecting physiological functioning in relation to clinical case presentations.
• Apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to clinical practice when confronted by the diseased body.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Organise knowledge, synthesis of knowledge from a range of sources, academic reading.

• Basic Neuroscience & The Structure of the Nervous System.
• The Autonomic verses the Somatic Nervous System.
• Skeletal & Muscular Systems.
• Muscles and motor units, voluntary movements, and reflexes.
• Basic principles of sensory systems.
• The Auditory System.
• The Vestibular System.
• The Visual System.
• The Somatosensory System.
• Common diseases that affect neurosensory systems.

This unit utilises a blended learning approach consisting of: e-learning resources delivered through blackboard and supported by synchronous Q&A tutorials and by self- assessment quizzes. This allows the students to test their understanding and gain feedback on their progress.
 

1. Online exam 40 MCQ questions (1 hour, 50%)
2. Online exam 40 MCQ questions (1 hour, 50%)

Formative feedback will be given alongside marks for Semester 1 formative exam for A&P for Healthcare Professionals I. Students will have the opportunity to complete practice MCQs during the synchronous Q&A sessions, as well as via blackboard as part of their revision before attempting the online exams.

Marieb, E. & Hoehn, K. (2019) Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11th Ed. Pearson (online version available through library).

Barker, R.A., Cicchetti, F., & Robinson, E.S.J. (2018) Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience at a Glance, 5th Ed. Wiley Blackwell. (online version available through library).