Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture BSc (Hons)

Modules

Methods of assessment for course overall: 57% coursework

• Chinese medicine 1: basic principles
  This module introduces the fundamental concepts of Chinese Medicine. You will develop an understanding of the body/mind system of Chinese Medicine in health (physiology) as well as basic pattern differentiation and aetiological factors (pathology).
• Concepts of inter-professional practice in health and social care
  Through consideration of the roles and relationships of professionals with patients or clients in health and social care services. This module will begin to develop the skills and capabilities necessary for you to perform effectively in the academic and inter-professional clinical / service environment.
• Tuina and Jingluo 1
  This module introduces the physical and practical skills of tuina and encourages a sensitive and confident approach to massage and palpation. You will learn a professional and respectful approach to handling patients. Yo will also learn the pathways of the meridians and the location of key acupuncture points.
• Clinic 1: observation 1
  This is the first clinic-based module and provides you with the opportunity to observe acupuncture being practiced. Classroom based teaching will introduce the professional codes of practice and help develop awareness of ethical issues and reflective practice.
• Chinese language 1
  This module introduces the Chinese language with emphasis on developing pronunciation and listening skills. Basic grammar structures are taught. The target lexis covers 'everyday' Chinese as well as terms related to Chinese Medicine. You are given an introduction to written Chinese and the formation of Chinese characters.
• Biomedicine 1: anatomy and physiology
  This module provides a foundation in biosciences. The module introduces anatomy, physiology, chemistry and cell biology of named body system.
• History of Chinese medicine
  This module provides an introduction to the history of Chinese Medicine. It sets the development of Chinese medicine within the context of wider social changes of Chinese history. It also introduces Chinese philosophy: Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism.

• Tuina and Jingluo 2
  This module develops practical skills of tuina and meridian/ point location developed in Tuina and Jingluo 1. Emphasis is placed on developing a sensitive and confident approach to massage and palpation. You will learn a professional and respectful approach to handling patients as well as the pathways of the meridians and the location of acupuncture points.
• Clinic 2: observation 2
  This is the intermediate clinic-based module that will enable you to further develop and broaden the skills introduced in Clinic 1 so that you are ready to take on the student-practitioner / patient management role in Clinic 3: Patient Management. Classroom based teaching will support the development of skills, awareness of ethical issues and reflective practice. As the module progresses you will be expected to take on more responsibilities in the clinic and participate to a greater degree in discussions regarding differentiation and treatment planning.
• Biomedicine 2: pathophysiology and pharmacology
  This module builds upon the knowledge and understanding gained in Biomedicine 1. You will develop understanding of the named body systems and will study common pathologies. You will be introduced to key concepts in pharmacology, the benefits of drugs and side effects in modern practice. You will also learn to recognise red flag presentations.
• Sociology of health
  This module introduces key philosophical paradigms that underpin research methodologies. You will discuss how health and well-being are defined and measured. The module covers the main sociological theories regarding health and well-being. It gives you the opportunity to explore and discuss your own attitudes towards health and well-being.
• Chinese language 2
  This module builds on the basic language skills developed in Chinese Language 1 or equivalent prior knowledge. You will develop your language skills and knowledge of Chinese Medicine lexis.
• Chinese medicine 2: pattern differentiation
  This module builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Chinese Medicine 1. You will develop an in depth understanding and working knowledge of various methods of pattern differentiation. You will also broaden their knowledge of aetiological factors.
• Running a practice
  This module is designed to enable you to understand the business and management side of running and acupuncture practice in the UK.

• Expertise, evidence and research: Informing clinical practice
  Expertise, evidence and research all contribute to the development of clinical practice. This module examines the role of evidence-based practice and how expertise, evidence and research can be sourced and utilised to improve clinical practice.
• Clinic 3: patient management 1
  This is a clinic-based module. You will take on the role of student-practitioner to gain experience of 'patient management'. You will be supported to do this under close supervision by tutors in the clinic. Clinical learning will be enhanced by seminars that will provide the opportunity for students to reflect on various aspect of being a practitioner: theory, skills, ethics, reflective practice and the therapeutic relationship.
• Chinese medicine 3: integration
  You will analyse and discuss the treatment of specific conditions using Chinese medicine, biomedicine as well as research data. You will also debate ethical issues and will be required to identify red flags and the need for referral when appropriate. There is a strong emphasis on group work and independent study.
• Biomedicine 3: diagnosis and treatment
  This module builds on previous knowledge and understanding developed in Biomedicine 1 and 2. The module broadens students understanding and knowledge of pathology. The module includes an overview of key diagnostic tests, medical imaging and examinations in relation to disease diagnosis and symptom interpretation. It also covers embryology and neurology and introduces you to biomedical explanations for the mechanisms of acupuncture.
• Clinic 3: patient management 2
  This is a clinic-based module. You gain further experience as student-practitioners with 'patient management' responsibility. You will be supported to do this under supervision by tutors in the clinic. Clinical learning will be enhanced by seminars that will provide the opportunity for students to reflect on various aspect of being a practitioner: theory, skills, ethics, reflective practice and the therapeutic relationship.