Medical Physiology and Diagnostics

Year One The programme of study includes an introduction to the scientific basis of healthcare science including subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology and microbiology. You will then build upon this foundation to focus initially on the theoretical aspects of both cardiac physiology and respiratory and sleep science.

All students are required to have an appreciation of good professional practice in the workplace so classes are held which focus on health and safety, patient communication and welfare, clinical governance and ethical practice. Professional practice and patient-centred care are themes that run throughout the three years of the course.

During your first year you will also have several placement “taster days” in both cardiac physiology and respiratory physiology departments.

At the end of your first year, if you are successful in gaining a placement, you will, over the summer vacation period, undertake two five week long placements in both cardiology and respiratory departments; this will enable you to experience the dynamics of each discipline so that you can make an informed choice regarding which specialist area you wish to continue to study. In your second and third year, you will specialise in either cardiovascular physiology or respiratory and sleep science so that over the final two years of the course you develop a sound theoretical understanding of the knowledge that is required to support your practice within that discipline.

Year Two You will learn about the various diseases which affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, consider the tests which are available to confirm their diagnosis, and develop an understanding of the treatments available to help such conditions.

Your studies in diagnostics will be supported with the inclusion of physics classes so that you develop an understanding of the physical processes which underpin both clinical investigations and diagnosis of disease.

This year if you are out on placement, you will spend 15 weeks in a clinical placement within a local hospital trust in your chosen specialist area. During your placement you will begin to develop the skills needed to become a competent healthcare science practitioner and you will have an opportunity to put the academic theory that you have covered into practice.

If you are not out on placement, you will study systems physiology and pathophysiology in greater detail.

Year Three During your final year you will consolidate your knowledge in your chosen discipline with the introduction of the theory required for more advanced clinical procedures. You will focus on recent developments within your specialist area and this will be complemented by your honours project as you undertake your own research.

This year if you are out on placement, the placement is extended and you will spend 25 weeks within your chosen discipline area within a hospital setting.

If you are not out on placement, you will study advanced human physiology and current perspectives in physiology, to give you a broader view of recent advances in physiological research.