AP0408 - Anatomy and Physiology

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will learn and understand the basics of Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body. You will also be introduced to the pathophysiology of some common diseases. You will learn about the general organisation of the human body and some of the body systems including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, nervous and respiratory systems. This module will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge required for the understanding of more advanced biomedical courses. The content of this module also fulfils the necessary requisites (i.e. core competencies) for course accreditation purposes with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for students following the Human Nutrition degree pathway.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars, practical exercises and independent learning. The lectures will provide you with the basic theories and concepts that will be further reinforced through small-groups discussions and practical exercises. Seminars will integrate various concepts and present them in a clinical context through a clinical-case. Practical exercises are specially designed to provide you with the necessary skills and abilities to handle and present scientific data. All teaching materials and self-study assignments will be available and accessed through the electronic learning platform (ELP).

How will I be supported academically on this module?

This module is delivered by a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced tutors who are always willing to answer and provide further support to you. All teaching materials will be available and accessed through the electronic learning platform (ELP) allowing you enough time to prepare for your lectures. Support and feedback will also be provided during the small-group discussion sessions and written detailed feedback will be given to you on your written assignments allowing you to check your progress.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to identify the major anatomical structures and systems of the human body demonstrating an understanding of the normal functioning, communication and response that maintain homeostasis.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You are expected to present experimental data in a suitable form and style providing a scientific argument supported by the literature. It is important that you acquire skills that enable you to critically review and present a scientific case.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. You will develop and reinforce the moral and ethical characteristics of Northumbria graduate as you recognise and become aware of the ethical and legal issues in the biomedical sciences practice.

How will I be assessed?

For your formative assessment you will be provided with a series of multiple choice questions (MCQ’s) and Q&A opportunitiespresented during taught sessions. Feedback to self-directed learning questions is provided during laboratory sessions by the chairing academic.
There are two elements of summative assessment in this module. A final MCQ exam (50%) will test your knowledge and understanding of the concepts and theories explained in the module. (MLOs 1, 3)
You will also be required to submit a practical portfolio (50%) which will cover different practical exercises. Your tutors will give you feedback on the exercises where you can track your progress. (MLOs 1, 2,3)

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Anatomy and Physiology are key subdivisions of Biological Science that define how our bodies are constructed and how they function. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body. Physiology is the study of how body parts work together to maintain the living organism.

This module aims to give you a good basic understanding of the major body systems and an introduction to what happens when these systems go wrong-often as a consequence of disease. The diverse syllabus offered in this course covers material ranging from central nervous system to circulation of nutrients and represents essential knowledge for future practicing Biomedical and Human Bio-scientists. It is therefore extremely important that you understand Human Physiology and Anatomy so that you gain a good foundation and can vertically integrate this information in your undergraduate career and even professional biomedical practice or research.

Course info

UCAS Code B940

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
1 other options available

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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