IM0629 - Life Sciences for Clinical Nursing Practice

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will learn about the evidence and theoretical perspectives that underpin nursing skills and you will be able to practice these in a safe environment to increase your confidence. This module will also introduce you to physiological control and homeostasis of the human body through exploration of four key health issues of global significance. These include cardio-vascular disease, tuberculosis, diabetes and obesity (WHO 2014). Within this module you will examine normal anatomy and physiology of body systems and organs and the pathogenesis of these diseases. By studying this you will not only develop your knowledge of normal body function but also the consequences that disease has on an individual and/or population. On the module you will also learn about the evidence-based management of disease. There will be an opportunity to critically evaluate the evidence for treatment and debate how global health issues can be addressed.

How will I learn on this module?

A variety of learning and teaching strategies will be employed on this module. Lead lectures and seminars will be delivered by academic staff with expertise of the anatomy, physiology and disease processes. However, you will be expected, as an adult learner, to actively participate in your learning. The principles of Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) will be applied. It is expected that you will identify, critique and present evidence based materials to the rest of the group. Participation in group work and completion of directed and self-directed tasks is also a requirement of the module. Identification, critique and implementation of evidence are core nursing skills which are essential in the application of knowledge to practice. The e-learning portal (eLP) and digital reading lists will also be utilised to provide you with core learning resources. You will also be expected to reflect on the role of the nurse, and nursing, in the management of global health issues.

Students on the BSc (Hons) Nursing Science Programme do not have the opportunity to experience a clinical placement while they study. Therefore this module aims to provide a learning environment that is as authentic as possible to the clinical nursing environment. You will take part in work in small groups to explore assessment and nursing interventions for patients with the designated health issues. This will be facilitated by setting up the advance interactive simulator mannequins (SIMM MAN) to represent authentic symptomology. During this group work you will examine, discuss, and construct care plans. The aim is to increase confidence in clinical nursing decision-making in a supportive environment ensuring that decisions are theoretically driven and underpinned by appropriate evidence. Flipped classroom teaching approach will be enabled on the eLP by providing you with online resources that include reading material, videos and directed study.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module will have a designated module tutor who you will meet regularly over the six week period of delivery. The module teacher will be responsible for all aspects of the co-ordination and delivery of the module and will provide you with formative assessment and feedback to prepare you for your summative assessment. All teaching material will be housed on the eLP site with key lectures recorded so that you might listen again.

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. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of internal and external factors that impact upon human physiology and cause disease.

2. Critically analyse therapeutic interventions demonstrating knowledge and appreciation of the contemporary evidence base.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Discuss ethical issues in relation to disease management and nursing care.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Justify and apply your knowledge of human pathophysiology to your clinical decision-making processes.

How will I be assessed?

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
The module will be summatively assessed via a two hour examination paper. Questions will comprise of multiple choice and short answer questions.
(MLO 1,2,3,4)

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Following the taught, formal component of each week you will be given “mini tests” which will test your knowledge and understanding of the module content for that week. These “mini tests” will help you prepare for the summative exam so that you are familiar with the type of questions and how to answer them. The module teacher will also provide feedback to students on EBL and class activities to enable to develop your understanding of evidence based treatment.
(MLO 1,2,3,4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module provides you with an opportunity to study health issues which are of global importance. Expertise in these diseases may enhance employability because they are universally important regardless of where you work (WHO 2014). This module will enhance your knowledge of body systems, homeostasis, the pathogenesis and management of cardio-vascular disease, tuberculosis, diabetes and obesity. You will be supported by a module teacher with expertise in this area but as an adult learner you will also actively participate in your own learning through the use of evidence-based learning (EBL) where you will identify, critique and present the evidence base for management of disease. This will provide you with core skills as a nurse to apply knowledge to practice.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane 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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