PM1PY5-Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PM1PY1 Professional Practice 1 and PM1PY2 Fundamentals of Cell Biology and PM1PY3 Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science and PM1PY4 Introduction to Medicines Design
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Leanne Black
Email: l.e.j.black@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An understanding of human physiology, immunology and microbiology is essential for pharmacists as it allows students to understand the normal function of the human body and therefore the basis of therapeutic agents and lifestyle interventions. The module will also provide an important basis from which to understand the pathophysiology associated with the body systems, the physical assessments required to monitor function and the therapeutics studied in later modules. At the end of this module students will have achieved the fundamental knowledge that is required to understand therapeutics, pharmaceutics and major public health issues studied in later years within the MPharm programme.

Aims:

To introduce pharmacy students to the essential concepts of microbiology, immunology and physiology, including the basic concepts of physical assessments.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be expected to:

1. Outline the basic concepts of microbiology and identify how microorganisms can affect normal human physiology and relate this to public health issues (infections and infection control).


2. Explain the basic concepts of immunology.


3. Understand basic laboratory aseptic technique.


4. Describe the physiology of tissues and organ systems relating them to the concept of homeostasis and normal human physiology and be aware of pathophysiological conditions.


5. Demonstrate the basic physical assessments for monitoring physiological function.


6. Summarise the scientific basis of drugs as therapeutic agents and relate this to therapeutics and person-centred care.

Additional outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Demonstrate their independent learning skills.


• Develop their problem-solving skills.


• Begin to look at, interpret and evaluate evidence.


• Discuss the proper disposal of medicines to reduce environmental pollution and the impact on biodiversity.

Outline content:

This module builds on the basic biological concepts and general principles required by pharmacists to understand the normal function of the human body and thus, therapeutics. The course will outline the fundamental concepts of microbiology, immunology and human physiology. An appropriate range of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, group working, and guided individual study will be used to achieve the learning outcomes and integrate with those of the other Part 1 modules, helping to contextualise relevance to the practice of pharmacy.

Microbiology: Outlines the physiology and life cycle of microorganisms including introduction to microorganisms in medical research, normal physiological function, pathophysiology and public health. The concept of infection control will also be introduced in this module. Develops essential practical skills in laboratory aseptic technique and ability to gather, interpret, critically evaluate and utilise information.

Immunology: Outlines the basic processes of the immune system, which are important for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and therapeutics covered later in the programme.

Physiology: The normal physiological processes of the human body will be outlined using the concept of homeostasis and integration of a cellular and systems-based approach. The focus is on normal physiological functions with examples that integrate into therapeutic and pharmacy practice taught on later years. Different computer-based practical classes and workshops support and allow application of knowledge gained in the lectures. This will include learning the basics of physical assessments, such as blood pressure monitoring. Also, these activities provide additional knowledge and understanding of clinical pharmacy including use of diagnostic tools and promotion of good health and integrate with pharmacy practice and topics fromthe Professional Skills 1 module.

Global context:

This module will develop core knowledge and show how this knowledge is relevant to the role of a pharmacist. The student will need to develop independent learning skills within this module to progress into Part 2 but should then be suitably equipped to tackle the rigour of an MPharm degree. The topics covered here will link into all modules of Part 2.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, group work, directed private study, self-directed learning, as well as practical-based laboratory classes. Some of the lectures or tutorials will utilise a team-based learning-like approach: activities will adopt characteristics of workshops where students will engage in formative activities e.g., group work, in-class discussion. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided and facilities f or computer-aided literature searching for additional relevant materials will enable students to improve their own learning skills. Six topic-specific tutorial sessions will prepare and support students for assessments.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		36
Tutorials		7	4
Practicals classes and workshops		10
Supervised time in studio/workshop		2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		32
Wider reading (directed)		20
Preparation for tutorials		20
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Revision and preparation		42	4
Reflection		13
Total hours by term	0	192	8
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

In the summer exam period:

1. Written examination (70% of module) – 2 hrs

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. In-Class Practical Skills Assessment (30% of module) - 2 hrs

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment is largely based on coursework and self-directed assessment and will reinforce each of the learning outcomes of the module. These will be staff, peer, or self- assessed and will include laboratory worksheets, written and online assignments. These assessments will provide students with feedback on their achievement of the learning outcomes and prepare them for the summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

All summative assessments must be passed at 40%. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination (written paper) in August.  Failed coursework assessment may be reassessed by an alternative piece of work, before or during the August examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 4 September 2023