BI2PPI1: Principles of Physical Interventions in Medicine

Module code: BI2PPI1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Lindsey Thompson, email: lindsey.thompson@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Evangelos Delivopoulos, email: e.delivopoulos@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In this module you will look at three systems, the eye, the ear, the brain and the heart. The focus will be on a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of each system together with physical diagnostic techniques and interventional (non pharmacological) treatments for common conditions. You will understand how each system works and how a wide range of instrumentation, functions to diagnose common conditions. Additionally, you will follow some diagnoses through to a variety of interventional treatments such as surgery and electric shock therapy. Clinicians in each area will discuss the use of key equipment, challenges and the latest techniques. You will also have the opportunity to consider a series of case studies related to each area. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe how the structure of the eye, the ear, the heart and the brain relate to the function. 
2. Explain the functioning of a range of diagnostic equipment for each area. 
3. Analyse diagnostic output from a range of equipment for common conditions in each area. 
4. Evaluate a range a physical treatment options for common conditions in each area. 

Module content

Lecture material will allow you to explore the following:  

• The anatomy of the eye and explain how vision can be corrected using lenses.  
• The key equipment found in an ophthalmology clinic in terms of structure, function, and diagnostics.  
• A range of corrective eye surgery techniques such as lens replacement, cataract removal.  
• The anatomy of the ear and how it enables differentiation of responses to frequency and loudness.  
• The function of key equipment for audiology testing, the underlying principles, and the significance of diagnostic outcomes.  
• Key clinical presentations of a range of common pathologies and relate to surgical techniques and outcomes.  
• The anatomy of the brain and physiology of neural responses. 
• How brain function at an electrical level  
• The operation of a simple electroencephalogram and interpret simple output. 
• The use of electric shock therapy as a treatment option.  
• A range of diagnostic imaging techniques for the brain in terms of function and diagnostics.  
• The structure of the heart and the proliferation of the signalling system to allow for efficient pumping of blood.  
• The action of a simple ECG machine  
• A range of electrical signalling disorders and treatment options. 
• The electrical action of the heart and techniques for correction of rhythm.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, virtual visits (led by academics and clinicians), associated clinical sessions, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 35 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs