PM1PY5: Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology

Module code: PM1PY5

Module provider: Pharmacy; School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Alex Bye, email: a.bye@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE PM1PY1 AND TAKE PM1PY2 AND TAKE PM1PY3 AND TAKE PM1PY4 (Compulsory)

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

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 2 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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.

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

Module learning outcomes

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

Module 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 from the Professional Skills 1 module.

Students will also develop the following:

1. Independent learning skills
2. Problem-solving skills
3. Look at, interpret and evaluate evidence
4. Discuss the proper disposal of medicines to reduce environmental pollution and the impact on biodiversity

Structure

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 for 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.

Study hours

At least 59 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 all of the following to pass this module:

1. A mark of 40% in each assessment
2. An overall module mark of 40%

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.

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.

Reassessment

Additional costs