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Biological & Pharmacological Aspects of Health & Wellbeing - HEA00059C

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2023-24

Module aims

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human physiology and pharmacology in relation to health and wellbeing over the lifespan.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the process of normal cellular function and metabolism.
  2. Describe normal homeostatic functions and feedback processes.
  3. Identify normal body processes involved in elimination, sleep, movement and perfusion.
  4. Outline healthy development across the lifespan and levels of organisation within the body.
  5. Explain the concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
  6. Recognise ways in which forms of evidence inform understanding of health and wellbeing.

Module content

The following concepts and processes essential to health and well-being will be covered: the cell (with focus on membrane transport, receptor physiology and the role of gene expression); levels of organisation; concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics; nutrition and metabolism; excretion and elimination; fluid and electrolyte balance; acid-base balance; thermoregulation; perfusion; gas exchange; glucose regulation; sleep; and mobility. Changes across the lifespan in these functions will be examined. Forms of evidence informing the understanding of these processes will also be covered.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Students are provided with collective exam feedback relating to their cohort, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.

Indicative reading

Waugh, A and Grant, A. (2018). Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 13th edition. Churchill Livingston.

Giddens, J. (2017). Concepts for Nursing Practice. 2nd edition. Elsevier.

Blows, W. (2018). The Biological Basis of Clinical Observations. 3rd edition. Routledge.

Tortora, B and Derrickson, B. (2017). Tortora’s Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 15th edition. Wiley.

Ashelford, S., Raynsford, J., and Taylor, V. (2019). Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing. 2nd edition. Sage


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.