Applied Knowledge A | MEDI0015 | University of Southampton

Module overview

Applied Knowledge A will enable you to understand key physiological, anatomical & biochemical concepts and principles that you can apply in clinical scenarios. The module topics include: key features and stages in the human life cycle; the structure and function of biological molecules; the structure and function of cells and tissues; principles of genetics; anatomy; nutrition and the digestive system; enzymology and energetics; immunology and medical microbiology; numerical calculations related to clinical care. This module focuses on the “application of knowledge and understanding applicable to medicine”. However, it is not a stand-alone module and should be recognised by teachers and students alike as part of the whole course which is achieved by this module alongside the other “Applied Knowledge”, “Health Improvement”, “Clinical Practice and Personal and Professional Development" and “Research as Applied to Medicine” modules. Assessments will focus on assessing an integrated understanding of the principles studied in all of these modules. Teaching is through lecture-based material, small group tutorials, and practical sessions. Further details will be provided on Blackboard.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Describe the structure and characteristics of biological molecules
Explain the key features of a balanced diet
Explain the process of digestion and absorption of macronutrients
Calculate the number of moles or grams of a substance and the molarity of various solutions
Demonstrate an understanding of cell structure and function
Accurately use scientific notations and prefixes
Describe the principles of immunology
Accurately perform numerical conversions and calculations without the use of a calculator
Identify the phases of the cell cycle and causes and implications of its disruption
Identify anatomical structures using appropriate terminology
Describe the features of disease-causing micro-organisms and the consequences of infection
Assess the role of cell membranes in transport, membrane potentials and cellular communication
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles of genetics
Explain the structural organisation of the human body
Compare the features of specialised body tissues
Describe key features and stages in the human life cycle
Demonstrate a sound understanding of ionisation, kinetics and enzymology

Syllabus

In order to meet the learning outcomes, the syllabus will contain teaching in the following areas: • The Human Life Cycle Stages of life, factors affecting quality and longevity of life. Types of growth and growth disorders. Cause and effect of ageing of tissues and systems. Use of growth charts. • Structural organisation of the body - Key features of cells, tissues and systems in the body and the principle of complementarity of structure and function, including bone growth and maintenance. • Cell biology - Structure and function of cell organelles and cytoskeletal elements. Consequences of organelle dysfunction and cellular response to stress. DNA replication and protein synthesis. • Membranes - Structure and function of membranes, transport, junctions and specialisations, basis of the resting membrane potential. • Genetics: mitosis and meiosis, Diseases due to chromosomal abnormality • Immunology: The human body’s defences, specific and non-specific defences, types of immunity and key features of the immune system, characteristics and examples of autoimmune diseases and hypersensitivity reactions; • Medical microbiology - Microorganisms of relevance to medicine, structure and characteristics of bacteria and viruses, aspects of selected bacterial and viral diseases including the use of antibiotics and antivirals; • Anatomy - Anatomical terminology of regions of the body, with a focus on the limbs, thorax and abdomen • Nutrition and diet - The role of macro- and micronutrients in a balanced diet and deficiency disorders, digestion and absorption of key macromolecules, chemical and mechanical digestion and absorption of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, conditions of maldigestion and malabsorption; • Principles of isomerism, ionisation, kinetics and enzymology; • Numeracy: Accurately perform numerical conversions and calculations, accurately use scientific notations and prefixes, calculate the number of moles or grams of a substance and the molarity of various solutions.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught through a range of learning and teaching strategies which will include: • Lectures • Tutorials • Practical sessions • Guided self-study • Clinical scenarios • Group work • eLearning

Study time
Type	Hours
Practical classes and workshops	20
Preparation for scheduled sessions	50
Lecture	60
Follow-up work	100
Tutorial	20
Revision	100
Wider reading or practice	50
Total study time	400

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Reading List. The full reading list for Applied Knowledge A is available on the Library Online Reading List at https://soton.rl.talis.com/

Assessment

Assessment strategy

At the end of semester 1 there is an examination comprising 2 summative components: •An MCQ paper •A written exam consisting of problem-based short note questions. Students who do not achieve the assessment aggregate pass mark will have a supplementary attempt which will consist of all components (MCQ and written exam). Students who fail the supplementary examination will be offered an external repeat year. A formative exam consisting of both components will be offered in the middle of the first semester.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Online numeracy questions

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback:
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Exam

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: General and one-to one feedback is provided to all students.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: External