Module overview
The Locomotor module primarily focuses on the anatomy of the limbs and peripheral nervous system and the physiology and pathology of the locomotor system. The course is composed of four weeks which will introduce students to a range of integrated basic and social sciences and clinical disciplines.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Recognise the impact of disease and dysfunction of the locomotor and nervous systems on patients and their families and the scope of treatment and management options available within healthcare, including rehabilitation of long term conditions and injuries.
- Describe the structure and function of the nervous system in order to understand the pathological basis of diseases of the nervous and locomotor systems
- Describe the physical, psychological and social impact of trauma upon the nervous and locomotor systems
- Explain the responses of the body to exercise, the health benefits of physical activity and the public health issues surrounding nutrition and exercise
- Describe the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction and explain the pharmacological effects of neuromuscular junction drugs and their effects on disease states such as myasthenia gravis
- Describe the structure, mechanism of contraction and metabolism of skeletal muscle
- Describe the sensory and motor pathways of the nervous system and their integration at the brain and spinal cord
- Describe the structure, development and pathophysiology of bone and cartilage
- Describe the structure and function of the upper and lower limbs and discuss the diseases and disorders that may result in the production of pain and disability
- Interpret radiological images relevant to the normal anatomy of the upper and lower limbs
- Explain the biomechanics of the locomotor system including normal and abnormal patterns of gait
- Demonstrate appropriate numeracy skills in the calculation and interpretation of quantitative scientific and clinical data
Syllabus
In order to meet the learning outcomes, the syllabus will contain teaching in the following areas:
Anatomy
- Upper limb
- Lower limb
- Histology of cartilage and bone
Clinical
- Introduction to musculoskeletal disorders
- Introduction to trauma/injury
- Introduction to orthopaedic surgery
- Medical careers
- Low back pain
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Disability and rehabilitation
Genetics
- Medical Genetics
- DNA changes causing clinical phenotypes
- Inheritance in families (Mendelian and non-Mendelian)
- Genetic investigations
- Genetic variants, testing and interpretation
Immunology
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Nutrition and Metabolism
- Physical activity and energy expenditure
- Proteins, bone & muscle growth and metabolism
- Proteins, amino acids and nitrogen balance
- Physical activity and obesity
- Anthropometry
Pathology
- Wounds and fracture healing
Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of the neuromuscular junction
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Introduction to prescribing
Physiology
- Physiology of bone
- Muscle structure and contraction
- Afferent and efferent transmission and reflexes
- Control of movement
- Neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
Psychology
- Bodies and minds: What is normal?
Radiology
- Imaging of the musculoskeletal system
Sociology
- Models of disability
- Trauma, self and identity
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 laboratory classes
- Guided self-study
- Group work
- eLearning
- Patient-based learning
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 125 |
| Teaching | 63 |
| Total study time | 188 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Please see the Blackboard module page for current resources. and the full reading list for this module is available on the Library Online Reading List at http://soton.rl.talis.com/. The Blackboard pages for the Locomotor module include administrative information and all supplemental self-directed learning resources.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
At the end of Year 1, there is a synoptic examination comprising an MCQ paper and a Practical paper, both covering material from Foundations of Medicine, Locomotor, and Cardiopulmonary modules.
There is compensation between these components, however, a qualifying mark needs to be achieved in each of the components.
Students who do not qualify in each component or do not achieve the synoptic assessment aggregate pass mark will have a supplementary attempt which will consist of all components (MCQ and Practical papers). Students who fail the supplementary examination will be offered a repeat year.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Synoptic exam | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Supplementary activity | 100% |