PMED1100 Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry Course description

In clinical emergency medicine, a paramedic is dependent on good basic knowledge about the structure and functions of the body and the interaction between them. Skills in anatomy and physiology form the basis for independent assessment of the seriousness and need for intervention in acutely ill and injured patients. The course provides the students with knowledge of normal physiological processes, which are decisive in order to understand disease processes and injury mechanisms.

Skills acquired in this course provide an important basis for further acquisition of knowledge in general pathology, emergency medicine and pharmacology. It is also important that the paramedic learns to use medical terminology to describe different conditions and communicate in a structured, objective manner with other healthcare workers.

The course also provides an introduction to the structure and function of different microbes, and their interaction with the individual. This provides a basis for assessment and treatment of patients with acute conditions caused by infection.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student 

• can name key anatomical structures and organs in the human body
• can describe where organs are located in relation to each other
• can describe the anatomical structure of organs and organ systems, cells and tissue
• can describe the function of different organs and organ systems in the body
• can describe key biochemical processes in a healthy body
• can explain physiology in the different organs and organ systems, with particular emphasis on the nervous, circulatory and respiratory system
• can describe regulation mechanisms and homoeostasis in a healthy body
• is familiar with human nutritional physiology and fundamental fluid and nutritional needs throughout the life cycle
• is familiar with the structure and function of different microbes

Skills 

The student 

• can apply basic medical terminology in the anatomy and physiology disciplines
• can collect and assess vital physiological parameters
• can identify and recognise anatomical structures on the surface of the body
• can demonstrate simple functional examinations
• can apply and disseminate broad knowledge about human anatomy and physiological processes

General competence

The student 

• acknowledges the importance of knowledge in the subject for professional practice
• applies fundamental hygienic and ethical principles in patient examinations

The work and teaching methods vary between lectures, video conferences and internet resources, seminars, simulation and skills training, study groups and self-study. Some lectures can be held jointly for several of the health science programmes at the faculty.

The students conduct physiology lab experiments and simulation and skills training in the use of medical equipment, including a blood pressure gauge, a stethoscope, electrocardiography (ECG) and monitoring equipment for determining a patient’s physiological condition.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam: 

• Completed and approved of at least four out of six digital multiple-choice text without supervision
• Completed and approved one written report from the physiology lab
• Minimum attendance of 80% in student groups
• Minimum attendance of 80% at seminars
• Minimum attendance of 90% in simulation and skills training

Supervised individual written exam, 5 hours.

No aids permitted.

Grade scale A-F.

All exams are assessed by two examiners. At least 20% of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment should benefit all students.

15 credits overlap with the course PARA1110 Anatomy and Physiology.