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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Altered Bodily Processes
Module Code NS224 (ITS) / HEA1005 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinatorSean Duffy
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Array
Description

The aim of this module is designed to enable the student to develop a critical understanding of how the human body is affected by illness,obesity and lifespan.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the inter-relationship between systems in the maintenance of homeostasis.
2. Display an understanding of homeostatic imbalance as the result of various diseases and conditions.
3. Critically evaluate changes in anatomical structure and function in a diseased individual.
4. Appreciate the impact of obesity on physical/psychological well-being
5. Distinguish the effect of aging in relation to the systems of the human body
6. Demonstrate application of this knowledge.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36No Description
Independent Study65independent reading
Independent Study21assessment preparation
Seminars3No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The Nervous system:
neuroreceptors and sensations,somatic senses and special senses.

The Skeletal system:
growth, repair, abnormality and degeneration

Cardiovascular system:
circulation of blood, cardiac muscles and the cardiac conduction system, electrocardiogram and cardiac cycle and cardiac outpu. Blood vessels and haemodynamics: capillary exchange, control of blood pressure and blood flow, shock and homeostasis and evaluating circulation.

The respiratory system:
pulmonary ventilation, lung volumes and capacities, exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, transport of carbon dioxide in the blood, regulation of respiration and evaluation of respiratory function.

Endocrine system:
hormone action, control of hormonal secretions, pituitary gland, thyroid glands,parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, other endocrine glands and stress.

Digestion and nutrition:
altered anatomy of the alimentary canal, digestion, absorption and nutrition.

The renal system:
renal physiology, glomerular filtration, principles of tubular re-absorption and secretion and evaluation of kidney function. Fluid, electrolyte and acid base balance: fluid compartments and fluid balance, electrolytes in body fluid, electrolyte balance and acid-base balance and imbalances.

Blood:
blood characteristics, functions and components; haemostasis and blood groups and transfusions.

Introduction to lymphatic system and immunity:
lymphatic pathways, tissue fluid and lymph, lymph movement, lymph nodes, thymus and spleen, innate and adaptive immunity.

Ageing
Chronological age, physiological age

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Indicative Reading List

  • McGraw-Hill Education: 2019, Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology, 12 edition, 978-126056596
  • Wiley-Blackwell: 2020, The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures, 10th Edition, 978-111963438
  • David Sinclair: 2019, Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To, 0008353743
  • Dr Andrew Jenkinson: 2021, Why We Eat (Too Much): The New Science of Appetite, 0241400538
Other Resources

None

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