Module: Altered Bodily Processes

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Altered Bodily Processes
Module Code	HEA1005 (ITS: NS224)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

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2. Understand the inter-relationship between systems in the maintenance of homeostasis.
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7. Display an understanding of homeostatic imbalance as the result of various diseases and conditions.
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12. Critically evaluate changes in anatomical structure and function in a diseased individual.
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17. Appreciate the impact of obesity on physical/psychological well-being
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22. Distinguish the effect of aging in relation to the systems of the human body
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27. Demonstrate application of this knowledge.
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*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	65	independent reading
Independent Study	21	assessment preparation
Seminars	3	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10777	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	100%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Sean Duffy	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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 â€“ and Why We Donâ€™t Have To, 0008353743
Dr Andrew Jenkinson: 2021, Why We Eat (Too Much): The New Science of Appetite, 0241400538

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None