BEH1012 - Human biological concepts applied to paramedic practice

Leader: Mr Bill Lord

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

This unit continues the study of anatomy and physiology of the body systems, with an emphasis on the life essential systems. Students will study the general structure and functions of the body's major organ systems and explore how these contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in health. The unit will also consider common disease states encountered by paramedics and relate this to an alternation in structure and function of specific body systems. This knowledge will then be applied to an exploration of how drugs work in the body. To complete the discussion of disease, principles of microbiology and infection control as applied to paramedic practice will also be explored

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the structure and discuss the general functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, renal, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, integumentary and reproductive systems
2. Discuss the maintenance of homeostasis in the body including the key roles of the neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, renal and respiratory systems
3. Identify common disease states encountered in paramedic practice associated with each body system and relate this to structure and function
4. Explain the basic pharmacological principles underlying the action of drugs including how drugs are absorbed, transported and metabolised in the body and basic principles of pharmacodynamics
5. Identify therapeutic classifications of drugs commonly encountered in paramedic practice including recreational drugs
6. Describe the classification and key features of microbiological organisms
7. Explain the principles of infection control applied to paramedic practice

Assessment

Written examination (3 hours): 50%
Written assignment (1500 words): 30%
Mid semester test: 20%

Contact hours

12 hours per week including contact time and private study, averaged over the 13 week semester - a total of 156 hours.