BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology

• Multi-disciplinary programmes integrating traditional and clinically-focused subject areas, delivered by specialist academic and clinical healthcare associates and informed by patients, carers and lay associates.
• Study the specialist area of Clinical Physiology in Cardiac Physiology as well as maintaining academic breadth of organ function and impacts on the human body.
• A coherent, progressive curriculum underpinned by experiential and workplace learning, ensuring competence in core knowledge, personal and practical skills designed to enhance the students’ academic performance and professional development.
• Enthusiastic, accessible and committed academic staff that offer student support via personal tutoring throughout their programme of study.
• Teaching and Learning informed by nationally and internationally recognised research, scholarship and professional expertise in biomedicine, clinical physiology and pedagogy.
• A learning environment enriched by the presence of a “critical mass” of healthcare education in the form of the Faculty of Health, well-equipped modern laboratories and facilities, plus the legacy of the Centres of Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
• A route to apply for registration as a Clinical Physiologist/Healthcare Science Practitioner.
  

• On track to gain 1st Class (>70%) or already holds a 1st Class Biomedical Science degree with us achieved in the two years prior to applying.
• GAMSAT requirement waived.
• Satisfactory performance in interview.
• Satisfactory DBS check and occupational health screening.

For further information regarding admissions and interviews, please contact us at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

• Year 1

• In your first year, you'll be introduced to the healthcare science profession and receive a sound grounding in the basic science underpinnings of modern disease diagnostics, evaluation and treatment. You'll also undertake a division-specific programme of study and complete clinical experiential learning in NHS clinics by day release in semester 2.
  

  Core modules

  • Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation (BHCS1001ZA)

    To introduce the learner to key elements of investigation and experimentation within the biomedical sciences and to support the development of the basic skills and knowledge required for effective practice in these discipline areas

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells to Systems (BHCS1002Z)

    This module offers an introduction to the key anatomical features of the body and how physiological function is controlled to maintain homeostasis and health. It will commence with an exploration of cell and tissue biology and the founding principles of genetics, embryology and human development. The module will conclude with an exposition of anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems.

  • Introduction to Human Pathology (BHCS1004PPZA)

    This cross-disciplinary module provides the learner with an introduction to the study of human disease, exploring historical, social and scientific perspectives as well as an opportunity to explore how modern pathology services are structured and operated.

  • Human Disease (BHCS1005Z)

    Concepts associated with altered health states due to environmental, developmental and genetic causes are explored. Pathological changes at the cellular, tissue and organ level are discussed. Genomic and bioinformatic technologies are introduced, and their application to clinical and personalised medicine considered.

  • Foundations of Healthcare Science Practice and Workplace Learning (BHCS1007)

    This module provides an introductory framework for Healthcare Science practice, being the major vehicle for the understanding, acquisition and development of the theoretical, practical and personal attributes necessary for a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

  • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology (BHCS1008)

    This module provides the learner with the theoretical and practical foundations for practice in healthcare physiological sciences, by introducing the underpinning biological principles of cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep physiology

  • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Pathophysiology (BHCS1009)

    This module provides the learner with the theoretical and practical foundations for practice in the healthcare physiological sciences, by introducing the underpinning pathophysiological principles as applied to cardiac, respiratory and sleep physiology.

• Year 2

• In your second year, you'll continue to study the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare science professional and begin to specialise in the techniques and methodologies used by healthcare science practitioners in the physiological science disciplines.You will have NHS clinical experiential learning by day release in Year 2.
  

  Core modules

  • Clinical Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology (BHCS2013)

    This module will review the common disorders affecting cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep function. It will include aetiology, risk factors, pathogenesis and the body's responses to a range of conditions. Learners will also develop an understanding of the patient pathway and explore the key principles of measurement techniques underpinning cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep analysis in a clinical setting.

  • Clinical Physiology Instrumentation and Techniques (BHCS2014)

    This module is taken by students of both cardiovascular and respiratory & sleep sciences. It provides a familiarisation with the functions and characteristics of clinical equipment used for assessing and recording key physiological parameters

  • Healthcare Physiological Science Professional (BHCS2015)

    This module continues the processes of understanding, acquisition and development of the skills and personal attributes necessary for a Healthcare Physiological Science Practitioner. It also provides a foundation in research theory and methodology for systematic study of the evidence base in healthcare science. During this module there will be a work placement in the clinical setting of their chosen discipline, where learners will further develop their skills and professional conduct

  • Electrocardiography (BHCS2016)

    This module introduces students to the routine practical techniques applied in cardiac physiological monitoring. It will allow students to develop the requisite skills and confidence to practice safely and effectively in a healthcare science context. Students will gain insight into patient impact (including carers), whilst developing requisite skills and knowledge of a Healthcare Science practitioner

• Placement year

• You will spend a minimum of 40 weeks full-time clinical work placement activity in a host NHS trust completing all competencies within the specialist portfolio for your chosen discipline.
  

  Core modules

  • Professional Practice Placement (BHCS3036)

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training in an accredited clinical placement provider or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. This module also contains the work placement in clinical environments of their chosen discipline. Here, students will further develop an understanding of the scope and practice of healthcare, whilst developing the skills and professional qualities of a Healthcare Science practitioner/Biomedical Scientist.

• Final year

• You'll spend your final year at University, completing a research project and specialist modules focused on your chosen discipline. You will apply everything you have learnt about science, technologies and techniques to the practice of Clinical Physiology / Healthcare science.
  

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Hons Clinical Physiology programme specification 6798

GCSE

Mathematics and English Language grade C/4

Plus suitable Level 3 qualifications as outlined below:

A Level

104-120 UCAS points from three A levels to include the following:

• Grade B in Biology
• Grade B in a second Science subject from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Nutrition or Environmental Science/Studies

General studies is not accepted for this course.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma

DMM in BTEC (Science/Human Health based) – depending on the BTEC and units studied. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application or contact Admissions for further advice.

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science/Human Health based) with 33 Level 3 credits at merit or distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 18 Level 3 credits in Chemistry, Maths, or Physics.

International Baccalaureate

28 points overall to include the following:

• Higher Level 5 in Biology
• Higher Level 5 in a second Science from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Nutrition or Environmental Science/Studies
• English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level 4, standard level 5

Other UK Qualifications

Other suitable combinations and equivalent international qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for more information.

English Language

If English is not your first language, an IELTS with an overall average score of at least 7.0, with a score of at least 7.0 in all sections will be required.  Equivalent English Language qualifications may be considered, please contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for more information. The University will no longer accept the IELTS indicator (online test). All applicants will have to take the IELTS test at an approved centre.

Other requirements

Applicants must also pass an interview, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS/Police Check) and Occupational Health (OCH) checks satisfactorily in order to be eligible to enrol on to the programme.

Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise

Please view our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.