Diving Assessments - EMM714

This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess medical fitness to dive

Key features

This module provides the student with an understanding of the assessment of fitness to dive and the practical skills to be able to perform an assessment.

The student will build on their knowledge from EMM713 relating to physics, physiology and diving techniques and apply this to common medical problems, in order to minimise risk, utilising case discussion and simulation.

In the design of this module, the University has teamed up with world leading experts in diving medicine from the Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) from where the module will be delivered.

A scuba diver swims over a sunken shipwreck

Module code

EMM714

Credits

20

FHEQ Level

Level 7 - masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery at Plymouth

Module details

This module is suitable for any healthcare professional looking to gain the skills needed to medically assess divers in a commercial or recreational setting.

Learning Outcomes

To demonstrate a systematic understanding of medical assessment in order to reduce risk within both a recreational and commercial diving setting.
To demonstrate a critical awareness of the physiological effects of pressure exposure and immersion and how this may interact with common pathologies and medication therapies.
Critically analyse and interpret a range of evidence in order to make complex decisions regarding risk and communicate this to patients.
To demonstrate the practical skills required to perform an assessment of fitness to dive.

Summary of Module Content

Fitness to dive: context and general principles. Developing this learning and applying to specific disease and the potential interaction with the diving environment.
Principles of occupational medicine.
Contemporary evidence in fitness to dive decisions and how this can be applied to individuals.
Practical assessment of fitness to dive: small group clinical teaching and case discussion, including problem based learning.
Simulated patient teaching including examination and use of specific equipment, such as spirometry.
Shadowing medical assessments at DDRC fitness to dive clinics.

This module is taught through a mixture of practical sessions, lectures and interactive seminars. This is supplemented through self-directed learning, supported tutorials and completion of practical and written exams.

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.

Application forms.
Change of name forms.
Pre-course information.
Downloadable guides.
Student card.

Visit Professional Development Unit (PDU) admissions for full details.

Module dates

It is run across two week blocks in December and January, with exams at the beginning of March. The first block is a short introduction to the theory of the module and the second block is taught face to-face at DDRC on the Plymouth Science Park.

Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change - always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit. Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

Entry requirements

Completion of the teaching on ‘EMM713 Fundamentals of Diving Practice’ will be expected of all applicants. You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or a related academic degree. BSc (Hons) at 2:1 or above, or European first cycle equivalent.

Clinicians who achieved a lower grade from their first degree or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible to apply.

Overseas students require IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent required.