Marine Medicine – EMM712

This module provides students with an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of marine medicine and of the distinct environmental, physical and psychological factors associated with working as a healthcare professional in marine environments

CPD for healthcare professionals

Key features

This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and independently in marine medicine environments.

They will gain insight into legal and ethical considerations of operating as a marine doctor or healthcare professional and form a wider understanding of the environmental, physiological and logistical challenges posed to the marine medic.

The module will include a week-long, skills based residential course run by Endeavour Medical.

Module code

EMM712

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 an understanding of marine medicine when working as a clinician in a recreational, expedition or commercial setting.

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and a critical understanding of the legal, ethical and logistical considerations of providing safe and effective healthcare in the marine environment.
Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the environmental, pathophysiological and psychological concepts in marine medicine.
Critically analyse, synthesise and interpret a range of evidence in order to make complex decisions in a marine environment.
Demonstrate a critical insight into all aspects involved in the prevention of illness and injury in the marine setting.
Critically examine the interaction of human, environment and climate that poses both opportunity and threats to health in the marine context.

Summary of module content

Professional considerations: legal requirements, marine law, ethical considerations.
Environmental hazards: cold water immersion, UV illnesses, nutrition in a marine setting.
Illness and injury prevention, including personal safety and survival at sea.
Human factors in the marine setting: teamwork, leadership in practice, communication considerations.
Contemporary evidence in marine medicine.
Medical considerations: drowning, trauma, bites and stings, lightening, sea sickness, solar, hypothermia, hyperthermia.
Scenario based teaching on the water.
Practical training of the marine medic on the water including working on commercial vessels, small craft and performing coastal rescue.

This module is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and simulation based practical sessions during a residential based on the southwest coast. The teaching is supplemented with self-directed learning and supported tutorials, culminating in the completion of a written assignment.

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.

Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Module dates

The module is run in two blocks in the spring / early summer. The first block is an introduction to the theory of marine medicine on the University site and the second block is a practical, skills based residential on the South West coast.

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

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.