BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Brighton

This module introduces you to human anatomy and physiology and the principles of pharmacology and pathophysiology in relation to paramedic science. You will study areas including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal and digestive systems; scientific units of measurements and medical terminology; and medicines management and safety.

You will gain theoretical knowledge of sociology and psychology, health and illness, and health promotion during this module, and demonstrate awareness of the importance of health policy, law, ethics and professional identity. You will apply theory to practice by analysing a case study from the pre-hospital setting and develop your understanding of, and competence in, using published research as evidence on which to base your practice.

Through theoretical and practical sessions, you will gain an understanding of basic patient assessment and observations and their importance. You will develop knowledge and understanding of intermediate life support (ILS) in line with latest relevant guidelines and become competent and confident in performing ILS through practice sessions using the relevant clinical equipment.

Paramedics are required to undertake systematic patient assessments so during this module you will learn to complete patient assessments and gather subjective and objective data which can then be used to inform appropriate clinical decision-making. Content will include the practical application of legal and ethical aspects of patient assessment and best interest, and communication skills for effective history taking.

In this module you will learn about pathophysiology (how a condition alters the way the body works) in relation to paramedic science. Areas covered include local and national clinical guidelines and relevant evidence-based articles; pathophysiology, treatment/care options and clinical decision-making relating to body systems and associated common conditions; and immunology and microbiology.

This module enables you to gain academic credit for clinical practice placements, predominantly in the ambulance setting but also in interprofessional placements. You will apply the theoretical knowledge you've gained within supervised clinical environments and develop core paramedic skills. You'll begin to use clinical reasoning and procedural competence to deliver safe and effective care under supervision.

You will develop an understanding of how minor illness present and learn to apply this knowledge to clinical cases. You'll build on your existing knowledge of normal and altered physiology and physical assessment techniques to help form clinical impression and guide patient management. You'll also explore the design and conduct of research, and key research methodologies, to understand how literature is used in evidence-based practice.

In this module you will explore the pathophysiology, assessment, treatment and management of high acuity medical conditions, focusing on the medically unwell patient. You will also learn complex paramedic skills. Areas covered include the identification of the critically unwell patient; undertaking physical assessment; selecting and using appropriate interventions; and ECG interpretation.

This module focuses on the biological mechanisms, assessment, treatment and management of serious and severe trauma conditions, with a focus on traumatically unwell patients. You will study the principles of evaluating and critically appraising the need for further assessment, intervention or referral to specialist or advanced paramedics or clinicians and other services. You'll also learn complex paramedic skills.

In this module, you'll explore how the body, mind and social factors impact human growth and development throughout life. You'll also explore common health conditions and symptoms and how these affect paramedic practice. You'll look at topics such as normal physiological birth; postnatal conditions; menopause; equality, diversity and inclusion, including transgender care; paediatrics; frailty; mental health; and end of life care.

You will develop an understanding of common urgent and primary care presentations during this module. You will be supported to build on your pre-existing knowledge of normal and altered physiology to inform your diagnosis and treatment plan for a wide range of conditions. You will also gain an overview of the primary care system, the referral and treatment pathways and diagnostic tools available to support clinical decision-making.

Enabling you to gain credit for your clinical practice, this module is designed to build upon the theoretical knowledge your acquired in previous modules and further develop your clinical skills so you can deliver safe and effective paramedic care. You will experience a variety of paramedic and clinical care settings and also attend clinical case review sessions.

During this module you will explore the essential leadership, management and human factor aspects of your role as a paramedic. You'll examine the knowledge and skills required for the successful transition from student to registered paramedic and clinical leader. Content includes principles of leadership theory and team working; change management theory; the theoretical basis of assessment, critical clinical decision-making and patient/team management; mentorship; service and quality improvement

Paramedic practice operates in a rapidly expanding and diversifying healthcare environment and this module will equip you with the knowledge and understanding required to function effectively within the inter-professional nature of healthcare both now and in the future. You will explore the importance of inter-agency and inter-professional working and develop a systematic understanding of the changing and developing role of the paramedic within the ambulance setting.

The dissertation module is a key part of your honours degree in which you will produce a research proposal. You must show a systematic understanding of an aspect of paramedic practice and demonstrate your ability to devise and sustain arguments supported by current research in paramedic science. Content includes preparing for undertaking a research proposal; review of the research process; revision of research paradigms; literature searching skills; and critical appraisal, evaluation and synthes

You will be able to gain credit for your clinical practice during this module while building upon your existing theoretical knowledge and improving your clinical skills so you can deliver safe and effective paramedic care. You will experience different paramedic and clinical care settings and participate in peer reflection and clinical case reviews.

This module will prepare you for the transition from student to autonomous paramedic practitioner, equipped to become a registered paramedic. It will use simulation and problem-based learning sets to consolidate the knowledge you've gained throughout the course. The module also includes multiagency and interprofessional simulation days.