BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science with Foundation Year

The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge of the essential study skills required for degree level study. The module will support students to develop their reading, academic referencing, reflective practice, academic writing and presentation skills, and will teach them how to undertake a structured search for evidence using bibliographical/subject databases. It will also introduce students to evidence informed practice (EIP) and explain its importance in contemporary paramedic practice. Being one of the first modules students will study on their degree programme, this module offers an opportunity for students to develop an equitable level of knowledge and understanding of academic expectations, irrespective of each student's prior academic background and experience.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the foundation skills that underpin paramedic practice. The focus will be upon the development of core skills and the rationale behind the application of those skills. This module will link closely with other first year modules running concurrently. Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency - Paramedics (2014) Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2016) Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (2016) Health and Care Professions Council HCPC) Standards of Education and Training (2017) College of Paramedic’s (CoP) Curriculum Guidance and Competency Framework (5th Ed) (2019) QAA Benchmark Statement - Paramedic Science (2019) University of Wolverhampton Equality & Diversity Plan (2021) University of Wolverhampton Learning & Teaching Strategy (2016-2021)

The aim of this module is to introduce the key concepts of physical, life and clinical sciences as applied to paramedic practice. Students will study the normal structure and function of the human body, learn about disease and disease processes and how these are managed with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The module will be taught thematically and will encompass the following themes: 1) Systems Biology, 2) Clinical Applications, 3) Trauma & Patient Centred Care and 4) Unifying Concepts. These themes will be applied to patients from a diverse cross section of society, and we will look at the application to patients from across the age continuum and pregnant women. The module will adopt a person-centred perspective and diseases and disease processes will be explored in an inclusive manner so that students are made aware of how culture, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, gender identity and socio-economic status impacts upon human health and disease.

This module will introduce the key professional, ethical and legal principles that relate to your chosen profession. You will explore the role of the Health Care Professions Council including their standards and regulations. The concept of what it means to be professional will be introduced along with bioethical principles and how this influences clinical practice. During the module, you will begin to practice and develop the skill of building of a therapeutic relationship and will begin to explore how effective and ineffective communication can impact on patient care and outcomes.

Health psychology is the study of how health and illness can be affected by a variety of factors, including biological, environmental, psychological, social, cultural and race. This module will introduce the concept of health psychology including mental health and wellbeing, exploring how these factors contribute to health inequalities. Health inequality will be introduced from a person-centred perspective and will consider specific characteristics, the role of intersectionality and external factors such as socio-economic status, geography and education. It will cover health status, access to care and the quality and experiences of care, as well as defining person-centred care. The module will also address current public health issues and how to reduce health inequalities in vulnerable groups.

A key aspect of allied health professional practice includes evidence-based practice; ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’. The aim of this module is to build on learning outcomes of the level 4 module. It will continue in developing the student’s ability to recognise the value of research and utilise the principles and methods required to appraise a given research article.

Building on the foundations laid in year one, this module will allow the student to develop a deeper patient assessment and implement additional clinical interventions that can be important in the care of patients presenting with emergency conditions. The module will also focus on the rationale behind the application of skills in order that students can make robust, sustainable decisions about the clinical interventions they use. It will encourage students to develop critical thinking in relation to prophylactic vs pre-emptive treatment/skills. Students will begin to demonstrate a situational awareness of how presentations/assessments can involve a multitude of body systems and how this changes across the age/demographic groups. Teaching will be based around the HCPC Standards of Proficiency and the College of Paramedics Curriculum Guidance. Students will be expected to behave in a manner that is conducive with the HCPC Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC, 2016) and should be working towards the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics of the registered healthcare professional (HCPC, 2016). The module will link closely with other modules that are running concurrently

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of physical, life and clinical sciences as applied to paramedic practice. Students will study specific clinical manifestations (E.g., ‘Hypoxia’) and concepts (E.g., ‘Permissive Hypotension’) and discover how these relate to multiple systems often simultaneously. The module will be taught thematically and will encompass the following themes: 1) Systems Biology, 2) Clinical Applications, 3) Trauma & Patient Centred Care and 4) Unifying Concepts. These themes will be applied to patients from a diverse cross section of society, and we will look at the application to patients from across the age continuum and pregnant women. The module will adopt a person-centred perspective and diseases and disease processes will be explored in an inclusive manner so that students are made aware of how culture, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, gender identity and socio-economic status impacts upon human health and disease.

This module will support and develop your knowledge and understanding of the professional, ethical and legal principles that relate to your chosen profession and underpin your own professional development and practice. The skill of communicating will be developed further to include communicating in difficult circumstances and the effective removal of communication barriers in order to enhance the safety and quality of care being delivered. The concept of mentorship will be introduced and you will be given the opportunity to apply this to your practice within a safe environment. You will be introduced to the role of peer mentorship and explore the application of these theories and models including its impact on delivering effective patient care.

Health psychology is the study of how health and illness can be affected by a variety of factors, including biological, environmental, psychological, social, cultural and race. This module will explore health psychology from the perspectives of the pregnant patient, children and adolescents. It will build upon the foundations of the content taught in the first year, including application of knowledge of legislation, safeguarding and abuse. The module will explore a person-centred approach and will consider specific characteristics including race, culture, sexuality, gender and gender identity and the role of intersectionality. It will cover health status, access to care and the quality and experiences of care, as well as defining person-centred care. The module will also address current public health issues and how to reduce health inequalities in pregnant patients, children and adolescents.

Continuing the aspect that allied healthcare practice includes evidence-based practice; ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’, this module builds on level 4 and 5 modules. The aim of this module is to enable students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of research by producing work that presents an analysis of the principles and methods to investigate an area of interest from professional allied health professional practice. The student, with the support of a supervisor, produces and presents their final project, with a view to submit for publication and/or conference presentation.

Following on from the skills developed in years 1 and 2 this module will build upon the leadership and management of more complicated life-threatening emergencies alongside the development of enhanced patient assessment techniques and management of patients who require urgent care. Teaching will be based around the HCPC Standards of Proficiency and the College of Paramedics Curriculum Guidance. Students will be expected to behave in a manner that is conducive with the HCPC Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (HCPC, 2016) and should be working towards the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics of the registered healthcare professional (HCPC, 2016). The module will link closely with other modules that are running concurrently

The aim of this module is to develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of physical, life and clinical sciences as applied to paramedic practice. The module will be taught thematically and will encompass the following themes: 1) Systems Biology, 2) Clinical Applications and Clinical Decision Making 3) Long Term Conditions & Patient Centred Care and 4) Unifying Concepts. These themes will be applied to patients from a diverse cross section of society, and we will look at the application to patients from across the age continuum and pregnant women. The module will adopt a person-centred perspective and diseases and disease processes will be explored in an inclusive manner so that students are made aware of how culture, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, gender identity and socio-economic status impacts upon human health and disease.

This module aims to support and develop a more critical approach to the application of professional, ethical and legal principles whilst underpinning your own professional development and practice in preparation for your entry on to the Health and Care Professions Council register of your chosen profession. You will explore the concepts of how to support and develop colleagues whilst undertaking a mentor role including what strategies can be implemented during challenging and difficult circumstances.

Health psychology is the study of how health and illness can be affected by a variety of factors, including biological, environmental, psychological, social, cultural and race. This module will explore health psychology from the perspectives of the older adult, those with long term conditions and end of life. It will consolidate previous taught content, including application of knowledge of legislation, safeguarding and abuse in the older adult, those with long term conditions and individuals coming towards the end of their life. The module will adopt a person-centred approach and will consider specific characteristics including age, race, culture, sexuality, gender and gender identity and the role of intersectionality. It will cover health status, access to care and the quality and experiences of care, and person-centred care. The module will also address current public health issues and how to reduce health inequalities in the older adult, those with long term conditions and end of life.