SU215 – PROCESSES OF DISEASE MODULE

Title / Processes of Disease
Code / SU215
Level / Level 5
Credit rating / 20 CATS
Pre-requisites / Science for complementary therapists. Structure and Function of the Human Body
Type of module / This is a mandatory module for Foundation degree Complementary Medicine
Aims / This module aims to provide the therapist with the opportunity to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disease and to integrate this knowledge with previous study of anatomy and physiology, in order to support work as a skilled complementary therapy practitioner.
This module covers course learning aim1, 3,6, and matches course learning outcomes1,6,7
Learning outcomes / On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
  1. Apply knowledge of disease progression and inflammation to explain the processes in cells and tissues undergoing pathological change.
  2. Compare and contrast the roles of the non specific and specific defence mechanisms.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of disease aetiology and interpret relevant information from case studies.
  4. Apply knowledge of disease mechanisms, risk factors and homeostatic mechanisms to explain pathology.

Content / This module further develops students’ knowledge of anatomy and physiology as applied to the understanding of disease and therefore to conditions which clients may present.
  • Introduction to pathology: Types of disorders including infectious disease, disease, homeostatic imbalances, cancers.
  • Pathological changes to cells and tissues
  • Nature and causes of inflammation
  • The lymphatic system and defence
  • The immune system: antigen recognition, antibody production and cell death
  • Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, aneurysms and coronary heart disease
  • Nutrition and disease: vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; sugar and fat in the diet.
  • Digestive disorders: Crohn’s disease, IBS, allergies.
  • Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis
  • Homeostatic disorders: case studies: blood pressure, anaemia, diabetes
  • The biological basis of cancer: mechanisms and risk factors
  • The cellular, histological and system wide changes associated with ageing

Teaching and learning strategies / Teaching strategies include lectures, classroom based assignments, homework assignments, laboratory work, reading and individual literature research.
Learning support / Ball, J (2005) Understanding Disease, Blackdown Publishers
Brooker, C. (2006) Churchill Livingstone’s Dictionary of Nursing. London. Churchill Livingstone
Reid, R., Roberts, F., & MacDuff, E. (2011) Pathology illustrated (7th Ed.) London, Churchill Livingstone
Inge, B., Baker, M. & Rowland, M.(2001).A New Introduction to Biology. Hodder and Stroughton
Cohen, B. (2008) Memmlers,The Human Body in Health and Disease. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
Tortora G. (2008) Principals of Anatomy and physiology. (12th ed.) John Wiley & sons
Waugh, A. & Grant, A. (2010) Anatomy and Physiology colouring and workbook;11th ed. London, Churchill Livingstone.
Waugh, A. & Grant, A. (2010) Anatomy and Physiology in Health and illness;3rd ed. London, Churchill Livingstone. Underwood JCE. General and systematic Pathology. Churchill-Livingstone.
Underwood, J.& Cross, S.(2009) General ans systematic pathology (5thed) London, Churchill-Livingstone
Assessment tasks / Assessment will form a two hour detailed written paper to acknowledge the depth of study of the human body
Brief description of module content / Pathology is the study of the mechanisms and symptoms of diseases and disorders. It is essential for the therapist to have an understanding of pathology. This is a mandatory module and should be studied with Science for complementary therapists and structure and functions of the human body.
Area examination board to which module relates / FdSc Complementary Healthcare
Teaching team / Module leader StephScotcher
Semester offered, where appropriate / Year Two – study blocks 1 and 2
Site where delivered / Sussex Downs College, Lewes
Date of approval of this version / Oct 2011
Version number / 3
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course / mandatory module FDSc Complementary healthcare
This module cannot be taken as a stand alone unit; however it can be taken in conjunction with SU105 and SU106.
School home / School of Health Professions
External examiner / Tricia Tikasingh (Jan 2011 – Dec 2013)