SU215 – PROCESSES OF DISEASE
Title
Code
Processes of Disease
SU215
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Level 5
20 CATS
Science for complementary therapists. Structure and Function of the Human Body
This is a mandatory module for Foundation degree Complementary Medicine
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
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.
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 strategies include lectures, classroom based assignments, homework
assignments, laboratory work, reading and individual literature research.
Learning outcomes
Content
Teaching and learning
strategies
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 (5th ed) 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
Pathology is the study of the mechanisms and symptoms of diseases and disorders. It is
module content
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 FdSc Complementary Healthcare
which module relates
Teaching team
Module leader Steph Scotcher
Semester offered, where
Year Two – study blocks 1 and 2
appropriate
Site where delivered
Sussex Downs College, Lewes
Date of approval of this
Oct 2011
version
Version number
3
Course(s) for which
mandatory module FDSc Complementary healthcare
module is acceptable and
This module cannot be taken as a stand alone unit; however it can be taken in
status in course
conjunction with SU105 and SU106.
School home
School of Health Professions
External examiner
Tricia Tikasingh (Jan 2011 – Dec 2013)