SU105 FOUNDATION SCIENCES FOR COMPLEMENTARY THERAPISTS
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning outcomes
Content
Teaching and learning
strategies
SU105
Level 4
10CATS
To be taken in conjunction with units SU106 and SU215.
Mandatory for FDSc Complementary Medicine
This module is seen as an important introduction to anatomy and physiology. It aims to
provide the therapist with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the basic
scientific principles underlying the structure and functioning of the human body. This
should provide them with a firm foundation facilitating understanding of further modules
such as SU105: Structure and functions of the human body and SU215: Processes of
disease.
This unit has course learning aims 1,2,7 and matches course learning outcome
1,3,5,6,7
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe the principle biochemical structures present in the human body
and discuss their importance
2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic physical and chemical principles relevant
to living systems
3. Showing understanding of the functions of human cells
4. State the meaning of basic genetic terms.
5. Describe in simple terms how DNA controls the functioning of the cell.
6. Naming the major cell organelles and describe their structure and function.
This module will introduce scientific concepts and principles for complementary
therapists in order to support further study in anatomy, physiology and pathology. The
content includes;
 The organization of the human body: levels of organization: chemical, cellular,
tissues, organs, systems. Life processes: metabolism, respiration, nutrition,
coordination, growth, reproduction.
 Chemical level of organization: atoms, molecules and ions, chemical bonding,
reactions, oxidation and reduction, acids and bases.
 Physical processes within the body: kinetic theory, diffusion, hydrostatic
pressure and gas partial pressures, water potential and osmosis.
 Structure of bio chemicals: organic compounds, monomers and polymers,
carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids.
 Analysis of bio chemicals: food tests, chromatography, electrophoresis.
 Respiration: Structure and function of ATP, anaerobic respiration, aerobic
respiration.
 Structure and function of enzymes: mechanism of enzyme action, factors
affecting enzyme activity.
 Cell structure: ultrastructure of the eukaryotic animal cell and its organelles.
 Basic genetics: Cell division, genes and development
 The Body divisions: planes, cavities, systems & relevant terminology
Teaching strategies include lectures, classroom based assignments, self-directed study,
assignments, reading and individual research.
Learning support
Brooker, C. (2006) Churchill Livingstone’s Dictionary of Nursing. 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.
Assessment tasks
Assessment will form a detailed two hour written examination paper to acknowledge the
in depth study of the human body.
This module covers scientific principles underlying anatomy and physiology including:
chemical structure and chemical reactions, biochemistry, physical processes, enzymes,
respiration, cell structure and anatomical terminology.
FdSc Complementary healthcare
Brief description of
module content
Area examination board
to which module relates
Teaching team
Semester offered, where
appropriate
Site where delivered
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable
and status in course
School home
External examiner
Module Leader Steph Scotcher
Year One – study block two
Sussex Downs College, Lewes
Oct 2011
3
mandatory
FdSc Complementary Healthcare
This module cannot be taken as a stand-alone module, however it can be taken in
conjunction with SU106 and SU215.
School of Health Professions
Tricia Tikasingh (Jan 2011 – Dec 2013)