Course Details in 2025/26 Session


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Module Title Anaesthesia and Body Systems
SchoolSchool of Medical Sciences
Department Birmingham Medical School
Module Code 01 22130
Module Lead Professor T Clutton-Brock
Level Masters Level
Credits 40
Semester
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites Introduction to Clinical Practice in Anaesthesia - (01 22128)
Applied Science of Anaesthesia - (01 22129)
Restrictions PGDip and MSc in Physician Assistant (Anaesthesia) Studies
Exclusions
Description The module covers:
  • the anatomy of the heart and circulatory system, cardiovascular physiology (including changes in pregnancy) cardiovascular pharmacology and cardiac problems including arrhythmias, low cardiac output and heart failure. Students will be introduced to the principles of ECG, CVP, PCWP and CO monitoring, the associated skills and their role in the maintenance of patient safety during anaesthesia
  • the anatomy of the respiratory tract and lungs and the physiology of the respiratory system and the principles underpinning spirometry and the monitoring of blood gasses. It will also cover common respiratory conditions including asthma, COPD and pneumonia and their pharmacological treatment. Skills covered will include chest examination and the interpretation of common breath sounds and the management of the difficult airway
  • the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys, liver and endocrine organs, the physiology of blood clotting and the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. It will also cover the management of anaesthesia in the pregnant patient, the patient with diabetes, renal failure or liver failure. Pharmacology will include the use of diuretics and anticoagulants. Students will learn the principles and practice of ordering and interpretation of common blood tests and the management of blood loss and coagulopathies
  • the anatomy and physiology of the brain and nervous system and the physiology of the neuromuscular junction and pain. The module has a major focus on pharmacology, covering in depth the pharmacology of general, local and regional anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade and the principles and practice of pain management. Skills include more advanced monitoring and the management of regional and local blocks.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module the student should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and circulation, the kidneys, liver, blood and the respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems that will support safe professional practice in the operating department and beyond;
  • Recognise the broad range represented within 'normal' anatomy and physiology and a capacity to differentiate it from disordered anatomy and physiology in individual cases;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of an agreed range of conditions affecting body systems and the impact of surgery, anaesthesia and drugs on system function and the complex interaction of individual, clinical condition and intervention;
  • Demonstrate competence in examining body systems, and interpreting common monitoring and investigation data, to assess physiological function / dysfunction;
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the mode of action and effects of general anaesthesia on the nervous system and the concept and measurement of depth of anaesthesia;
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the mode of action and effects of local anaesthesia that will allow critical evaluation of their use and administration.
Assessment 22130-02 : 24 month MCQ : Exam (School Arranged) - MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) (100%)
22130-03 : Yr 2 Block Progression Forms completion : (MDS) Assessment of Professionalism (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:

MCQ Examination 25%; OSCE 50%; Portfolio Case 25%; Record of in-training experience and supervisor assessment.

Reassessment:

Single resit for MCQ and OSCE. Ability to carry Block Progression Sign off to next Block only
Other None
Reading List