Program Overview

Advanced Pathophysiology University Certificate in Postgraduate Continuing Education

Overview

Practitioners employed in advanced practice roles will enhance their competence in the clinical reasoning required for diagnostics and therapeutics with this module. The focus is on pathophysiological principles to support clinical assessment and differential diagnostic analysis.

Course Details

What You Study

• Application of pathophysiological principle to minimise/avoid risk and reduce patient morbidity and mortality to improve patient outcomes
• The role of the clinical method in establishing differential diagnosis, pathology and aetiology
• Homeostatic disturbance and disease trajectories in the acute and chronic spectrum of disease
• Pathophysiological principles applied to all body systems (cardiac, respiratory, renal, urinary, reproductive, haematological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and skin)
• Cellular changes, adaptations, cell damage and death
• Inflammation/immunity/sepsis
• Haemodynamic dysfunction
• Neoplasms
• Fluid, electrolyte and acid base imbalances

How You Learn

The module will be delivered online over a period of 14 weeks with ten weekly ‘live’ sessions, encompassing seminars and case-based discussion to illustrate the multi-system nature of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic disease. Learning materials are made available as the module progresses. This has the benefit of allowing you the flexibility to fit your study around your work and family commitments. Recorded lectures are available, 24/7 and can be viewed repeatedly, allowing you the opportunity to experience the lectures repeatedly and at your convenience. The live sessions augment your learning by giving you the opportunity to seek clarification on any of the taught areas. Attendance at the live sessions is optional as they are recorded and posted on the support website for those who are unable to attend.

How You Are Assessed

You are assessed by a 3,000-word theoretical case study applying pathophysiological knowledge, presented within the construct of the clinical method. The focus of the case study is an established common general pathology and/or complex multi-pathologies as evidenced in the practitioner’s everyday practice. The case study enhances the development of the practitioner's capacity to deal with complexity, multipathology and comorbidity.

Entry Requirements

You must be a qualified health care professional and have had evidence of recent study at degree or master’s level.

Employability

Given the current developments in health care and the ever increasing burden of disease, the need for advanced practitioners with diagnostic and therapeutic capacity is increasing quickly. With the knowledge provided by this award and that combined from the Physical Assessment Skills, and Advanced Physical Assessment Skills awards there are now many opportunities for advanced practitioners from all professions to evolve their roles in primary care, acute care and specialist care in delegated aspects of the clinicians role to support health care teams to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Part-time Entry

• Fee for applicants: £855
• Length: 12 weeks
• Start date: September and March
• Level: Master's
• Credits: 20

Service User and Carer Involvement

Service users and carers support all aspects of our students' lifecycle from recruitment to graduation.