ACADEMIC SERVICES
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Part 1: Basic Data
Module Title Applied Paramedic Pharmacology
Module Code UZYSV6-15-3 Level 3 Version 1
Owning Faculty Health and Applied Sciences Field Allied Health Professionals
Contributes towards BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
UWE Credit Rating 15 ECTS Credit 7.5 Module Standard
Rating Type
Pre-requisites Co- requisites
Excluded Module Entry
Combinations requirements
Valid From September 2014 Valid to September 2020
CAP Approval Date 28/03/2014
Part 2: Learning and Teaching
Learning On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Outcomes
1. Critically evaluate why the paramedic needs to have an understanding of
emergency, urgent and critical care drug pharmacotherapy and therapeutics
(Component A).
2. Apply understanding of the processes involved in the pharmacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics of the range of medications available for administration by
paramedics and specialist paramedics (Component A).
3. Evaluate the anatomical, physiological and gerontological factors, including
co-morbidities, which can affect the administration of medication (Component
A).
4. Evaluate the effects of polypharmacy (Component A).
5. Synthesise a comprehensive knowledge of drug actions with applied
paramedic/specialist paramedic practice (Component A).
6. Critically review the role of patient group directives and the potential role of
specialist paramedic prescribing (Component A).
7. Understand and evaluate the effects of toxidromes and their management
(Component A).
8. Safely and effectively apply clinical reasoning to decisions about drug
selection and administration (Component A).
Syllabus Outline Introduction: An overview of pharmacology and therapeutics in pre-hospital
emergency, critical and urgent care
Medicines, ethics, the law and safe practice
How drugs work: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and the
therapeutic response across the life-span
Principles of drug administration and calculating dosage
Indications, contra-indications, side-effects and dosages of pharmacotherapy
affecting:
The central nervous system
The cardiovascular system
The respiratory system
The digestive system
The endocrine system
Indications, contra-indications, side-effects and dosages of:
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy
Antibiotic pharmacotherapy
Sedative and anaesthetic pharmacotherapy
Anti-emetic pharmacotherapy
The harmful effects of drugs including adverse drug reactions, interactions and
allergic response
Overdose and recognition of toxidromes.
Contact Hours The programme will be entirely delivered using a blended learning
methodology; incorporating technology enhanced learning material, online
web content, video presentations, lectures, seminars.
The total notional study time for each module is calculated to be 150 hours,
divided between student independent time (114 hours) and student/lecturer
interaction time (36 hours).
The contact time with the students is approximately 36 hours for each module.
Different methods to deliver course content will be chosen to provide the best
possible learning experience to students.
Teaching and Scheduled learning includes clinical skills workshops and simulation.
Learning Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading,
Methods revision and maintaining a portfolio
Key Information Key Information Sets (KIS) are produced at programme level for all programmes that
Sets Information this module contributes to, this is a requirement set by HESA/HEFCE. KIS are
comparable sets of standardised information about undergraduate courses allowing
prospective students to compare and contrast between programmes they are
interested in applying for.
Key Information Set - Module data
Numb er of credits for this module 15
Hours to Scheduled Independent Placement Allocated
be learning and study hours study hours Hours
allocated teaching
study hours
150 36 114 0 150
The table below indicates as a percentage the total assessment of the module which
constitutes:-
Exam: 2 hour unseen exam
Practical Exam: Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
Please note that this is the total of various types of assessment and will not
necessarily reflect the component and module weightings in the Assessment section
of this module description:
Total assessment of the module:
Written exam assessment percentage 100%
Coursework assessment percentage 0%
Practical exam assessment percentage 0%
100%
Reading Core readings
Strategy
It is essential that students read one of the many texts on research methods
available through the Library. Module guides will also reflect the range of reading
to be carried out.
Further readings
Students are expected to identify all other reading relevant to their chosen
research topic for themselves. They will be encouraged to read widely using the
library search, a variety of bibliographic and full text databases, and Internet
resources. Many resources can be accessed remotely.
Access and skills
The development of literature searching skills is supported by a Library seminar
provided within the first semester. These level three skills will build upon skills
gained by the student whilst studying at levels one and two. Additional support is
available through the Library Services web pages, including interactive tutorials
on finding books and journals, evaluating information and referencing. Sign-up
workshops are also offered by the Library.
Indicative reading list
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an
indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to
consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module
specification. However, as indicated above, current advice on readings will be
available via the module guide
Indicative Bledsoe, B and Benner, R (2006) Critical Care Paramedic. New Jersey:
Reading List Pearson Education.
Fisher, D.F. et al (2013) UK Ambulance Service Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Bridgwater: Class Publishing.
Simonsen, T. et al (2008) Illustrated Pharmacology for Nurses. London:
Hodder Education.
Part 3: Assessment
Assessment Strategy Summative assessment
Component A (100%): 2.5 hour unseen exam
Rationale: To assess the student’s general knowledge and understanding of
all aspects of paramedic administered therapeutics
Formative assessment will take place through skills supervision and
feedback, also tutorial support and reading by a personal tutor of draft work.
Identify final assessment component and element Component A
A: B:
% weighting between components A and B (Standard modules only)
100%
First Sit
Component A (controlled conditions) Element weighting
Description of each element (as % of component)
1. 2.5 hour unseen exam 100%
Resit (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A (controlled conditions) Element weighting
(as % of component)
Description of each element
1. 2.5 hour unseen exam 100%
If a student is permitted an EXCEPTIONAL RETAKE of the module the assessment will be that indicated
by the Module Description at the time that retake commences.
