This module presents human biology in a way that connects it directly with health and disease. It starts with the concept of a healthy body and explores the mechanisms that enable it to maintain its integrity. Although you’ll deal with the physiology of each body system separately, the overall emphasis is on interaction and coordination. You’ll acquire sufficient background to appreciate how systems can fail and which medical interventions can be successful. The module will suit science students – especially those with a biology background; anyone interested in health; or people working in health and social care or other professions allied to medicine.
If you are considering progressing to Preparing for graduate practice (KYN317), you must have normally completed Principles and skills for nursing practice (KYN237) and Exploring perspectives on health and illness (KYN238), and either this module or The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SKYN228 or SDK228).
What you will study
The module presents the biological foundations of physiology and health as a dynamic process. The core of the module is concerned with an integrated study of human biology, drawing on the disciplines of anatomy, physiology, immunology, biochemistry, and endocrinology. It includes all the biological ‘facts and figures’ familiar from traditional courses in human biology, but they are presented as part of a functional account that is different from the usual format, which rarely assembles the parts into an integral human being. A distinctive feature of the module is a series of case reports integrated within each chapter; these reports explore individuals’ experiences associated with particular disease states.
The module is presented in four books, accompanied by a Study Guide and a range of other materials.
Book 1 begins with an introduction to the module, explaining both its scope and approach. It first discusses how living processes are maintained before considering diet and nutrition in depth.
Book 2 looks at communication and control (nervous and endocrine systems), and responses to the world around us (sensory and musculo-skeletal systems).
Book 3 continues to guide us around the anatomy and physiology of body systems: circulation and respiration; fluid regulation and excretion; and responding to non-self (the immune system).
Book 4 considers some of the challenges of life: obesity; sleep; stress; reproduction; and our varied responses to them in the context of genetic and environmental diversity.
Entry
This is an OU level 2 module and you need to have a good knowledge of the subject area, obtained either through OU level 1 study, or by doing equivalent work at another university.
To gain the appropriate study skills we particularly recommend Science and health: an evidence based approach (SDK100), Exploring science (S104) (now discontinued), or An introduction to health and social care (K101). It would also be an advantage to have studied biology or human biology to GCSE or, preferably, A level standard.
As well as being a suitable choice for science students, especially those who have a background in biology and health, the module can also provide a sound grounding in human physiology for social-science students who are particularly interested in health. It is very appropriate for health and social-care workers, and particularly for people in professions allied to medicine. If you have not taken our OU level 1 module Exploring science (S104), or Introducing health sciences: a case study approach (SDK125) (both now discontinued), this module can serve as a refresher, perhaps for nurses returning to work or others who want to update their knowledge.
The Science Faculty has produced the guide Are You Ready For SK277? which has self-assessment questions to help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module or whether you need a little extra preparation.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Preparatory work
Students who particularly wish to improve their study skills are advised to read The Sciences Good Study Guide (1997) by A. Northedge, J. Thomas, A. Lane and A. Peasgood.
Qualifications
SK277 is a compulsory module in our:
SK277 is an optional module in our:
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this module can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
Please note that this module makes substantial use of complex visual material and includes a significant number of interactive animations on CD-ROMs. You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and probably also the internet.
Study materials
What's included
Module books, study texts and other printed materials, CD-ROMs.
Computing requirements
You will need a device with internet access to study this module as as a web browser is used to access learning materials and activities. Any other computer-based activities you will need to carry out, such as word processing, using spreadsheets, taking part in online forums, and submitting files to the university for assessment, are specified in the module materials. If any additional software is needed for these tasks it will either be provided or is freely available. You may need administrative privileges to install software required for this module. Windows 10 S is not suitable as it restricts software installation to software available in the Windows Application Store.
A Windows desktop or laptop computer running Windows 7 or later operating system is suitable for this module. You will be required to install Microsoft Windows specific software. Some software will not run on Mac OS X, Linux, iOS or Android devices.
A netbook, tablet, smartphone, Mac or Linux computer that supports one of the browsers listed below may be suitable for some activities. However, these devices may not be suitable for one or more activities within this module. If you intend to use one of these devices please ensure you have access to another suitable desktop or laptop device that uses the Windows operating system so that you can carry out all activities on your mobile device.
You will need a broadband internet connection to complete this module. Better video performance is available with higher connection speeds.
Recent versions of the following browsers are suitable for carrying out web-based activities:
- Safari
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Edge
Or Internet Explorer 9 and above.
Using a browser upgraded to the latest version will maximise security when accessing the internet.
Using company or library computers may prevent you accessing some internet materials or installing additional software.
To be able to talk and listen in our online discussions you will need both a microphone and speakers/headphones.
Devices with small screens may make it difficult to view the material provided and carry out the activities. However, a device that has a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and also at least 768 pixels vertically should be adequate.
See our Skills for OU study website for further information about computing skills for study and educational deals for buying Microsoft Office software.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and encourage and moderate your tutor-group conference, mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day–schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the module.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Future availability
The details given here are for the module that started in October 2016. It was replaced in October 2017 by Human biology (SK299).
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Essential Documents website.