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Undergraduate

Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Sciences - Learning Outcomes

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Educational aims

This Diploma aims to provide a broad grounding in paramedic sciences and will enable you to practise safely and effectively in your chosen discipline. Your studies will:

  • introduce you to a range of concepts, data and terminology relevant to paramedic science
  • expose you to different lines of evidence and key debates relating to topics in paramedic science
  • present health topics in their wider personal, cultural and social contexts
  • enable you to develop skills in written and computer-based communication, information literacy using a variety of text-based, graphical, numerical and online sources, generating, presenting and interpreting numerical data and using a computer to support your learning and practice as a paramedic
  • enable you to engage with evidence-based practice and assemble a personal portfolio evidencing progression in your own practice as a paramedic
  • foster enthusiasm and confidence in studying and working as a paramedic and provide a framework that will equip you with the study skills necessary for further study.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

  • the key terminology, nomenclature, classification systems, conventions and units of measurement that are central to Paramedic Sciences
  • the structure and function of major systems and organs in the human body, and their association with health, disease, disorder, dysfunction and pathology
  • ways in which an individual’s psychological state can impact on their physical health
  • the theoretical basis of diagnosis and intervention in defined medical conditions
  • appropriate methods to interpret and analyse scientific data and information in defined contexts within Paramedic Sciences.

Cognitive skills

You will be able to:

  • use and apply knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Paramedic Sciences in defined contexts
  • apply such scientific knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar examples
  • analyse, interpret, synthesise and summarise simple scientific data and information appropriately
  • develop the ability to recognise different lines of evidence and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of current knowledge in defined areas of Paramedic Sciences
  • begin to address some of the key social, psychological and ethical issues surrounding Paramedic Sciences topics.

Practical and/or professional skills

You will be able to:

  • describe your own role as a paramedic within the context of your profession and organisation
  • describe and accurately perform a range of procedures, including basic physiological measurements, relevant to your job
  • use your skills in interpreting data derived from health-related investigations with respect to current subject knowledge
  • apply your knowledge and understanding to inform and implement safe working practice and identify risks
  • describe and implement the procedures for keeping client/patient records with due regard for confidentiality and explain the need for professional standards when dealing with colleagues and members of the public.

Key skills

You will be able to:

  • locate, receive and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, graphical and computer-based) in a defined context
  • apply number skills to undertake calculations appropriate for your working practice
  • communicate scientific information accurately and effectively using written, visual and numerical forms in a style that suits purpose and audience
  • prepare, process, present and interpret data in defined ways using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques
  • use a range of study skills appropriate to degree-level study and apply them to improve your own learning
  • use your ICT skills as appropriate to locate online information sources, enhance your own learning, carry out simple data analysis, and communicate and discuss scientific information with others
  • maintain your own personal development portfolio and reflective diary
  • manage your own learning, organise your own time, and begin to work independently in a way appropriate for continuing personal and professional development.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

Teaching will be by a blend of text, video material, interactive DVD and internet activities.

Practical skills will also be taught by face-to-face instruction.

Assessment will use OpenMark for both formative and summative assessment, tutor-marked assignments, exams and end-of-module assessments.

You will assemble an ePortfolio showing evidence of achievement of the qualification outcomes relevant to your role as a paramedic.

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