Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- key terms, nomenclature, classification systems, conventions and units of measurement that are central to the paramedic sciences
- the structure and function of the 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
- the theoretical basis of the activities and therapeutic applications of a range of drugs
- appropriate methods to interpret and analyse scientific data and information in defined contexts within the paramedic sciences.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- use and apply knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the paramedic sciences in defined contexts
- use such scientific knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar examples
- analyse, interpret, synthesise and summarise simple scientific data and information appropriately
- recognise different lines of evidence and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of current knowledge in defined areas of the paramedic sciences
- recognise some of the key social, psychological and ethical issues surrounding paramedic practice.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- describe your own role within the context of your profession and organisation and recognise the limits of your competence
- describe and accurately perform a range of procedures, such as 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
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- locate, receive and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, graphical and computer-based) in 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 appropriate study skills 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, audio and visual materials, interactive DVD, internet activities, online forums and work-based activities.
Assessment will include interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) and tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), examinations and end-of-module assessments (EMAs).
You will assemble an ePortfolio showing evidence of achievement of the qualification outcomes.