Aims

This module aims to link the pathophysiological aspects of ageing to holistic clinical assessment of older people by using a clinical focus, comprising three pathophysiological themes linked by a cross-cutting theme of holisitic care. The module will draw upon the rich tradition of ageing research at Newcastle University, using input from research scientists and clinicians who work in the NHS.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module content includes three pathophysiological themes which relate to ageing, for example old age psychiatry, musculo-skeletal disease, and cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiological themes are linked by a cross-cutting theme covering the holistic care of older people.

Together the themes will consider:

•       Key pathophysiological changes associated with ageing
•       Epidemiology of diseases affecting older people
•       Disease prevention strategies during the life-course
•       Clinical presentations of conditions affecting older people
•       Clinical assessment of older people including history taking and examination
•       The role of clinical investigation such as imaging
•       The role of the multidisciplinary team in caring for older people
•       Organisation of health services for older people
•       The importance of quality of life in older age

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures, access to RECAP and suggested reading introduce the majority of the knowledge base. Module themes allow some continuity of topic and teaching whilst exposing the student to the different teaching styles of the lecturers involved. Students are expected to supplement learning in lectures with additional critical reading of clinical sources, health services documents and relevant research papers.

The interactive seminar will allow a more in-depth discussion of holistic clinical assessment of older people and the relevance of quality of life.

Students are encouraged to interact with lecturers by asking questions using an online discussion thread which will run for two working days after the lecture release date. One lecture is reserved for review of previous topics and further questions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination test the students' knowledge and understanding of the subject.

The timed essay enables the student to demonstrate their writing skills and their ability to prepare and organise. It also requires the students to be critical and to demonstrate reading in the subject area. Feedback on the timed essay will help improve their writing skills for the final exams. The invigilated essay will develop skills to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject under invigilated conditions.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.