AC6770 - Respiratory Disorders

What will I learn on this module?

This module is aimed at registered healthcare professionals who care for patients with respiratory disorders across all healthcare settings. The primary focus is on the normal anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and an exploration of the altered pathophysiology of both acute and chronic respiratory disorders. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Asthma and COPD
• Tuberculosis
• Lung transplantation
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Smoking cessation
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
• Occupational lung disease

You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the care and treatment of these disorders, including assessment, investigations, and management. The module integrates the importance of inter-professional working and highlights the scope of healthcare provision for respiratory disorders, including the psychological impact on patients and their families.
The assessment for this module is a 3000-word case study on a chosen acute or chronic respiratory disorder. This will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, critically analysing the condition and reflecting on best practices and implications for patient care.

How will I learn on this module?

This module applies Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to remove barriers to learning and create an inclusive, flexible experience that accommodates diverse learning styles. By offering multiple ways to engage with content, varied formats for accessing and understanding material, and ample opportunities for diverse action and expression, you can develop and showcase key employability skills. Through a blend of online resources, and live seminars, the module ensures an active, authentic learning journey that supports your success in real-world contexts (La, Dyjur, & Bair, 2018). This means learning will be via a blended delivery using a combination asynchronous (30 hours of web-based resources) and synchronous (12 hours of live online seminars) learning. A ‘flipped classroom’ approach (Bergman & Sams, 2012), promotes the front loading of theoretical content as preparatory independent study provided via online supported learning (OSL) and reading, prior to the face-to-face online seminar where your understanding of concepts and application of theory will be explored. This approach to module delivery promotes active learning as it works to accommodate your learning needs and abilities by offering flexibility and direction gained from the preparatory web-based materials which are then explored and applied during the live online seminars creating new knowledge. Offering multiple ways of learning helps you to engage along with giving you the opportunity to express your learning through action and/or expression. This encourages a positive learning environment where you are likely to feel more engaged and motivated in your learning. Authentic assessment means that any assessments throughout the module will mirror real life activities that you will be faced with in your professional practice. Authentic assessment will be an on-going key feature of the module, via tasks within the web-based materials and online simulated practice learning. These will not only support your learning of the theory related to professional practice but will also support assessment literacy through developing your skills and knowledge of the assessment process. All assessments within the programme will be operated in accordance with standard operating procedures and marked and moderated in accordance with the Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards (ARTA) ensuring the academic standards required for student awards are met.

Bergman, J., & Sams, A. (2012) Flip your classroom. Reach every student in every class every day. Washington D.C., International Science of Technology in Education.
La, H., Dyjur, P., & Bair, H. (2018). Universal design for learning in higher education. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. Calgary University of Calgary

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module lead who will guide your academic learning and assessment throughout the module. The module lead was involved in developing the e-learning materials, assessment exercises, and will provide some of your live online seminars, and feedback, supported by other staff. This module is supported by Blackboard Ultra and adheres to the university’s minimum standards. The site includes module information, assessment information, power-point presentations and e-learning packages, reading lists and relevant web links. Blackboard Collaborate will be used for the delivery of the live online seminars.

A discussion board is available to the cohort, through which students can post comments and ask questions of their peers throughout the duration of the module. You will have a live online group tutorial will help you prepare for the summative assessment. Your Programme Lead and Personal Tutor are also available to offer guidance on academic support throughout the programme.

The University Libraries offer an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval. A variety of study-skills-related help sheets, and online videos can be found on the library Skills Plus site. You can also access a range of student support and wellbeing services via Student Central or by accessing the student support and wellbeing pages and Ask4Help via your electronic student portal.

You will also have an allocated personal/guidance teacher who will provide advice and support in relation to academic, procedural, and (where desired and appropriate) personal matters during the programme of study you have enrolled on. You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and specific support from the programme team with any specific IT issues related to the e-learning package.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will have understood the principal structures of the respiratory system and their physiological function.
2. You will have critically explored the complex pathophysiology underpinning acute and chronic respiratory disorders.
3. You will have critically examined the management of patients with respiratory disorders.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
4. You will have analysed the contemporary evidence underpinning the care delivery and management of respiratory disorders.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
5. You will have appreciated the key attributes of complex respiratory issues and apply theory to practice settings.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessments
Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions throughout the module. These assessments will be informed by your engagement in various learning activities including:
• Group presentation on selected respiratory disorders
• Interactive case studies discussions
• Seminars and debates.

Feedback on your performance in these activities will be provided by the module tutor. This feedback will be timely and constructive, aiming to support your learning and development as you progress through the module. The module tutor will offer insights into your understanding of the material, your ability to apply knowledge in practical scenarios, and your collaborative skills within group settings. This ongoing feedback will help you to identify areas for improvement and prepare effectively for the summative assessment. Formative tests and quizzes will also be embedded within e-learning materials.
(MLO 1-5).

Summative assessment
The summative assessment strategy is designed to ensure that you have the comprehensive knowledge to recognise and provide appropriate care for patients with a chosen respiratory disorder. This will be achieved through an online electronic submission of a 2500-word case study.
Content Requirements:
• Pathophysiology: A detailed discussion of the pathophysiology of the chosen respiratory disorder, including its underlying mechanisms and impact on the respiratory system.
• Evidence-Base: A critical exploration of the current evidence base for the management of the disorder. This should include an analysis of the latest clinical guidelines, treatment options, and inter-professional approaches to care.

Submission Details:
The case study must be submitted electronically through the university's designated online platform by the specified deadline.

Feedback:
• Feedback on your case study will be provided electronically.
• It will include detailed comments on your understanding of the pathophysiology, the quality of your critical analysis, and the application of evidence-based practices.

Additionally, the feedback will offer development advice to support your future academic work, helping you to identify strengths and areas for improvement. (MLO 1-5).

Pre-requisite(s)

To undertake this module, applicants must hold a valid current professional registration (i.e. NMC/GMC/HCPC)

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The Respiratory Disorders module is essential for registered healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in respiratory care. This module explores the intricate anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the pathophysiology of conditions such as Asthma, COPD, and Tuberculosis. Benefit from Research-Rich Learning with the latest evidence-based practices and engage in Technology Enhanced Learning through interactive lectures and online resources. The module’s comprehensive assessment strategy includes a 3000-word case study, ensuring you can apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Feedback will be tailored to enhance your future academic and professional endeavours. Our module stands out with high student satisfaction rates and state-of-the-art facilities. Gain critical skills in respiratory assessment, inter-professional collaboration, and evidence-based management, opening pathways to advanced roles in respiratory care and improving patient outcomes. Join us to elevate your professional journey in respiratory healthcare.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study NotDefined

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Study at Northumbria

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

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Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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