Diploma in Clinical Science

Introduction
This course is designed to appeal to health care profession who wishes to develop their underpinning knowledge, the allied practitioner who needs to expand their basic clinical understanding and skills, and those who have a personal interest in the subject.

The course is divided into ten modules, each with an associated assignment. Following completion of all ten modules, students will be required to complete a project module.

The first five (part one) modules are related to body systems, and will include details of common conditions and treatments relative to its function and anatomy. The following modules (part two) are devoted to specific elements of clinical practice, and will also refer back to body systems to form an integrated and holistic approach. Glossaries will be included with most of the modules as a useful reference for students. There will also be activities within some of the modules for revision and clarification purposes – these activities will be formative.

Module Titles and Content
Part one
Module 1: Cardiovascular and circulatory systems
 
This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as cardiovascular disease, leukaemia, anaemia, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.Module 2: Respiratory system

Module 2: Respiratory system
This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as carcinoma, tuberculosis, pleurisy, asthma, and other relevant conditions. The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Module 3: Nervous and musculoskeletal systems
This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as tumours, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Module 4: Gastrointestinal and endocrine systems
This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as carcinoma, absorption, gastric ulceration, diabetes and glandular problems, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Module 5: Skin, reproductive and urinary systems, and special senses
This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the skin, reproductive and urinary systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as carcinoma, eczema, psoriasis, infertility, endometriosis, prostate problems, kidney disorders, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Part two
Within part two of the course there is a significant amount of chemistry and biochemistry which will be explained in as much detail as possible. Glossaries will be given with each topic so that students have a useful and accessible resource.

Module 6: Clinical pathology
This module will focus on the normal pathology and that of disease; therefore we will be exploring cellular composition and pathogens and relating these to specific diseases and conditions.

Module 7: Clinical pharmacology
This module will explore the classification and grouping of drugs and also look at how drugs work. In addition the module will look at drug addiction and the processes behind this.

Specific examples of drugs will be given, together with the correlating diseases they are used to treat; for example we will look at antibiotics, analgesics, chemotherapy and many more.

Module 8: Clinical immunology and epidemiology
This module will look at the basis of immunology, what it means in terms of disease, and prevention such as vaccination and inoculation. We will look at how vaccines are made and also how immunology is linked to epidemiology and predicting disease in the population.

Module 9: Nutrition and psychology
Nutrition is an important part of health and wellbeing. We look at different food groups, the body’s requirements and the way in which food is used by the body to provide energy. We will also be looking at eating disorders within this module, together with malnutrition.

This module also looks at the psychological aspects of health and disease.

Module 10: Clinical examination and diagnostic procedures
This module looks at some of the diagnostic procedures such as x-ray, blood tests, MRI scanning, ECG, and other significant and commonly used tests. Within this module we will also be looking at specific examples where these tests are used such as for screening purposes.

Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours
Approximately 110 hours

Assessment Method
Continuous graded assessment. Please note that from 1st April 2009 all students registering will also need to complete an online examination, in addition to the continuous graded assessment.

Qualification
Diploma in Clinical Science

What's Included
Unlimited full tutor support for two years

Course Fee
£295.00

Further Information
Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

You will require to have one of the following packages to access your course online:

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

In the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access your materials within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford student number via email.

Courses in paper/file format are still available at an additional fee of £45.00 and must be enrolled upon via telephone. This service is only available to those students studying within the United Kingdom. All students outside the United Kingdom will receive the online format.