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Physiology Based Assessment
Key information
Course Leader: Himadri Chauhan (h.chauhan3@herts.ac.uk)
Level: 7
Credits: 30
Mode of delivery: Blended
Learner Hours: Scheduled Hours - 44, Independent Hours - 256
Available places: 40
Dates
- 06/10/2026
Fees and Funding
£1890.00
The price quoted above is for a 30 credit module in the 2026/27 academic year and applies to students who are assessed as Home fee payers ONLY. Fees will differ for students assessed as Overseas fee payers. Fee assessment decisions follow UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) guidance, which is based on UK law and government regulations. Further information on who will pay Home or Overseas tuition fees can be found here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees
Once confirmed, a student’s fee status will normally remain the same for the duration of their course. However, information regarding fee reassessment is available here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees#FeeReassessment
Eligible students may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Student Loan. Please note that to access this funding, you must enrol on the full MSc programme; funding is not available for individual modules or interim awards (for example, a Postgraduate Diploma). Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
Further details, including tuition fee amounts, fee policy and payment deadlines, can be found here : https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fee-information/fees-and-finance-policy-documents
If you require further information or have any questions regarding fees, please contact: cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk
Entry Requirements
In order to study at Level 7 applicants will normally need a degree in a health-related discipline. Applicants with evidence of professional development or academic proficiency equivalent to level 6 (degree level) study will be considered but will first need to meet with the admissions tutor, Aileen Wilson, to discuss their application. Applicants with no previous level 6 study, or equivalent, will be required to complete a level 6 bridging module.
If you have non-UK academic qualifications you will need to supply evidence of comparability. The organisation ECCTIS will supply this for a reasonable fee https://www.enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx.
You should be a qualified health care professional currently working in an appropriate area of practice and have current professional registration (NMC, HCPC etc).
This module is a pre-requisite to undertake 7HSK2080 - Managing the Acutely Ill Adult
Course Overview
This module is aimed at health care professionals working in acute areas. It focuses upon the physiological processes that underpin the assessment process; explaining why these physiological changes are happening and enabling students to effectively assess the acutely ill individual, prevent deterioration and prioritise care decisions. Building on the student's fundamental specialist skills, an emphasis will be placed on developing the knowledge and expertise required to effectively assess the acutely ill individual and recognise and prevent deterioration.
Teaching will include lectures, practical workshops and tutorials. There will also be a variety of materials such as videos, quizzes, and PowerPoints which will be put up onto the module site prior to a synchronous session with the module tutors.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically:
- Recognise the importance of providing a thorough patient assessment.
- Interpret and apply the solutions suggested to recognise and prevent deterioration of the acutely ill patient.
- Identify normal complex physiology and recognise the pathophysiological changes associated with acute deterioration.
- Critically evaluate the complex physiological rationale which underpins the systematic assessment of an acutely ill patient.
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
- Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and differentiate between care decisions which ensure patient safety.
- Critically reflect upon decisions made in response to a comprehensive systematic assessment.
- Synthesise complex evidence and justify decisions in the assessment and management of patient care.
- Explain the normal complex physiology and articulate the pathophysiological changes associated with acute deterioration.
Number of Learner Hours:
1. Scheduled-44
2. Independent-256
3. Placement/work-based learning-0
Assessment
The assessment will be a scenario-based viva.
Students will be tested on their ability to assess, recognise and intervene in an acutely unwell patient based on a scenario from practice.
What our students say:
“The module was organised very well”
“The module lectures was very well organised and covered each system in depth”
“All the lecturers were knowledgeable about the subjects/ topics presented. I must say that I have learned and refreshed my memory, which is helpful in my current practice. It also gives me the confidence how to properly assess my patient”
“Highly approachable and willing to support with all learning input”
“Very supportive and tutor always made time to answer questions and concerns”
“Efficient and educated instructors. Well structured module and on time. My questions were dealt with respect and without judgement of my intellectual capacity, and support was offered readily. Highly appreciated.”
“The teaching team were professional and very knowledgeable in the topics that was provided, the team showed dedication to teaching and engaging with students.”
“I felt that when I needed to help with any issues, I was confident to contact my teaching team for advice and support. Which was great.”
“I personally felt the teaching team valued my opinions and views as student.”
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically:
Recognise the importance of providing a thorough patient assessment.
Interpret and apply the solutions suggested to recognise and prevent deterioration of the acutely ill patient.
Identify normal complex physiology and recognise the pathophysiological changes associated with acute deterioration
Critically evaluate the complex physiological rationale which underpins the systematic assessment of an acutely ill patient.
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and differentiate between care decisions which ensure patient safety
Critically reflect upon decisions made in response to a comprehensive systematic assessment
Synthesise complex evidence and justify decisions in the assessment and management of patient care
Explain the normal complex physiology and articulate the pathophysiological changes associated with acute deterioration
Assessment
The assessment will be a scenario-based viva.
Students will be tested on their ability to assess, recognise and intervene in an acutely unwell patient based on a scenario from practice.