Special Environment - Desert
| Module title | Special Environment - Desert |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM086 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Malcolm Hilton (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 8 |
Module description
This module builds on knowledge and skills introduced in the Extreme Medicine Masters programme ‘Core Concepts’ module in year 1. The taught component of the module is all delivered in a desert residential setting overseas, in previous years this has taken place in Oman.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module you will critically examine the challenges of providing safe and effective healthcare in a desert environment. You will focus not only on the evaluation of health issues to be expected in the field, but the planning and preparation phase for activities in desert regions. You will reflect in more depth on the ethical, professional and legal challenges of delivering medical care in this challenging environment.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Define and demonstrate an understanding of the specific hazards and physiological insults encountered in a desert environment.
- 2. Critically analyse a range of additional skills for safe, effective travel, camping and survival in a desert environment.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrate competence and understanding in the planning and provision of safe, effective medical cover for a desert expedition
- 4. Apply your critical appraisal conclusions to medical decision making in extreme environments
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Collaborate with peers to experience the value of shared and supported learning in a high-fidelity context
- 6. Evaluate and experience the effects of mild to moderate physiological stress (heat, terrain) on team dynamics
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
- Heat related illness and physiological dysfunction
- Common medical problems in a desert environment
- Managing snake, scorpion and spider envenomations
- Basic desert survival skills
- Desert camp craft
- Understanding water management in the Desert
- Vehicle skills, driving, extrication and surviving with a vehicle
- Desert rescue techniques
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 30 | Residential course: Lectures, seminars, master-classes, practical exercises and group work in specialist areas, and contemporary debates |
| Guided Independent Study | 80 | Reading and preparation for scheduled sessions and coursework. Web-based learning; resource gathering and in-depth reading during the period of module delivery. |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Preparation and writing of assignments. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group reflection and discussion | Workshop within course | 1-6 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written assignment For optional modules students are given a choice of assignment style. There are 4 styles and no style can be repeated in the year 2 optional modules. The choice of assignment style and topic is to be agreed with their tutor in advance. More detailed assignment brief and example topics are available for viewing and discussion | 100 | Equivalent to 2000 words of written assignment | 1-6 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written assignment (100%) | Written assignment (Equivalent to 2000 words of written assignment) | 1-6 | Typically within six weeks of the result |
Re-assessment notes
Please see the Student Handbook for advice
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Oxford Handbook of Expedition and Wilderness Medicine. 2nd Edition Chris Johnson, Sarah R Anderson, Jon Dallimore, Chris Imray, Shane Winser, James Moore and David A. Warrell—Oxford University Press, May 2015. ISBN: 9780199688418. £34.99
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevention-of-climatic-injuries-in-the-armed-forces-medical-policy
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 20/10/16 |
| Last revision date | 19/09/2019 |
