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LSC-30094 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

LSC-30094 - Physiology of living and dying
Coordinator: Marta Woloszynowska-Fraser
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module embarks on a captivating journey through human physiology, exploring how our bodies function from conception to death. Through interactive tutorials, discussions, debates and reflections, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the major body systems change throughout life. You will follow physiological and cognitive changes throughout life and concentrate on embryonic development, reproduction, ageing and dying.
*** DISCLAIMER ***
In this module, you will be part of a debate around contentious issues.

Aims
In this module, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of human physiology and cognition throughout life. By exploring how human physiology changes from conception to death, students will explore the functions of key systems, analyse the impact of lifestyle choices on health, and critically evaluate the role of vaccinations and advancements in the field. Additionally, the module will allow students to develop communication, discussion and ethical reasoning skills, encouraging them to analyse, explain and discuss physiological concepts. This combination of knowledge and skill development will prepare students for further scientific study.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Discuss the changes in developmental, physiological and cognitive processes from conception to death: 1
Critically evaluate the impact of lifestyle choices on physiological health: 1
Reflect on engagement with an evidence-based debate: 2
Critically discuss the ethical implications of advancements in human physiology and the choices individuals have: 2

Study hours

Active learning
10x4h Engagement with asynchronous material
10x2h Interactive lectures and tutorials supporting asynchronous materials and module assessment
3x2h Group discussion sessions - debates

Independent study:
1x40h preparation for in-course assessment 1 (podcast, newspaper article or webpage)
1x20h preparation for in-course assessment 2 (reflection)
24h independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Options weighted 60%
Choice of podcast (15 minutes), video/animation (15 minutes), newspaper article, or webpage/blog (1500 words)
Students can choose a presentation format of either a podcast (15 minutes), video/animation (15 minutes), newspaper article (1500 words) or webpage/blog (1500 words) for this assessment (40% of the final mark) to discuss a chosen topic from across the module on the theme of the physiology of living or dying. The creative brief can be done either in a group or individually (student choice). The submission will be supported by an individual justification (1000 words) about why they selected this option, their target audience and their objectives (60% of the final mark). Assessment briefs and support, including clear expectations, will be available and communicated for each of the choices, as well as through supporting tutorials across the module.

2: Reflective Diary weighted 40%
Reflection on debates (1500 words)
This reflective assessment provides an opportunity to explore and critically reflect on the ethical implications of some contentious issues discussed during the debates. The students will produce a reflective diary demonstrating their engagement with the evidence-base underpinning different attitudes/approaches to these issues. Support will be provided for students on how to effectively write a reflection.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026