Dr Sarah Prior

PM-001 Metabolism and Homeostasis

The module will provide the student with a broad overview of dietary requirements, digestion processes and associated anatomy, nutrient uptake and energetic metabolism processes within the human body. The catabolism of biomolecules for energy production will be covered and the role of the kidney in removal of by-products. The role of neuronal and hormonal systems in homeostatic control of the body will also be elaborated.

PM-154 Human Physiology

The human body is a complex, integrated system that relies on precise physiological mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and sustain life. This module provides an in-depth introduction to human physiology, covering the fundamental principles that govern the function of cells, tissues, and organ systems. Students will explore the physiological processes that underpin human health, gaining insight into how the body¿s systems work together to respond to internal and external challenges. The module begins with an overview of key physiological concepts, including homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and the integration of body systems. Students will examine the structure and function of key organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. Topics will include neural signalling and communication, cardiovascular dynamics and circulation, gas exchange and respiratory control, digestion and nutrient absorption, renal function and fluid balance, endocrine regulation of metabolism, and the mechanics of movement. Emphasis will be placed on understanding physiological responses to environmental changes, exercise, and disease. Students will also explore the cellular and molecular basis of physiological function, and the role of hormones in systemic regulation. Additionally, the module will introduce fundamental concepts in pathophysiology, highlighting how disruptions in physiological processes can lead to disease. Through a combination of lectures, dry laboratory practical sessions, and interactive workshops, students will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in human physiology. Hands-on sessions will provide experience with physiological measurements and experimental techniques, reinforcing the relevance of human physiology to medical science, biomedical research, and healthcare applications.

PM-154C Ffisioleg Ddynol

Mae'r corff dynol yn system gymhleth, integredig, sy'n dibynnu ar fecanweithiau ffisiolegol manwl gywir i gynnal homeostasis a bywyd. Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cynnig cyflwyniad manwl i ffisioleg ddynol, gan ymdrin â'r egwyddorion sylfaenol sy'n rheoli gweithrediad celloedd, meinweoedd a systemau organau. Bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio'r prosesau ffisiolegol sy'n sail i iechyd dynol, gan feithrin dealltwriaeth o sut mae systemau'r corff yn cydweithio i ymateb i heriau mewnol ac allanol. Mae'r modiwl yn dechrau drwy roi trosolwg o gysyniadau ffisiolegol allweddol, gan gynnwys homeostasis, mecanweithiau adborth a sut mae systemau'r corff yn integreiddio. Bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio strwythur a gweithrediad systemau organau allweddol, gan gynnwys y systemau nerfol, cardiofasgwlaidd, resbiradol, treulio, arennol, endocrin a chyhyrysgerbydol. Bydd pynciau'n cynnwys signalu a chyfathrebu niwral, dynameg a chylchrediad cardiofasgwlaidd, cyfnewid nwyon a rheolaeth resbiradol, treulio ac amsugno maetholion, gweithrediad arennol a chydbwysedd hylifau, sut mae endocrinau'n rheoleiddio'r fetabolaeth a mecaneg symud. Rhoddir pwyslais ar ddeall ymatebion ffisiolegol i newidiadau amgylcheddol, ymarfer corff a chlefydau. Bydd myfyrwyr hefyd yn archwilio sylfaen gellol a moleciwlaidd gweithrediad ffisiolegol a rôl hormonau mewn rheoleiddio systemig. Yn ogystal, bydd y modiwl yn cyflwyno cysyniadau sylfaenol mewn pathoffisioleg, gan amlygu sut gall tarfu ar brosesau ffisiolegol arwain at glefydau. Drwy gyfuniad o ddarlithoedd, sesiynau ymarferol yn y labordy sych a gweithdai rhyngweithiol, bydd myfyrwyr yn datblygu gwybodaeth ddamcaniaethol a sgiliau ymarferol mewn ffisioleg ddynol. Bydd sesiynau ymarferol yn rhoi profiad o fesuriadau ffisiolegol a thechnegau arbrofol, gan atgyfnerthu perthnasedd ffisioleg ddynol i wyddor feddygol, ymchwil fiofeddygol a chymwysiadau gofal iechyd.

PM-254 Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine

The educational intention of the module is to allow the student to consider the contemporary practice of Medicine within the United Kingdom. This will include understanding the professional regulation, financial constraints and societal and personal challenges, within which medicine and other healthcare activities are practiced.

PM-260 Bioethics

Should we clone humans? What should we think of the coming genetic revolution? How much control should we have over how and when we die? Is rationing health care good, bad, necessary or all of the above? This module will explore fundamental ethical issues that arise in medicine, healthcare and the life sciences. Some are as old as life itself: the vulnerability of illness, the fact of death. Some are new, brought on by a dizzying pace of technology that can unsettle our core ideas about human nature and our place in the world. Through an analysis of extant principles, theories and practices, this module aims to develop students' critical awareness of the moral, ethical and legal issues inherent within medicine, healthcare and the life sciences more broadly.

PM-300 Medical Genetics

The course is designed to provide an advanced study of the identification of human genes and the determination of the influence of human genes upon disease and health status. Gene identification provides targets for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the range of variation present in the population.

PM-340 Being a Medical Scientist

Much of a scientist¿s career is spent writing and speaking about science. The aim of this module is to give students a higher level experience of what being a lead researcher is like, away from the lab bench. Drawing on core knowledge from other modules, students will refine their oral and written communication and learn what leadership skills are needed to succeed in modern science. They will also be challenged to consider ethical aspects of research, including new technologies and the use of animal and human subjects. The module will be highly interactive, taught using informal lectures interspersed with students working in groups.

PM-344 Capstone Project

The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.

PM-356 The Sweet Sickness: Advances in Diabetes and Related Disorders

7% of the population suffers from diabetes. This prevalence is set to rise with an ageing population and increasing rates of obesity. The problem is especially acute in Wales, where over half the adult population is obese. According to Diabetes Wales, there are 177,000 people in the country living with diabetes, and estimates suggest a further 70,000 people have diabetes but are either unaware or have no confirmed diagnosis. If current trends continue, by 2025, it is estimated that 300,000 people in Wales will have diabetes. This module will provide an overview of diabetes and the public health challenges it presents. The world-leading research of the Diabetes Research Group, located here at Swansea University Medical School, will be a particular focus with basic, clinical, epidemiological, social care and health services research discussed.

PM-366 Teaching Science

This module is for students with an interest in teaching, science communication, and medicine. Students will complete an enquiry-based research project, based within the field of pedagogy or science communication, with guidance from an academic supervisor. Projects may be completed in collaboration with local schools/colleges, community groups, science outreach programmes (e.g. Oriel Science), in clinical/patient settings, or within Higher Education. Students will engage with workshops and digital resources to introduce various themes surrounding pedagogy and science communication to prepare them for their research project. Students will be required to critically analyse their research findings and produce a teaching or outreach activity/resource. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation.

PMCB01 Clinical Biochemistry - Metabolism and Nutrition

This module will explore the key clinical biochemical principles that are relevant to the application of the principles of clinical biochemistry to evaluate the function of the various physiological systems, the biochemistry of the processes involved that support life; from the cellular to whole physiological systems and explore how clinical biochemistry can detect pathological dysfunction. It will critically develop your understanding of the various biochemical processes involved in the analytical detection of function and dysfunction within health and disease states across the life span.

PMDM01 Diabetes Basics

This module aims to introduce the basics of diabetes, a condition where there are an estimated 4.5 million people living with the disease in the UK alone, and a further 1.1 million that are undiagnosed. It will detail prevalence and pathophysiology, nutrition and self-care, and a basic understanding of associated complications. It aims to develop the students¿ knowledge of the many key factors that contribute to this enormous healthcare issue. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

PMDM02 Diabetes Management I

This module is delivered primarily as a 5-day residential that aims to develop the students¿ knowledge of the available pharmaceutical treatments for diabetes. It will explore all aspects of current pharmaceutical regimes from oral medications through injectables to basic pump technologies. This will enable the students to not only have the opportunity to see and handle these pharmaceuticals, but also appreciate the wider context of medication planning and progression of the disease. The module will be delivered primarily on campus (5-day residential) with extra online content, and both in situ and online assessments.

PMDM03 Diabetes Events

This module will aim to explore and give a basic underpinning knowledge of events that can result from or affect diabetes care. This will include hypo- and hyperglycemia, illness and pregnancy, demonstrating causes of disruption and the courses of action required to ensure continuous diabetes management throughout. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

PMDM04 Diabetes Complications

PMDM05 Diabetes Management II

This module is delivered primarily as a 5-day residential that aims to enhance the students¿ knowledge of the advanced treatments for diabetes. It will explore continuous/flash glucose monitoring and all aspects of pump technologies and pregnancy usage. This will enable the students to see and handle these new technologies that are not necessarily common place in clinics, and appreciate the concept of treatment planning and progression using these devices. The module will be delivered primarily on campus (5-day residential) with extra online content, and both in situ and online assessments.

PMDM06 Diabetes Situations

This module will investigate the situations in which there are a need for specialised diabetes planning, treatment and care. It will highlight the areas of care that require specific and considered practice such as inpatient care, elderly/infirm patients and care in the community. The module will be delivered online via distance learning, with online assessments.

PMDM07 Dissertation (Research/Audit)

This module will comprise of a written dissertation of either a research project or audit. The piece will need to demonstrate independent learning and critical thinking to explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of interest within the field of diabetes.

PMDM08 Work Based Portfolio

This module will allow students to review, appraise and evaluate the application of the knowledge gained throughout the programme within their own professional work environment by providing a portfolio of evidence that is supported by a reflective commentary.

PMZ300 An introduction to diabetes nursing

Newly appointed Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSNs) are often bought in as development roles, straight from general nursing background, with very little specialist training and experience. New DSNs often face steep learning curves as they transition into their roles. This CPD programme is specifically tailored for new DSNs to bridge the gap between general nursing training and the specialised skills required for effective diabetes care through focused lectures, mentorship, and peer support, fostering confidence and competence, increasing job satisfaction and reducing burnout, which ultimately benefits the wider healthcare system. The CPD will be delivered by experienced senior colleagues who are already working across a range of diabetes specialist care areas ranging from primary to tertiary care environments, allowing students to gain practical insights, tips, and strategies that are not always covered in formal training. Mentorship fosters confidence, accelerates skill development, and promotes a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, whilst peer support provides a sense of community and belonging, crucial for navigating the challenges of a demanding specialist role.