Healthcare Science (Respiratory and Sleep Physiology)

Swansea University’s BSc in Respiratory and Sleep Physiology will give you the expert training you need to begin a rewarding career working with doctors and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat people with respiratory disease and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Studying the structure and functions of the respiratory system, together with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, you will combine in-depth academic work with practical clinical and technological skills in a range of specialised healthcare settings.

Respiratory and Sleep Physiology is an exciting field that requires a high level of responsibility, accuracy, and problem-solving ability. As a respiratory and sleep physiologist, you will work with patients of all ages and disabilities, performing a wide range of diagnostic tests and developing treatment plans.

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow you to learn and practice your clinical and technical skills in our simulated clinical practice rooms. Equipped with the latest technology and equipment, each room offers a unique environment that replicates a wide range of realistic clinical settings. The rooms provide an excellent opportunity for you to put theory into practice and gain confidence and experience in clinical environments.

You will spend around half of your course on clinical placements giving you greater insight into the skills you have learnt with our expert clinical teaching team. Clinical Placements will teach you how to present to patients and will embed your learning into your practise.

The course is accredited by all the major regulatory bodies including the National School of Healthcare and Science and the Registration Council for Clinical Physiology. You will also benefit from our strong links with the NHS and local health boards, with our nearest hospital being next to our Singleton Park campus. Many of our academic staff in Health Sciences are also practising clinicians, providing invaluable professional insight and expertise.
On graduation, you will be eligible to join the voluntary register with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists and enter the workplace as an independent practitioner.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
• Professional Practice 1
• Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Science
• Pathophysiology for Healthcare Science
• Basics of Mathematics and Physics for Healthcare Science
• Introduction to Cardiovascular Science
• Respiratory and Sleep Physiology
• CVRS Patient Pathways and Work-Based Training
In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
• Professional Practice 2
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Instrumentation Signal Processing and Imaging
• Healthcare Science Work Based Placement 1 (Respiratory & Sleep Physiology)
• Pathophysiology of Common Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions
• Respiratory and Sleep Physiology – Diagnostic Interventions
• Respiratory and Sleep Physiology - Physiology
In Year 3, you will typically study areas including:
• Respiratory Physiology 3 – Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Asthma & Respiratory Failure
• Professional Practice 3
• Healthcare Science Research Project
• Healthcare Science Work Based Placement 2 (Respiratory & Sleep Physiology)
• Respiratory and Sleep Physiology - Sleep Diagnostics and Therapy

You will be assessed via a variety of methods throughout the three years of study. You will complete written examinations, written assignments, presentations, case-based discussions and assessments of clinical competency. In year three, you will have the chance to complete a research project in your chosen healthcare science programme. The results of this will be presented as part of your dissertation and you will be involved in a peer-assessment scientific poster presentation.