
- UCAS course code
- C106
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Gut and Renal Human Physiology
Unit code | BIOL21272 |
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Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Human Physiology outlines the principal functions of the mammalian (human) gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and the renal system, explains how these systems are affected by diseases and outlines the available treatments.
- The mechanism and regulation of nutrient absorption by the GI tract
- The importance of the kidneys in maintaining body electrolyte and water balance
- Examples of diseases of the GI tract and kidney, which are targets for important therapeutic drugs
- How molecular genetics has enhanced our understanding of transport processes in the intestines and kidneys
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Cell Membrane Structure & Function | BIOL21141 | Co-Requisite | Recommended |
Membrane Excitability: Ion Channels & Transporters in Action | BIOL21321 | Co-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
- To study the principal functions of the mammalian (human) gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and the renal system
- To learn how these systems are affected by diseases and about the available treatments.
Learning outcomes
Students will gain an understanding of:
- The mechanism and regulation of nutrient absorption by the GI tract
- The importance of the kidneys in maintaining body electrolyte and water balance
- How molecular genetics has enhanced our understanding of transport processes in the intestines and kidneys
- Examples of diseases of the GI tract and kidney, which are targets for important therapeutic drugs
Syllabus
Part 1:
• Introduction: Principals of epithelial transport & chemistry of dietary components.
• The physiology of the G.I. tract: Digestion and absorption; Control of G.I function;The mechanism and regulation of salivary, gastric and pancreatic secretion; G.I.motility. Management of peptic ulcers and diarrhoea.
• Renal physiology: Glomerular filtration; Reabsorption of nutrients and ions; Production of a concentrated urine; Control of extracellular fluid volume & electrolyte balance; Acid-base balance. Mechanisms of action of diuretic drugs. Renal failure.
Part 2:
• The molecular physiology of iron transport proteins: Ferric reductase, DMT-1, ferroportin, transferrin, the transferrin receptor and hepcidin.
• Cystic Fibrosis: The molecular genetics of C.F.; CFTR an anion channel and channel regulator.
• Diuretic action and Bartter’s Syndrome: Diuretic selectivity is dependent on drug secretion. Na+ absorption in the kidney tubule (TAL) is imapaired in Bartter’s by mutations to five different proteins.
• GI tract infections: Causes of and treatments for diarrhoea and peptic ulcers.
e-Learning Activities
CAL on: 1) The pharmacokinetics of diuretic drugs; 2) The molecular physiology of Bartters Syndrome; 3) Novel treatments for cystic fibrosis.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Analysis and interpretation of data in scientific papers which are source material for the second phase of the unit.
- Oral communication
- Questions are encouraged during the lectures. Drs Smith and Sheader also actively question the students.
- Research
- Directed reading of annotated scientific papers which are source material for the second phase of the unit.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 10% |
Written exam | 90% |
1.5 hour summative examination (90%) comprising one essay question plus short-note and multiple-choice questions. eLearning modules (10%)
Feedback methods
- Feedback will be provided as part of two online multiple-choice assessments on lecture content and of the two assessments associated with the eLearning activities
- A “Question and Answer session” will be held to discuss any student-raised concerns and/or past examination questions
- A formal feedback session will be held in the subsequent semester in which students will have access to their marked examination scripts and to generic comments from the essay markers.
Recommended reading
For Part 1 of the unit, useful background information will be found in the texts below. For Part 2 of the unit, essential information will be found in lecture specific references, which will be listed in the unit handbook.
Recommended Reading
1. Boron, WF & Boulpaep, EL, Medical Physiology: A Cellular and Molecular Approach (3rd edition), Saunders, 2017, Recommended
2. Koeppen BM & Stanton BA, Berne & Levy Physiology (7th edition), Mosby, 2018, Recommended
3. Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM & Flower, R, Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology (9th Edition), Churchill Livingstone, 2020, Recommended
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.3 |
Lectures | 22 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 76.7 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Peter Brown | Unit coordinator |