BSc Biology with a Modern Language / Course details

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

• 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.

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

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.

48 hour online, summative examination (90%) comprising two essay questions. Essays will be selected 1 from 2 in Section A on Part 1 of the unit “Fundamentals of gut and kidney function”, and 1 questions from 3 in Section B on Part 2 of the unit “Advanced topics in gut and kidney function”.

eLearning modules (10%)

• 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.

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