BSc Biomedical Sciences

The endocrine system synthesises and releases chemical messengers (hormones), to maintain tight homeostatic control of physiological processes in the face of changes to the internal and external body environment. You will learn about the structure and function of the key endocrine tissues, together with the actions and interactions of their hormonal products. You will study the endocrine regulation of a variety of parameters including growth, appetite, blood sugar levels, stress, male and female fertility, pregnancy, puberty, and calcium balance.

To explore and understand the biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology of endocrine control systems in humans and other mammals.

Students will be expected to gain knowledge and understanding of:

•  the structure and function of mammalian endocrine tissues
• the manner in which the regulatory control and actions of individual endocrine tissues are integrated to maintain appropriate physiological and metabolic responses to changes in the internal and external environment.

Basic concepts in endocrinology

• Hormone-receptor interactions and signalling mechanisms
• Methods used to detect and quantify hormone levels
• Endocrine control systems and response to environmental change

The endocrine glands and hormones

• The pituitary gland
• The thyroid gland
• The adrenal glands
• The endocrine pancreas
• The parathyroid glands
• Enteroendocrine hormones and control of appetite
• Reproductive endocrinology

Diseases of the endocrine system

e-Learning Activity

Lecture slides and links to online reading materials will be provided on Blackboard. Three quizzes will be released on Blackboard during the course for summative assessment and to monitor engagement.  Further online quizzes will be used for formative feedback.  Student essay peer review will be used to encourage collaborative learning during the course. Online discussion board will be open to encourage dialogue between students.

1.5 hour written examination (90% of marks for the unit) comprising of two sections: short answer questions (50% of examination mark) & 1 essay out of a choice of 3 (50% of examination mark), and electronically marked Blackboard quizzes (10% of marks for the unit).

• Online quizzes will provide formative feedback.
• Opportunity to work through a model examination essay question, with peer feedback.
• Students may attend a post-examination ‘drop-in’ clinic to see examiners’ comments on their answers.

• White B & Porterfield SP Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology (4th Edition), 2013, Elsevier London: The Mosby Physiology Monograph Series. Recommended

• Holt RIG & Hanley NA Essential Endocrinology and Diabetes (6th Edition). 2012. Wiley-Blackwell. Optional.