- UCAS course code
- B122
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc Medical Physiology with a Modern Language / Course details
Year of entry: 2024
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Course unit details:
Body Systems 2
Unit code | BIOL21272 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Body Systems 2 outlines the principal functions of the human systems primarily the gastro-intestinal (GI) and the renal systems, this unit explains how these systems are affected by diseases and outlines the available treatments.
You will learn about:
• 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 human systems primarily the gastro-intestinal (GI) 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 GI tract and kidneys
• Examples of diseases of the GI tract and kidney, which are targets for important therapeutic drugs
Syllabus
Part 1 includes
• Introduction: Principals of epithelial transport & 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 includes :
• 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 impaired in Bartter’s by mutations to five different proteins.
• GI tract infections: Causes of and treatments for diarrhoea and peptic ulcers.
e-Learning Activities
.E-learning MCQs questions
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. Lecturers 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% |
Summative examination 2hr short-note (45%) on campus
Plus one essay question: time limited (45%).
eLearning modules multiple-choice questions (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
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 | 2 |
Lectures | 21 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 77 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Elizabeth Sheader | Unit coordinator |