BSc Biology with Science & Society

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
 

•    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.

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

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 
 

Summative examination 2hr short-note (45%) on campus  
Plus one essay question: time limited (45%).
eLearning modules multiple-choice questions (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 

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