PSC3013 : Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 2
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
- Module Leader(s): Professor Jeffrey Pearson
- Lecturer: Dr Christopher Nile, Dr James Connolly, Dr Greg Young, Professor Christopher Stewart
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This pair of modules (PSC3011 and PSC3013) on the Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract will give a broad grounding in many areas of gut function. The PSC3013 module (Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 2) is designed to develop knowledge and advance understanding of the physiology and cellular physiology of:
• host-microbe interactions: microbiome; pathogenicity; defence
• gastric mucosal protection
Outline Of Syllabus
The module addresses and discusses the impact of microbial communities (oral, intestinal) and
host responses in health and disease. The physiology of gastrointestinal mucosal protection will be
described and the roles of aggressive and defensive factors in the physiological and
pathophysiological control of gastrointestinal barrier function discussed.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 109:00 | 109:00 | Lecture review, extra reading and MCQ revision. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Non-synchronous online - Lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In-course MCQ exam (In person, online 60 mins) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Practical/lab report preparation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | In person - lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 7:00 | 7:00 | In person - Practical |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | In person - Group Feedback Seminar (MCQ Exam) |
| Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures and lecture materials are used to convey new information, core scientific material and key concepts in a concise manner (K1-K3, S1). Lectures and lecture materials are used to direct students towards important original sources of information in the study guides to provide a framework for guided independent study (K1-K3, S1-S2).
Lectures and lecture materials are used to aid the development of an understanding of current research and the
experimental basis of key concepts and core knowledge (K1-K3,S1-S2).
The practical provides laboratory experience and a practical demonstration to support the core material (K3,S2-S3).
The group feedback session provides critical information and feedback on the assessed in-course MCQ exam and provides an opportunity to increase understanding by reflection and discussion (K1-K3, S1-S2).
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 15 | In person, invigilated via Inspera: Quiz Format questions, maximum 40 questions. |
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 70 | Invigilated exam with 2 sections (each a choice of 1 from 2). Section 1: 60 min essay worth 2/3 Section 2: 30 min essay worth 1/3 |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 1 | 2 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 15 | Practical laboratory report includes data analysis and questions associated with the practical material |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examination tests core knowledge and understanding of the subject under time-constraint conditions (K1- K3, S1-S2). The practical and written report test the capacity to perform laboratory work, problem solving and data interpretation (S1-S3). The practical report is prepared as a group report and thus encourages the development of team work and written scientific communication skills (S1- S3).
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSC3013's Timetable