PSC3011 : Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 1
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor David Thwaites
- 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 PSC3011 module (Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 1) is designed to develop knowledge and advance understanding of the physiology and cellular physiology of:
• nutrient and micronutrient absorption
• fluid and electrolyte balance
• neurohormonal control of gut function
• gastrointestinal motility
Outline Of Syllabus
The module initially provides a review of gastrointestinal physiology, and the key gut functions of digestion, absorption, secretion and motility, followed by an in-depth investigation of current research in selected areas. The central principles of the control of gut function (neurocrine, endocrine, paracrine) will be explored. The importance of the intestinal epithelial barrier and related membrane transport pathways will be described. The mechanisms involved in digestion and absorption of nutrients (carbohydrates and proteins), micronutrients, vitamins, bile acids, electrolytes and fluid in the small and large intestines will be examined in detail. The specialised modes of gastrointestinal motility found throughout different regions of the gut will be described and the role of the enteric nervous system in control of gut movement considered. The malfunction of specific cellular mechanisms will be described at appropriate points and the resultant pathophysiological conditions discussed.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | In-course essay revision (5 hours per lecture) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In person- In-course essay |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | In person - lecture |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Lectures - Non-synchronous online |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | In person - lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In person - In-course MCQ |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In person - group feedback seminar (in-course MCQ exam) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | In person - Seminar (Clinical Case Studies) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In person - group feedback seminar (in-course timed essay) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In person - individual feedback (in-course timed essay) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 102:00 | 102:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture materials are used to convey new information, core scientific material and key concepts in a concise manner (K1-K6,S1). 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-K6, S1-S2). Lecture materials are used to aid the development of an understanding of current research and the experimental basis of key concepts and core knowledge (K2-K4, K6, S1-S2). The clinical case study seminar provides an opportunity for informal discussion and aid in the development of critical skills and problem solving (S1-S2). The group and individual feedback sessions provide critical feedback on the assessed in-course essay and in-course MCQ exam and provide opportunities to increase understanding by reflection and discussion (K1-K6, S1, S3).
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2 | 2 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 15 | Invigilated (in person) in-course timed essay under exam conditions (45 mins) |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 15 | Invigilated (in person) in-course MCQ exam under exam conditions on material taught in lectures (60 mins) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examination tests core knowledge and understanding of the subject under time-constraint conditions (K1-K6, S1-S3). The in-course timed essay and MCQ promote revision and provide opportunities to consolidate knowledge and identify areas of weakness in learning and understanding (K1-K6, S1-S3). The in-course timed essay provides students with an opportunity to gain practice in essay writing under examination conditions (K1-K6, 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 Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSC3011's Timetable