Supply and Demand 3

Code

MGEM1006

School

Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

Focusing on whole body homeostasis, this module provides essential information to understand the functions of the renal and endocrine systems in controlling the body's internal environment and integrating the key processes of growth and development. Initially, the features of endocrine organs, hormonal classes, and how cells chemically communicate will be explored. An overview of the diverse functions of the endocrine systems, their cellular modes of action and control in health and consequences in selected disease will also be considered. The renal component of the module will include a description of the structure of the kidneys and the histological features and roles of the functional unit, the nephron, and an overview of the urinary system and micturition. The means by which blood composition, pH, volume, pressure and osmolarity are regulated and excretory waste products eliminated will be outlined.

The content is delivered primarily through lectures, tutorials, and e-learning. Furthermore, the importance of these systems in whole body regulation in health and disease will be applied through exploration of clinical case-studies of select renal and endocrine abnormalities and/or practical experience.

Target Students

Students on the Qualifying Year of the BSc in Medical Physiology and Therapeutics

Classes

Delivery is primarily through a combination of lectures complemented by tutorials and workshop-based practical sessions. Self directed learning will make up the remainder of the module activities.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: Group project Information leaflet plus individual essay (1500 words)
• 50% Exam 1 (1-hour): MFQ /SAQ end of module ExamSys exam 60 minutes

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

provide an overview of the elements of the endocrine system, the histological features of select organs (e.g. anterior and posterior pituitary gland, pancreas, thyroid and adrenal gland) and function of the hormones involved in the homeostasis of growth and development and cellular metabolism and the stress response
 

describe the means by which hormones are classified, synthesised and released and exert their cellular effects
 

describe normal and abnormal functions of the following endocrine glands: pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands and pancreas
 

explain the role of the endocrine system in stress
 

describe the organisation, gross structure, histological features, blood supply and innervation of the kidneys and their functional unit, the nephron
 

describe the body water compartments and the physiological role of the kidneys in excretion and homeostasis of extracellular fluid volume and osmolarity
 

describe the role of the kidneys in the homeostasis of extracellular fluid pH and maintenance of whole body acid-base balance
 

describe the functional role, release, mechanism of action and control of select hormones (e.g. anti-diuretic hormone)
 

explain the cellular mode of action of select diuretic agents, and distinguish between osmotic and water diuresis
 

describe the control of micturition and the diagnostic usefulness of unrinalysis in healthcare
 

explain, at a basic level, some pathological causes and consequences of renal and endocrine impairment
 

demonstrate use of self-directed learning
 

demonstrate the ability to assimilate information on a specialised topic and present it in a clear structured manner
 

demonstrate critical analysis and thinking
 

demonstrate understanding of the procedure to perform urinalysis
 

demonstrate understanding of the procedure to monitor blood glucose
 

display effective communication
 

plan and undertake experimental work, collect data, analyse and interpret the physiological measurements and relate these to the underlying science
 

develop study skills to support life-long learning
 

take responsibility for their own learning, reflect upon and assess their own progress, strengths and weaknesses
 

demonstrate good interpersonal skills and teamworking abilities
 

develop academic writing skills
 

develop independence in learning, problem solving and deductive skills
 

develop the capacity to give and receive written and oral feedback from their peers via peer assessment and feedback
 

develop self-evaluation and self-efficacy
 

develop digital capabilities through using websites to search and source information and present it in an appropriate form
 

Conveners

• Dr Joseph Bass
• Dr Ola Negm