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Physiology II

Module description

This module will continue to develop your understanding of the mechanisms of human function and disease and will build on principles covered in relevant first year modules including CSC1010 Physiology I and CSC1012 Fundamentals of Pharmacology.  You will explore homeostasis in the context of the renal and gastrointestinal systems.

This module is suitable for you as a specialist student studying for an undergraduate BSc degree within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Module aims - intentions of the module

In this module we will use collaborative case-based learning, supported by lectures and workshops, to explore the structure and function of the renal and gastrointestinal systems.  You will explore and analyse data from clinical and non-clinical cases from relevant global contexts, which will illustrate graduate roles in healthcare and beyond.

Graduate attributes: as part of this module, you will develop the key employability skills of time management, team working and communication skills.

The module aligns with UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) promoting knowledge into human physiology and healthy lives for all, along with SDG (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) when considering access to nutritious and environmentally sustainable food.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Explain concepts relating to the function and regulation of renal and gastrointestinal function.
• 2. Recognise methods for analysing the health and function of the renal and gastrointestinal systems.
• 3. Apply physiological principles to the prevention, diagnosis and management of selected diseases which impact the function of the renal and gastrointestinal systems.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Evaluate scientific information gained from multiple sources including textbooks, review articles, journals and websites.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Develop key personal and transferable skills in time management, group working, and scientific communication.
• 6. Summarise and communicate physiological concepts to a target audience.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

• The role of the kidney in excretion, in the regulation of fluid balance and as an endocrine organ.
• Epithelial function and transport/movement of molecules across cell membranes.
• The role of the gastrointestinal tract in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• The function of the autonomic and enteric nervous systems and mechanisms of neuronal and endocrine signalling.
• Common diseases that affect the function of the renal and GI systems.

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will work in small teams/pairs to discuss cases within a larger workshop/lecture setting. Part of the case-analysis will include collaborative work produced in groups, alongside individual elements. Breaks are possible and encouraged and students are able to leave the sessions for short periods.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Costanzo Physiology, Costanzo, L. 7^th Edition (2022). Elsevier.
• Physiology at a Glance, Ward, J.P.T. & Linden, R.W.A. 4^th Edition (2017). Wiley Blackwell
• Human Physiology from Cells to Systems. Sherwood, L. 9^th Edition (2016). Cengage.

Key words search

Physiology, anatomy, histology, homeostasis, acid-base balance, kidney, endocrine system, renal system, gastrointestinal system