Module Catalogue 2024/25

PSC3011 : Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 1

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
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
PSC1002Physiology
Pre Requisite Comment

Students require basic knowledge of physiology equivalent to that taught at stage 1 in the Physiology module PSC1002.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Code Title
PSC3013Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 2
Co Requisite Comment

The pair of modules provides a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract using some cross referencing between the two modules.

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.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

•       K1. Describe the key functions of the gastrointestinal tract and the pathways responsible for control of gut function.
•       K2. Outline the key stages in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and micronutrients.
•       K3. Evaluate the roles played by membrane transporters in the absorption of nutrients, micronutrients, vitamins and bile acids.
•       K4. Discuss the relationship between nutrient, electrolyte and fluid absorption and secretion.
•       K5. Describe the types of motility found within different regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
•       K6. Summarise the roles played by specific groups of neurotransmitters in contraction and relaxation in the gut.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, the students should be able to:

•       S1. Critically interpret and synthesise complex information relating to the key physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
•       S2. Analyse and interpret experimental data.
•       S3. Communicate effectively in a written format under examination conditions.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00In-course essay revision (5 hours per lecture)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00In person- In-course essay
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture121:0012:00In person - lecture
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials51:005:00Lectures - Non-synchronous online
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00In person - lecture
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00In person - In-course MCQ
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching11:001:00In person - group feedback seminar (in-course MCQ exam)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching12:002:00In person - Seminar (Clinical Case Studies)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching11:001:00In person - group feedback seminar (in-course timed essay)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery31:003:00In person - individual feedback (in-course timed essay)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1102:00102:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading.
Total150:00
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).

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A70Invigilated 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 22N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M15Invigilated (in person) in-course timed essay under exam conditions (45 mins)
Prob solv exercises1M15Invigilated (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 Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.