PSC3015 : Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
- Module Leader(s): Professor Jeffrey Pearson
- Lecturer: Dr Greg Young, Professor Christopher Ward, 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: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module aims to:
1. Develop knowledge and understanding of host-microbe interactions, covering the: microbiome, pathogenicity and a range of defence mechanisms.
2. Discuss cellular mechanisms of gastric mucosal protection.
3. Explain the importance of microbiota and mucosal interaction in understanding of the interrelationship of the aerodigestive system.
4. Discuss gastrointestinal and respiratory physiology in health and disease.
5. Describe experimental modelling of the human digestive tract for use in industry.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will focus on exploring mucosal protection of the gastrointestinal tract and how microbiota influences the development and physiology of the gut. Students will also study gut defence mechanisms and gut pathogens, and how these influence both the microbiota and the physiology of the gut. Links between the gut and airway microbiota and how gut models can be developed for use in industry will also be explored
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 148:00 | 148:00 | Writing up notes, self-directed study and further reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 23:00 | 23:00 | Practical/lab report preparation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | 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 - Seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | In Person - External Visit to a company |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 70 | Invigilated exam with 2 sections (each a choice of 1 question from 2). Section 1: 60 min essay worth 2/3 Section 2: 30 min essay worth 1/3 |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 30 | Structured answer practical laboratory report including data analysis and interpretation questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examination tests core knowledge and understanding of the subject under time-constraint conditions (K1-K5, S1-S3). The practical written report tests the capacity to perform laboratory work and problem solving and assesses data analysis, interpretation 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 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/
- PSC3015's Timetable