PHYS30240 Gastrointestinal & Renal Phys

Academic Year 2023/2024

In this module current knowledge of the structures and functions of the human gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, and their importance to human health, will be studied. A major focus of the module will be integrative physiological mechanisms subserving gastrointestinal and renal functions.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to: - Describe the physiology of gastrointestinal motility.- Describe the physiological regulation of acid and bile secretion.- Describe digestion and absorption in the gut.- Give accounts of nutrition and starvation.- Give an account of gastrointestinal disorders.- Describe the structures and functions of the human kidneys.- Demonstrate understanding of the homeostatic roles sustained by the kidneys.- Use knowledge of the phenomena and mechanisms occurring in the kidneys to explain the performance of their homeostatic functions.- Predict the principal consequences of renal failure of various origins.

Indicative Module Content:

The module content is divided into 50% Gastrointestinal Physiology and 50% Renal Physiology.

Key topics in Gastrointestinal Physiology include:

• Histology of the GIT and its accessory organs
• Salivary glands and swallowing
• Regulation of acid secretion and stomach motility
• Liver physiology bile and jaundice
• Pancreatic secretion
• Small intestine secretions and motility
• Gastrointestinal micro flora and mucosal immunity
• Colon motility and defecation
• Digestion and absorption of key nutrients
• Biochemistry relating to:
o Whole body metabolism
o Obesity
o Metabolism of alcohol
o Vitamins and minerals

Key topics in Renal Physiology include:

• Histology of the kidney and its associated organs
• Renal function and circulation
• Ureters, urinary bladder and micturition
• Renal glomerular filtration and renal clearance
• Renal proximal tubular reabsorption and secretion
• Renal diluting segments and collecting system
• Urinary concentration
• Osmoregulation
• Extracellular fluid volume and sodium balance
• Acid-base physiology

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

2

Computer Aided Lab

2

Specified Learning Activities

10

Autonomous Student Learning

63

Total

101

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Tutorials
Enquiry and problem based learning - CAL Histology content 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
MDSA20190 - Renal Biology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Renal histology evaluation Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

8

Attendance: Participation grade for engagement in renal tutorial material Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

5

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: GIT Histology evaluation Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

8

Examination: End of trimester mixed MCQ/ SAQ 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

75

Attendance: Participation grade for engagement in GIT tutorial material Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

5


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group feedback will be provided to highlight common areas of confusion/ difficult concepts

Core Reading:
Pocock's Human Physiology
Wheater's Functional Histology or Junqueira's basic histology

Suggested additional reading:
Gastrointestinal Physiology (Barrett)
Vander's Renal Physiology (Eaton and Pooler)
Name Role
Dr Christine Costello Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Eoin Cummins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julie Freeman Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
     
Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 8 Thurs 13:00 - 14:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 4 Wed 15:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 3 Tues 08:00 - 08:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 8 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 4 Tues 08:00 - 08:50
Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 9 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 8 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 5 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 9 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 5 Wed 17:00 - 17:50
Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 6 Tues 08:00 - 08:50
Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 8 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 3 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 9 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn