MDSA20030 Endocrine Biology

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module forms part of the core curriculum for the MB BCh BAO degree in Medicine. This course examines the structure, organisation and function of the endocrine system with a secondary focus on the reproductive system. Areas covered: anatomy of the endocrine tissues and glands, including the reproductive organs, endocrine histology, organisation of the endocrine glands and tissues and their target organs, endocrine physiology, description of hormone structure and function, mechanisms of hormone action, metabolic integration.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:Biomedical Knowledge1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental structure of the endocrine system.2. Describe the specialised functions of endocrine glands and tissues, including mechanisms of feedback regulation.3. Describe hormone structure and mechanism of action.4. Understand the relevance of hormone action to integrated whole body metabolism.5. Describe the structure and function of the male and female reproductive organs.Clinical Skills1. Discuss the presentation and investigations associated with a witnessed patient encounter.2. Know key clinical anatomical landmarks of the major endocrine organs.3. Know the key biochemical markers measureable in patients to evaluate endocrine disorders.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18

Tutorial

4

Practical

15

Field Trip/External Visits

1

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures are the dominant form of content delivery. Key principles are reinforced in tutorials which include case based learning strategies to encourage the development of students analytical and clinical problem solving skills. Endocrine histology CALs and Anatomy dissections supplement lecture based teaching. Students have one clinical site visit to witness and discuss a clinical case study in a common endocrine disorder.


 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

To be a medical or health sciences student.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
BIOC20040 - The Molecular Basis of Life, MDSA20210 - Molecules in Medicine 2, MDSA20220 - Molecules in Medicine 2 (PMC)

Co-requisite:
BMOL20110 - Biomolecular Sciences

Incompatibles:
ANAT20010 - Anatomy III, MDSA30210 - Endocrine in Health & Disease, PHYS20030 - Organ and Systems Physiology, PHYS30040 - Endocrine Physiology

Additional Information:
Students must have passed one of the pre-requisite modules listed OR be registered to co-requisite module BIOC20050.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Case studies with short answer questions Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: Essays and short answer questions 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be available at the request of the student following publication of final grades

Name Role
Professor Sabine Koelle Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julie Freeman Tutor