PATH30210

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Objectives:
1. To gain an understanding of the endocrine system and the basic biology of hormones, their signalling pathways and their biological actions
2. To appreciate the importance of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis in the regulation of our hormonal systems
3. To gain an understanding of the physiology of the normal functioning endocrine organs including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands as well as the ovaries, testes and pancreas
4. To comprehend the underlying pathologies of endocrine diseases including hyper/hypofunction of the various glands
5. To gain a comprehensive understanding as to the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and current therapeutic strategies used to treat these disorders
6. To understand the physiology of the reproductive cycle from puberty to menopause and appreciate the complex functions of the ovaries and testes
7. To learn the current pharmacological agents in use for the treatment of pituitary & adrenal diseases, thyroid hormone disorders, parathyroid and calcium disorders and diabetes.
8. To gain insight into the patient’s experience living with diabetes and the impact of various insulin formulations on quality of life.
9. To engage with continuous professional development platform to help support your learning in the subject of endocrinology (continuous assessment 1).
10. To enhance critical thinking skills by engaging with the scientific literature relating to a specific endocrine-related topic and explaining your interpretation of the literature in a manner understandable to a patient (continuous assessment 2).

Indicative Module Content:

The following topics are covered within this module:
Principles of endocrinology
Physiology and pathology of the hormonal systems (adrenal, parathyroid, reproductive and pancreas glands). It is expected that students will understand the symptoms and causes of hypo and hyperfunction of the various endocrine glands.
The aetiology and treatment of obesity and diabetes is covered in depth in this module.

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

The primary mode of delivery of content within this module will be through didactic lectures delivered face-to-face. In addition we have one flipped classroom style teaching session where students watch the lecture in advance of a tutorial session on the lecture content.
Clinical workshops which are case-based exemplars are included at the end of the module to help consolidate the learning outcomes of the course.
Online formative assessments will be available through brightspace which covers the various topics within this module.
Group work in the form of a group presentation is also used to help promote peer learning and forms part of the continuous assessment.
Self-directed learning using BMJ tutorials is also utilized throughout this module.
Finally we have a patient-led learning session where students will gain invaluable insight into the impact of living with endocrine disease and how patients effectively manage their disease.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Learning Recommendations:

Students wishing to register for this module as an elective must please contact the module co-coordinator.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Co-requisite:
PATH20000 - Biochem,Immunol&Pharmacol

Additional Information:
None


 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Online automated feedback is provided to students when attempting the BMJ tutorials - students must score 70% to achieve the BMJ certificates but can take the test multiple times with feedback in between attempts. Formative assessments on brightspace will incorporate automated feedback for students on the various topics covered over the course of the module. Group feedback will be provided through brightspace after the group presentation upon request. A formative feedback session prior to the exit exam will provide students with a better understanding of the expectations of the exit exam. Feedback to students after the exit exam can be provided upon request.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.