AP0547 - Digestion and Metabolism

You will build on the knowledge and understanding developed in Blocks 1-4 and apply anatomy, histology, biochemistry and physiology to the understanding of the gastrointestinal system. Transfer of information in this module will occur through lectures, interactive audience response devices (clickers), small group discussions, large group discussions, laboratories, directed study, and independent study. St. George’s University actively promotes technology-enhanced learning through the use of SAKAI course management software, TurningPoint interactive response software (clickers), and the ExamSoft testing platform. All relevant information including the module guide, syllabus, detailed objectives, timetable, staff/faculty contact details and assessment information will be posted on the module site of the electronic learning portal. There will be dedicated resources to each taught section in the module. These will include digital on-line reading lists to instantly access lecture notes, key texts, problem sets, tutorials, paper cases, as well as the carefully designed assessment task details. Summary feedback will be offered for exams delivered on ExamSoft which includes a strengths and weaknesses overview based on category and subject of the material to provide information for further improvement. Feedback on progress will be provided throughout module delivery, after lectures or during office hours. All feedback is aimed to feed forward so you can apply it to your future assessed pieces of work throughout your study.

Faculty will provide support during office hours and by email to explain aspects of taught material, and direct you to relevant resources. The teaching team will also provide feedback on formative activities and summative assessments. All teaching and assessment material will either be posted on the electronic course management site (SAKAI), and announcements regarding any changes in scheduled delivery will be posted on the module site and e mailed to all students. Small groups will be facilitated by clinical tutors who are medical doctors to help guide the exploration of cases, discussions, labs and worksheets. Detailed objectives, practice problems, open ended question and answer sets, web based practice quizzes, case reports and other supportive material will be posted to the course management site to help guide you through the module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Explain the underlying basis of normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system at the structural, microscopic, molecular, cellular, and physiological level.
2. Apply the knowledge of normal metabolic pathways in the understanding and interpretation of disorders of intermediary metabolism
3. Apply the knowledge of nutritional factors contributing to the development of metabolic diseases
4. Analyse the lab findings and be able to differentiate the various disorders of intermediary metabolism

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
5. Develop effective communication and professional conduct during discussion of relevant clinical cases and labs

Formative assessment will be provided through in-class quizzes and clicker questions (interactive MCQ sessions) (MLO 6).

Summative assessment
1. Assessments in small groups (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. Weekly graded online quizzes and iMCQ sessions (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4)
3. Final module exam (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Blocks 1-4 of SGU School of Medicine

None

This module will provide you with a thorough interdisciplinary understanding of the structure (gross and microscopy) biochemical and physiologic functions and homeostasis of the gastrointestinal system. A detailed understanding of intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and aminoacids will provide a basis for interpretation of lab results and a basis for the management of the inborn errors of metabolism. The underlying nutritional factors involved in the understanding of obesity, undernutrition, vitamin deficiencies and diabetes mellitus will be addressed. Professional competencies, clinical reasoning, basic interpretation of modern imaging techniques and communication and interpersonal skills will be developed through small group sessions. This module will provide an essential foundation for Pathology, Pathophysiology, board exams and core clinical clerkships.