BI2BB4-Endocrinology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Recommended module
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Phil Knight
Email: p.g.knight@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This course aims to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the role of the endocrine system in regulating the activities of the major organ systems of mammals, with emphasis on man.

Aims:
This course aims to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the role of the endocrine system in regulating the activities of the major organ systems of mammals, with emphasis on man.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Assessable outcomes At the end of this course students should be able to: (i) recognise and discuss the vital role played by the endocrine system in regulating the function of cells, tissues, organs and the integrated response of the organism to changes in the external and internal environment; (ii) list the major endocrine organs and describe their anatomy and physiology and the biochemical properties of their hormonal products (iii) compare and contrast the different categories of hormones and the basic mechanisms by which they elicit a receptor-mediated response in target tissues; (iv) recognise the roles of individual hormones in maintaining health as well as the pathophysiological consequences of disordered hormone secretion.

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their presentational skills by designing a "miniposter" to illustrate a specific aspect of the subject in a clear, concise and accessible manner.

Outline content:
The following topics will be covered in lectures: general concepts of endocrinology; different categories of hormone, their biosynthesis, secretion and mode of transport; hormone-receptor interaction and signalling mechanisms; organisation of hypothalamic-pituitary system, control of secretion and physiological actions of the neurohypophyseal hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin); overviews of: hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-a drenal axis; renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; hormones of the pancreas (insulin, glucagon) and their principle metabolic actions. The role of growth hormone in growth, development and metabolic regulation. Parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and the regulation of calcium balance. Both the causes and consequences of under- and over-secretion of particular hormones will be considered

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be two 50 minute lectures each week. Students will be expected to learn through directed reading and through the use of 4 self-study computer-assisted tutorials (accessible at all times on networked campus computers). Three on-course tests (each of 30 minutes duration) with multiple choice questions will be held in weeks 4, 7 and 11. As well as being part of the in-course assessment, these tests should encourage students to review and supplement their lecture notes and make use of the self-study tutorials. In week 4 students will be issued guidelines on the "miniposter" assignment and individually allocated a specific endocrinological topic to review, summarise and present in the form of a concise A4-size "miniposter". These are presented to groups of fellow students during the final session in week 11. Group members peer-assess each "miniposter" presentation and an academic staff member subsequently marks each "miniposter" and mode rates the final mark awarded.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	16
Guided independent study:	84
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Project output other than dissertation	15
Class test administered by School	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:
A one-and-a-half hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

(i) Three in-course tests held in weeks 4, 7 and 11. Each test will last a maximum of 30 minutes and will consist of multiple choice questions. Students are given a 5 day window to complete each test; (ii) "Miniposter" assignment. In week 4 students will be issued guidelines and allocated a specific endocrinological topic to review, summarise and present in the form of a concise A4-size "miniposter". These are to be handed in during the session in week 9 to allow assessment by fellow students (groups of 12); miniposters will subsequently be assessed by a member of academic staff who will allocate the final mark for this assignment. Relative percentage of coursework: 30% (15% for 3 tests; 15% for miniposter)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September only

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 28 June 2021