PY3803: EPITHELIAL PHYSIOLOGY (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

This advanced course explores the essential role of epithelial cells in renal, gastrointestinal and respiratory function;
You will gain valuable practical experience and understanding of the electrophysiological techniques required for study of epithelial transport;
You will develop your writing, data analysis and reporting skills with the production of a detailed practical report;
You will hone your critical analysis skills for the interpretation of published scientific material;
You will prepare a presentation on a selected scientific paper, deliver it during a class-led symposium on cutting edge epithelial physiology research

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	3
Term	Second Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Professor Gordon T. A. Mcewan

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either BI20B2 Physiology of Human Cells (Passed) or BI25B2 Physiology of Human Organ Systems (Passed)
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

Epithelial transport is essential for the maintenance and propagation of life. In this course you will explore the features of transporting epithelial cells which make them uniquely suited for mediating the controlled, directional passage of ions, nutrients and water across the walls of the alimentary, renal and respiratory systems. The importance of these processes to the normal physiological function of these organ systems is reflected by the pathophysiological symptoms which manifest themselves when transport regulation breaks down. For example, infectious diarrhoea occurs as a result of excessive intestinal fluid secretion and accounts for more than five million child deaths per year in developing countries. At the other extreme, the most common genetic disease of the developed world, cystic fibrosis, is caused by a failure of epithelial tissues to secrete any fluid at all resulting in malnutrition, infertility and ultimately, respiratory failure and death. The course will initially examine the common features of transporting epithelial cells and the technologies available for their study. Following on from this, the role of epithelial cells in the kidney, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system will be examined in detail. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cellular transport mechanisms required for the normal physiological function of these systems in health. Where insight into these processes has been enhanced by the study of disease models, these will be highlighted.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

research paper 10%

laboratory report 20%

online assessment 70%

Resit (for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21):

Online essay exam and continuous assessment in July

Resit (for students who took the course in Academic Year 2019/20 and C8 students):

Online essay exam (May or July)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.