Module overview
Please note that in 2018/19 this module was renamed and was formerly known as 'Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Physiology'
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- To consider the wider implications (in terms of adult health, ethics etc.) of feto-placental physiology
- To critically evaluate primary literature relating to selected areas of maternal-placental-fetal-neonatal physiology
- To understand major scientific principles linking maternal, placental, embryonic, fetal and neonatal physiology
- To develop transferable skills in critical analysis of papers and summarising of scientific ideas through writing and discussion.
Syllabus
The BIOL 3044 course focuses on exciting new developments in the fields of embryonic, placental and fetal physiology. The course takes a developmental approach from ‘Early development’ to ‘Placentation and maternal adaptation’ to ‘Fetal Development and life after birth’. Clearly each of these areas alone could comprise an undergraduate course, and it is not the objective of this course to fit 3 semesters work into one. Your goal has to be to get to grips with broad physiological principles that progress from the early embryo through to the later stages of fetal development, birth and early postnatal life and to use the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis* as a conceptual framework or theme upon which to base your learning.
*The DOHaD hypothesis suggests that the prevalence of adult diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes has a developmental origin (i.e. embryonic and fetal stages of development).
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
Independent study
Question Time discussions
Critical evaluation of scientific papers (through paper discussion sessions and independent reading)
Visits to Hospital research facilities
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 128 |
| Tutorial | 1 |
| Lecture | 16 |
| Demonstration | 1 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 5 |
| Total study time | 151 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Please note that in 2018/19 this module was renamed and was formerly known as 'Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Physiology'
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assessment | 70% |
| Round table write-up | 10% |
| Essay | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 20% |
| Written assessment | 70% |
| Round table write-up | 10% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External