Module overview
This module seeks to understand the broad physiological principles that progress from the early embryo through to the later stages of fetal development, birth and early postnatal life using the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis as a conceptual framework.
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 understand major scientific principles linking maternal, placental, embryonic, fetal and neonatal physiology
- To develop transferable skills in critical analysis of papers, their methodologies / techniques and summarising of scientific ideas through writing (including written paper methodology critique), discussion and oral presentation of a selected scientific research paper.
- To critically evaluate primary literature relating to selected areas of maternal-placental-fetal-neonatal physiology.
Syllabus
The BIOL 6040 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, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome 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, oral presentation of a selected scientific paper and written critique of techniques and methodology of a selected scientific research paper)
Visits to Hospital research facilities
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 7 |
| Tutorial | 0.5 |
| Lecture | 16 |
| Independent Study | 125.5 |
| Demonstration | 1 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment & Assessment Weighting
Coursework 40%
Written Assessment 60%
Re-assessment Method
Assessment & Assessment Weighting
Assessment 100%
In module assessment : marks carried forward
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 40% |
| Written assessment | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assessment | 60% |
| Coursework | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External