Gastrointestinal (GI)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify the main mechanisms by which structure and function of the gastrointestinal system is disturbed during disease processes and describe the scientific bases of diseases that result
• Describe methods available to study gastrointestinal disease in individual patients and justify their use
• Describe the principles behind, justify reasons for, and begin to interpret relevant clinical investigations
• Describe the mechanism of action of drugs used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, and the principles underlying non-pharmacological treatment options
• Describe the epidemiology of common conditions affecting this system, and approaches to disease prevention
• Recognise the impact of disease and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system on patients and their families and the scope of treatment and management options available within healthcare
• Identify links between the basic sciences and clinical case histories
• Describe the normal structure, function and development of the gastrointestinal system
• Identify psychological causes and consequences of gastrointestinal disease
• Recognise social consequences of gastrointestinal disease, including patients, their families and wider society
• Demonstrate appropriate numeracy skills in the calculation and interpretation of quantitative scientific and clinical data

Anatomy and embryology - The development and gross anatomy of the:

• Foregut region of the GI tract and related structures
• Midgut region of the GI tract and related structures
• Hindgut region of the GI tract and related structures
• Liver and related structures

Biochemistry

• Liver function
• Protein and amino acid metabolism
• Bile

Clinical topics

• Anaemia
• Radiology of the abdomen
• Mucosal barrier
• Molecular virology of hepatitis
• Malnutrition and GI disorders
• Parasites of the gut
• Viral gastroenteritis
• Clinical examination, pain, and spread of diseases
• Coeliac disease

Histology

• Gut tube
• GI accessory glands

Nutrition

• Appetite
• Nutrition and the colon

Pathology

• Fibrosis, cirrhosis and fatty change
• Barrett’s oesophagus
• Chronic pancreatitis

Pharmacology

• Anti-Ulcer drugs
• Anti-microbials
• Anti-malarial drugs
• Drugs in liver and kidney disease
• Diarrhoea and constipation

Physiology

• Functions of the mouth and stomach
• Secretions of the GI system
• Pancreas and biliary tree
• Calcium, vitamins and iron
• Digestion and absorption
• Colon, rectum, and anal canal

Psychology

• GI disorders: Psychological causes and consequences

Professionalism and communication

• Use verbal and written communication effectively
• Learn independently and manage your time appropriately
• Behave professionally to peers, staff and colleagues

Symposia

(1) Dyspepsia, ulcers and reflux:

• H. pylori epidemiology and screening
• Physiology and pathology of upper GI diseases
• Diagnosis and management of upper GI diseases
• Drug treatments

(2) Liver disease

• Epidemiology
• Pathology in the management of liver disease
• Physiological and biochemical consequences of cirrhosis

(3) GI infection and immunology

• GI infections and diarrhoea
• Microbiological examination of infective diarrhoea, public health

role, and interventions for reducing diarrhoeal morbidity or mortality

• Mucosal immunology and infection

(4) IBD and Coeliac disease

• Pathology of IBD and Coeliac disease
• Immunology of IBD and Coeliac disease
• Clinical aspects of IBD and Coeliac disease
• Clinical pharmacology of IBD and Coeliac disease

(5) Colorectal cancer

• Epidemiology and screening
• Genetics
• Pathology
• Surgical aspects

The module will be taught through a range of learning and teaching strategies which will include:

• Lectures
• Tutor led small group sessions/tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Guided self-study
• Problem solving scenarios
• Group work
• eLearning
• Patient based learning
• Multi-disciplinary symposia

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.