This module will deal with physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal system, including the liver and how it can be affected by disease, the chemistry of the drugs which affect the gastro-intestinal system and are used to treat gastro-intestinal diseases and relevant structure activity relationships. The science and use of various formulations to ensure optimal absorption, along with the science and practice of ensuring local delivery of drugs not only to the GI tract but also transdermaly. The module will examine the treatment of skin disorders, in addition to dealing with the structure of the skin and its pathophysiology. Drug metabolism and the central role that metabolism plays in many drug interactions will be dealt with within this module. Material that has been considered in previous years (examples; drug dissolution, cell structure) will be revisited in this module and the knowledge built upon. Key skills will be developed whilst employability has been embedded into the assessment strategy through the use of group work and the development of oral presentation skills
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Physiology
- Responding to symptoms
- Diseases of malabsorption
- IVIVC
- Release kinetics, coating technology and modified release formulations
- Clinical manifestations
- Treatment choices
- Targeting through drug chemistry or formulation strategies
- Pathophysiology
- Diagnosis and prescribing
- Clinical manifestations
- Prescribing and OTC treatments including PPIs in community
- Chronic liver disease and liver failure
- Liver function tests
- Viral hepatitis
- Cytochrome P450
- Phase I and II metabolism
- Physiology and pathophysiology
- Semi-solid preparations and prescribing choices
- Transdermal drug delivery
- Responding to symptoms
Core concepts are discussed in lectures by the module team, comprising of both scientists and practitioners. Clinical concepts will be developed in further rlectureres given by experienced clinicians active in respective fields and pharmacist practitioners. All of these will provide information and an overview on topics while illustrating the practical application in the care of patients. They will also serve to guide students in directed reading and self-directed learning. Practicals, tutorials, workshops and seminars will be used to discuss and present relevant material; and, to further develop communication skills and enhance student-student, student-instructor and student-patient interaction. Practicals will involve laboratory exercises, patient/actor demonstration and dispensing simulation; tutorials will involve problem-based learning from case-based studies; and, workshops will present solving scientific dilemmas and practical aspects of patient care.
Problem-based learning within these formats will facilitate application of knowledge to real-life situations, both clinical and industrial; and to reinforce and assess student learning. Directed work in small tutorial groups will support peer-learning and develop skills in small group working and other employability skills.
Placement activities will help the student see the application of learning in real life environments and illustrate how the knowledge gained isa used in the management of health and illness.
Students will be directed to further reading to support their learning. Self-directed learning includes preparation for tests, the end-of-module examination and associated work. Independent study should encourage life-long habits of independent and sustained self-learning.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Approx half are lectures and half practicals and tutorials | 110 |
| Guided independent study | 182 | |
| Study abroad / placement | Placement | 8 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module has no end of module examination.
Summative assessment is through an oral presentation, an in-module assessment of learning, in the form of an in class test and a portfolio of coursework activities. This portfolio consists of the creation of a bank of questions in Peerwise (writing questions to develop learning, answering to test learning and rating to develop critical skills), the submission of pro forma associated with the sequence of practicals and a further submission related to possible peer assessment and review (again to develop critical skills). The in module assessment not only provides a measure of student progress and an opportunity to provide feedback but also ensures that students maintain their learning throughout the module rather than learning purely for an end of module exam. The presentation, in-module assessment and Peerwise will be integrated across the subject areas.
The portfolio of coursework activities consists of:
Each coursework piece is worth 10%
Students will be encouraged to attend the SEC Academic Success Centre (SASC) for support on written aspects of coursework presentation as well as oral aspects. Furthermore the presentation will need to be correctly referenced and again students will be referred to SASC. This should help the students develop skills required for the project module. Where possible, rapid feedback will be given requiring students to visit SASC.
Along with the practicals, team working, leadership, interpersonal skills and oral communication skills are developed through the oral presentation assignment which is a group problem based learning assignment. The use of motivational skills tutorials will enable students to demonstrate that they have developed their interpersonal skills. Problem based or problem solving scenarios will allow students to develop initiative and demonstrate that they are proactive. The presentation will empower students to be self-motivated.
The use of Peerwise exercises as part of the summatively assessed coursework portfolio is intended to help students develop their critical thinking and decision making skills. Formative assessment in class using quizzes and turning point, distance assessment using e-learning, or other methods such as case studies may be more subject specific. Further feedback will be provided on a formative basis covering individual subject areas.
The oral presentation will be summatively assessed by academic staff but students will initially give the presentation to their peers who will provide formative feedback against predetermined criteria which will be used to incorporate improvements and changes for the summative assessment presentation.
Level 6 MPharm students are required to pass a synoptic OSCE style assessment and a synoptic calculations test before they can progress to Level 7. These are to assure that even at this Level the student is demonstrating the appropriate skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes to become a future pharmacist. In addition there is a synoptic exam covering the material in all four Level 6 modules, underpinned by learning from Levels 4 and 5. At level 6 the clinically themed modules have considerable cross module application and resonance to reflect the integrated nature of the course. To promote deeper learning, application and judgement as well as discourage silo learning a synoptic approach is more appropriate to assess the potential abilities of a future pharmacist. In addition it should facilitate in students the ability to ability to focus on a patient as a whole considering not only the prime condition but also co-morbidities.
Learning in this module feeds forward into all three of these synoptic assessments. In addition the assessment modes used (SBA and EMQ style questions) in the in module assessment will prepare the students for the synoptic assessments.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Evaluate the biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) delivery systems and transdermal systems and how these may be altered by changes in chemical structure or formulation | Presentation Coursework activities Feeds forward to synoptic assessment and synoptic OSCE |
| 2) Describe the physiology of the GIT, liver and skin and the pathology and pathophysiology of diseases of the same. | In class test Coursework activities Feeds forward to synoptic assessment and synoptic OSCE |
| 3) Use advanced knowledge and evaluation skills to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatments (medicines and other healthcare products) for diseases related to the GIT | In class test Coursework activities Presentation Feeds forward to synoptic assessment and synoptic OSCE |
| 4) Demonstrate teamwork and presentation skills through a presentation assessment | Presentation |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | In class test (In module assessment) | 25% |
| Coursework | Portfolio of coursework activities (3 x 10%) (Word count 800 words maximum/piece) | 30% |
| Practical exam | Oral presentation | 45% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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