MED2042

Gastrointestinal medicine and the abdomen and principles of human nutrition

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Gastrointestinal medicine and the abdomen

Dr C R Hunter (Anatomy)

Objectives On successful completion of this unit students should have a thorough understanding of how embryological development gives rise to the structure of the gastrointestinal tract and its associated organs; the relationships between the anatomy and the biochemical and physiological function of the tract; examples of the dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and the various pharmacological and other approaches to treatment.

Synopsis Embryology and anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and associated structures; basic functions of the gastrointestinal tract comprising secretory functions, motility, digestion and absorption; liver function, hepatic clearance and liver disease; lipoprotein metabolism and cholesterol; pharmacological management of vomiting, peptic ulceration and diarrhoea.

Assessment Examinations (short-answer and multiple-choice): 71% · Viva voce: 29%

Prescribed texts

Berne R M and Levy M N Physiology 3rd edn, Mosby, 1993

Recommended texts

Johnson L R Gastrointestinal physiology 4th edn, Mosby, 1991
Young J A and others Gastrointestinal physiology University of Sydney, 1991

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Principles of human nutrition

Professor M L Wahlqvist (Medicine) and Associate Professor F M Ng (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

Objectives This unit aims to provide the students with the core knowledge of nutritional science, with a specific emphasis on the integration of basic biomedical sciences with food and nutritional science, for a sound working knowledge in the management of nutrition problems in future clinical practice. At the conclusion of this study, the students are expected to have developed a positive scientific attitude in general nutrition and practical skill in clinical nutrition.

Synopsis The study will focus on the major areas of nutritional sciences and on the development of skill in nutrition assessment and diagnosis. The core material will include (1) nutrition information and food habits in the community; (2) basic food science and nutrient toxicity; (3) nutrient science (biochemistry and physiology of macronutrients and micronutrients); (4) nutrition assessment and whole-body nutritional physiology, specific aspects of maternal, infant and elderly nutrition and nutritional requirements in sport; (5) nutrition and health management in metabolic, inflammatory and infectious diseases; and (6) preventive and therapeutic nutrition. Two workshop projects on family nutrition study and food choice are included to enhance communication skill development and to encourage self-directed learning.

Assessment Examination (multiple-choice and short-answer): 100%

Preliminary reading

Briggs D and Wahlqvist M L Food facts Penguin, 1984
Marks S J and Wahlqvist M L 'Practical dietary advice in primary care medicine' Modern Medicine November 1991
Wahlqvist M L and others Food and health: Issues and directions Libbey, 1987

Prescribed texts

Wahlqvist M L Food and nutrition: Australasia, Asia and the Pacific Allen and Unwin, 1997

Recommended texts

Borushek A Calorie and fat counter Family Health Publication, 1996
Brody T Nutritional biochemistry Academic Press, 1994
Briggs D and Wahlqvist M L Eating matters Methuen Haynes, 1985
Wahlqvist M L and Vobecky J Patient problems in clinical nutrition: A manual Libbey, 1987
Whitney E S and Roefes S R Understanding nutrition 7th edn, West, 1996

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