Gastroenterology - Syllabus
Gastroenterology - Syllabus
Completion requirements
**Course Syllabus: Gastroenterology**
**1. COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Mastering Gastroenterology
* Course Code: MEDGAST 501
* Credit Hours: 30
* Prerequisites: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD
+ Email: [janesmith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:janesmith@medicalschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2-4 PM
**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Gastroenterology is a vital component of medical practice, encompassing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the digestive system. This course aims to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of gastroenterology principles, covering the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of various gastrointestinal conditions. The target audience for this course includes internal medicine and pediatric residents, as well as practicing physicians seeking to update their knowledge in gastroenterology.
The relevance of gastroenterology to medical practice cannot be overstated, given its impact on patient morbidity and mortality. This course will provide learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose and manage complex gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and endocrine disorders.
**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
* Analyze the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal disorders (Understand)
* Apply evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and management (Apply)
* Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies in different patient populations (Evaluate)
* Understand the epidemiology and demographics of gastrointestinal diseases (Understand)
* Identify potential complications and comorbidities associated with gastroenterological conditions (Understand)
* Develop a treatment plan for patients with complex gastrointestinal disorders (Apply)
* Implement strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life (Apply)
* Critically assess the literature on new diagnostic and therapeutic options in gastroenterology (Analyze)
* Develop a plan for prevention and early intervention in gastrointestinal diseases (Evaluate)
* Understand the role of endoscopy, imaging, and other diagnostic tools in gastroenterology (Understand)
* Apply knowledge of nutritional management and dietary interventions in gastroenterological conditions (Apply)
* Evaluate the impact of lifestyle modifications on gastrointestinal health (Analyze)
**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Gastroenterology
* Subtopics:
+ Overview of gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology
+ History of gastroenterology
+ Current trends and controversies in gastroenterology
* Estimated Hours: 5
Week 2-3: Upper GI Disorders
* Subtopics:
+ Peptic ulcer disease
+ Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
+ Functional dyspepsia
* Estimated Hours: 10
Week 4-5: Lower GI Disorders
* Subtopics:
+ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
+ Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
+ Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
* Estimated Hours: 10
Week 6-7: Liver Disease
* Subtopics:
+ Hepatitis A, B, C, and D
+ Cirrhosis and liver failure
+ Liver transplantation and post-transplant management
* Estimated Hours: 8
Week 8-9: Endocrine Disorders
* Subtopics:
+ Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance
+ Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
+ Pancreatic disorders (diabetes, pancreatitis)
* Estimated Hours: 10
Week 10-11: Gastrointestinal Cancer
* Subtopics:
+ Epidemiology and risk factors
+ Pathophysiology and staging
+ Treatment options (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
* Estimated Hours: 8
Week 12: Review and Practice Questions
* Estimated Hours: 5
**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
* Textbooks:
+ "Gastroenterology: A Practical Approach" by M.D. Haines
+ "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by R.A. Fauci et al.
* Journal articles:
+ Recent issues of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Clinical Gastroenterology
* Online resources:
+ American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) website
+ American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) website
* Reference materials:
+ UpToDate
+ Medscape
**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
* Exams: 4, 60% total weight
+ Exam 1: Upper GI Disorders (20%)
+ Exam 2: Lower GI Disorders and Liver Disease (20%)
+ Exam 3: Endocrine Disorders and Gastrointestinal Cancer (20%)
+ Exam 4: Comprehensive Review (20%)
* Assignments: 10, 30% total weight
+ Case presentations (5%)
+ Journal club discussions (2.5%)
+ Group projects (2.5%)
* Participation: 10, 10% total weight
Grading Scale:
A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (Below 60%)
**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Gastroenterology
* Monday, Week 1: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 1: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 1: Review session
Week 2-3: Upper GI Disorders
* Monday, Week 2: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 2: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 2: Review session
* Monday, Week 3: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 3: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 3: Review session
Week 4-5: Lower GI Disorders
* Monday, Week 4: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 4: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 4: Review session
* Monday, Week 5: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 5: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 5: Review session
Week 6-7: Liver Disease
* Monday, Week 6: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 6: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 6: Review session
* Monday, Week 7: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 7: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 7: Review session
Week 8-9: Endocrine Disorders
* Monday, Week 8: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 8: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 8: Review session
* Monday, Week 9: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 9: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 9: Review session
Week 10-11: Gastrointestinal Cancer
* Monday, Week 10: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 10: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 10: Review session
* Monday, Week 11: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 11: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 11: Review session
Week 12: Review and Practice Questions
* Monday, Week 12: Review session
* Wednesday, Week 12: Practice questions and review
* Friday, Week 12: Review session
**8. COURSE POLICIES**
* Attendance policy: Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
* Academic integrity: Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action.
* Late submission policy: Assignments are due on the specified date and time. Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day late.
* Accommodations: Students with disabilities or special needs should contact the instructor by Week 2 to discuss accommodations.
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge that they have read and understood the course syllabus and policies.
**1. COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Mastering Gastroenterology
* Course Code: MEDGAST 501
* Credit Hours: 30
* Prerequisites: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD
+ Email: [janesmith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:janesmith@medicalschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2-4 PM
**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Gastroenterology is a vital component of medical practice, encompassing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the digestive system. This course aims to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of gastroenterology principles, covering the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of various gastrointestinal conditions. The target audience for this course includes internal medicine and pediatric residents, as well as practicing physicians seeking to update their knowledge in gastroenterology.
The relevance of gastroenterology to medical practice cannot be overstated, given its impact on patient morbidity and mortality. This course will provide learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose and manage complex gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and endocrine disorders.
**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
* Analyze the pathophysiology of various gastrointestinal disorders (Understand)
* Apply evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and management (Apply)
* Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies in different patient populations (Evaluate)
* Understand the epidemiology and demographics of gastrointestinal diseases (Understand)
* Identify potential complications and comorbidities associated with gastroenterological conditions (Understand)
* Develop a treatment plan for patients with complex gastrointestinal disorders (Apply)
* Implement strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life (Apply)
* Critically assess the literature on new diagnostic and therapeutic options in gastroenterology (Analyze)
* Develop a plan for prevention and early intervention in gastrointestinal diseases (Evaluate)
* Understand the role of endoscopy, imaging, and other diagnostic tools in gastroenterology (Understand)
* Apply knowledge of nutritional management and dietary interventions in gastroenterological conditions (Apply)
* Evaluate the impact of lifestyle modifications on gastrointestinal health (Analyze)
**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Gastroenterology
* Subtopics:
+ Overview of gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology
+ History of gastroenterology
+ Current trends and controversies in gastroenterology
* Estimated Hours: 5
Week 2-3: Upper GI Disorders
* Subtopics:
+ Peptic ulcer disease
+ Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
+ Functional dyspepsia
* Estimated Hours: 10
Week 4-5: Lower GI Disorders
* Subtopics:
+ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
+ Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
+ Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
* Estimated Hours: 10
Week 6-7: Liver Disease
* Subtopics:
+ Hepatitis A, B, C, and D
+ Cirrhosis and liver failure
+ Liver transplantation and post-transplant management
* Estimated Hours: 8
Week 8-9: Endocrine Disorders
* Subtopics:
+ Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance
+ Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
+ Pancreatic disorders (diabetes, pancreatitis)
* Estimated Hours: 10
Week 10-11: Gastrointestinal Cancer
* Subtopics:
+ Epidemiology and risk factors
+ Pathophysiology and staging
+ Treatment options (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
* Estimated Hours: 8
Week 12: Review and Practice Questions
* Estimated Hours: 5
**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
* Textbooks:
+ "Gastroenterology: A Practical Approach" by M.D. Haines
+ "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by R.A. Fauci et al.
* Journal articles:
+ Recent issues of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Clinical Gastroenterology
* Online resources:
+ American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) website
+ American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) website
* Reference materials:
+ UpToDate
+ Medscape
**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
* Exams: 4, 60% total weight
+ Exam 1: Upper GI Disorders (20%)
+ Exam 2: Lower GI Disorders and Liver Disease (20%)
+ Exam 3: Endocrine Disorders and Gastrointestinal Cancer (20%)
+ Exam 4: Comprehensive Review (20%)
* Assignments: 10, 30% total weight
+ Case presentations (5%)
+ Journal club discussions (2.5%)
+ Group projects (2.5%)
* Participation: 10, 10% total weight
Grading Scale:
A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (Below 60%)
**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Gastroenterology
* Monday, Week 1: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 1: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 1: Review session
Week 2-3: Upper GI Disorders
* Monday, Week 2: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 2: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 2: Review session
* Monday, Week 3: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 3: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 3: Review session
Week 4-5: Lower GI Disorders
* Monday, Week 4: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 4: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 4: Review session
* Monday, Week 5: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 5: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 5: Review session
Week 6-7: Liver Disease
* Monday, Week 6: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 6: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 6: Review session
* Monday, Week 7: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 7: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 7: Review session
Week 8-9: Endocrine Disorders
* Monday, Week 8: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 8: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 8: Review session
* Monday, Week 9: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 9: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 9: Review session
Week 10-11: Gastrointestinal Cancer
* Monday, Week 10: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 10: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 10: Review session
* Monday, Week 11: Lecture and discussion
* Wednesday, Week 11: Small group case presentations
* Friday, Week 11: Review session
Week 12: Review and Practice Questions
* Monday, Week 12: Review session
* Wednesday, Week 12: Practice questions and review
* Friday, Week 12: Review session
**8. COURSE POLICIES**
* Attendance policy: Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
* Academic integrity: Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action.
* Late submission policy: Assignments are due on the specified date and time. Late submissions will incur a penalty of 10% per day late.
* Accommodations: Students with disabilities or special needs should contact the instructor by Week 2 to discuss accommodations.
By enrolling in this course, students acknowledge that they have read and understood the course syllabus and policies.
Last modified: Sunday, 9 November 2025, 5:47 PM