PE4S277 - Thyroid Physiology and Thyroid Nodules 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 5

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PE4S277
Module Title: Thyroid Physiology and Thyroid Nodules
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Allied Health and Chiropractic
Faculty Sub Group: Clinical Services
Module Leader: Karl New
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: MAR 2024 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100260 - healthcare science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 5
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

To provide students with a comprehensive overview of thyroid gland anatomy, function, and the intricate mechanisms of thyroid hormone synthesis.
To enable students to comprehend the intricate feedback loops and regulatory pathways involved in thyroid hormone production and secretion.
To explore the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation of thyroid nodules.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills to interpret diagnostic tests and imaging modalities for evaluating thyroid nodules and making appropriate management decisions, utilising risk-stratification approaches.

Content Summary

Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
Thyroid Anatomy and Physiology
Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and Metabolism
Thyroid Function Tests and Interpretation
Thyroid Nodules: Evaluation and Risk Stratification
Thyroid Nodules: Management Approaches
Thyroid Nodules: Challenging Cases and Emerging Research

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 100
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop a systematic understanding of thyroid anatomy and physiology, together with a critical knowledge of the presentation, diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules.
LO2 Synthesise evidence-based management strategies for patients with thyroid nodules, with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating and critically applying knowledge from various research studies and guidelines.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 Assessment to be completed in a specific timescale, which is neither an invigilated examination nor a piece of coursework. To be completed over an extended period (e.g. a 2-hour task to be completed within 48 hours, or a 24-hour assessment).Learna: End of module 1-hour Case-based Multiple-choice Examination related to Thyroid Physiology and Thyroid Nodules, to be completed within a 10-day period. 60 N/A 30 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 A personal record of a student’s learning experiences. It requires students to record and reflect upon their observations and responses to situations, which can then be used later to explore and analyse ways of thinking and being in context. Generally involves critical diaries, learning logs and written / visual journals. Learna Reflective journal 0 600 10 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 A detailed analysis of a topic, involving some original research undertaken by the candidate who makes use of data and/or primary sources. Learna Completion of an individual/group task related to thyroid physiology and thyroid nodules. 0 1000 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 A concentrated inquiry into a single case or subject. Learna Case-based scenarios and discussion forum related to thyroid physiology and thyroid nodules. 0 2400 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1
Self Reflective Assessment 1
Project 1
Case study 1

Reading List

NICE (2019) Nice guidance Thyroid disease and management. NICE Guideline [NG145]. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145

Gurnell, M., Halsall, D.J. and Chatterjee, V.K., (2011). What should be done when thyroid function tests do not make sense?. Clinical endocrinology, 74(6), pp.673-678.Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04023.x