1.1 Outline the structure and function of the endocrine system.

Student Name 

Diploma Title 

Access to HE: Health Professionals

Subject Group:  

Biological Science

Unit title: 

Homeostasis and the Endocrine system

Unit Code: 

WNI068

Unit Status  

Graded

Credit Value

3 Credits

Assessor Name: 

Assignment Number (if applicable)

Assignment Title

Report and Factsheet

Date set:  

Submission Date and Time: 

Draft permitted (Y/N)/deadline  

No

Method of Submission 

Word document into Turnitin (no pdfs)

Date Submitted: 

Approved Late Submission Date 

I confirm that the submitted assignment is my own work (if submitted as a group project, those sections relating to my contribution are clearly identified and represent my own work). Where appropriate, I have acknowledged / referenced all public sources of information, including AI-generated information, in accordance with the requirements of accepted academic conventions (as identified within the Centre policy  on academic referencing)

Signature of student:

Date of submission:

Learning Outcome 

Assessment criteria applied to this assignment* 

1. Understand the endocrine system. 

1.1 Outline the structure and function of the endocrine system. 

1.2 Describe the function of five key hormones. 

1.3 Explain the principles of homeostasis in terms of receptors, effectors and negative feedback. 

1.4 Explain how homeostasis is maintained using negative feedback mechanisms.       

2 Understand the effects of hormones. 

2.1 Evaluate the effects of the imbalance of hormones.  

2.2 Discuss the effect of the natural decline in hormones in the Menopause and the value of HRT.

Grading Standard

To achieve a Merit:

The student’s work or performance

To achieve a Distinction:

The student’s work or performance

Grading standard 1

Knowledge and Understanding  

a. generally demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in a given context showing breadth OR depth of knowledge in responding to the demands of the unit, with

b. a very good understanding and use of:

• facts
• principles

a. consistently demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in a given context showing breadth OR depth of knowledge in responding to the demands of the unit, with

b. an excellent understanding and use of:

• facts
• principles

Grading standard 2

Subject Specific Skills

a. generally demonstrates an ability in selecting and using skills as required by the unit, with

b. very good levels of:

• accuracy
• creativity

a. consistently demonstrates an ability in selecting and using skills as required by the unit, with

b. excellent levels of:

• accuracy
• creativity

Grading Standard 3

Transferable Skills

a. demonstrates very good communication and/or presentation skills evidenced by the use and/or selection of:

• spelling and punctuation
• imagery
• paralanguage

b. demonstrates autonomy and/or independence evidenced by a very good ability to:

• plan, organise and complete work (presentation)
• conduct independent research
• manage time

c. generally adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and format in responding to the instructions set out in the assignment brief

a. demonstrates excellent communication and/or presentation skills evidenced by the use and/or selection of:

• spelling and punctuation
• imagery
• paralanguage

b. demonstrates autonomy and/or independence evidenced by an excellent ability to:

• plan, organise and complete work (presentation)
• conduct independent research
• manage time

c. consistently adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and format in responding to the instructions set out in the assignment brie

Assignment Task Description (mapped to assessment criteria)

Assessment     criteria

1. Create a fact sheet on the endocrine system. The content of must cover the following

An outline of the structure and function of the endocrine system including

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary Gland
• Thyroid gland  
• Pancreas  
• Adrenal glands  
• Testes  
• Ovaries

A description of the functions of 5 key hormones such as insulin, glucagon, oestrogen, antidiuretic hormone, and cortisol.

An explanation for the principle of homeostasis in terms of receptors, effectors, and negative feedback.  

An explanation of how homeostasis is maintained using negative feedback mechanisms.

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4    

2. A HR company has approached you to develop an information sheet that discusses the effects of the natural decline in hormones in menopause and the value of HRT. Outline the structure and function of the endocrine system. This is to develop managers’ understanding of the menopause and inform employees about the use of HRT.

The information sheet must be written coherently and concisely with effective use of images or tables and referenced.

The advisory minimum size for the information sheet is 2 sides of A4. 

2.2

3. Using one of the case studies below, evaluate the effects of the imbalance of hormones on the patient.  The case study should link the pathophysiology of the condition to the symptoms presented.

The advisory word count for this task is 500 words

a) Patient case study 1: A 40-year-old man scheduled an appointment with the GP has he has been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, and blurred vision. The GP performed a glucose test, and the result was 9mmol/l. The GP concludes a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

b) Patient case study 2: a 30-year-old woman scheduled an appointment with the GP as she has been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, slow speech, dry skin, constipation and an enlarged thyroid. The GP carried out a blood test which showed a reduction in her thyroid hormones. The GP concluded a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

2.1