1.1 Explain the structure and function of the urinary system

Student Name 

Diploma Title 

Access to HE: Health Professionals

Subject Group:  

Biological Science

Unit title: 

The Urinary system

Unit Code: 

WNI083

Unit Status  

Graded 

Credit Value 

 3 Credits

Assessor Name: 

Assignment Number (if applicable)

Assignment Title

Report

Date set:  

6/1/24

Submission Date and Time: 

07/3/25

Draft permitted (Y/N)/deadline  

No

Method of Submission 

Word doc into Turnitin (no pdfs or Google docs)

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* 

Understand the human urinary system.

1.1 Explain the structure and function of the urinary system.

1.2 Explain the microanatomy of the kidney.

Understand the maintenance of water and salt balance.

2.1 Explain the role of the kidneys in maintaining blood volume, blood pH and osmolality.

2.2 Discuss how this balance can be influenced by environmental factors

Understand common diseases of the urinary system.

3.1 Analyse how common diseases affect the function of the urinary system.

3.2 Discuss the wider effects of kidney disease on the human body.          

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

(choose from):

• concepts
• facts

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

(choose from):

• concepts
• facts

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
• insight
• interpretation

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

with

b. excellent levels of:

• accuracy
• insight
• interpretation
•  

Grading Standard 3

Transferable Skills

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

• imagery
• spelling and punctuation
• structure

c. generally adheres to academic conventions in use of specialist language and/or 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:

• imagery
• spelling and punctuation
• structure

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

Assignment Task Description (mapped to assessment criteria)

Assessment     criteria

1. Write an illustrated report using appropriate specialist language which explains the function and role of the urinary system and kidneys, and how common diseases affect functionality of the urinary system and the human body.

The report should include

a) an explanation of the structure and function of the urinary system, to include

• Cortex
• Medulla
• Renal Pelvis
• Osmoregulation
• Excretion

b) an explanation of the microanatomy of the kidneys, to include

• the function of the nephron
• the role of the following components in the process of blood filtration: Glomerulus, Bowman`s capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule and the collecting duct
• the role of sodium in the reabsorption of substances

c) an explanation of the role of the kidneys in maintaining blood volume, blood ph and osmolality

d) a discussion how specific environmental factors can influence these functions must be discussed

e) An analysis of how two of the following common diseases affect the function of urinary system

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease
• obesity

f) A discussion of the wider effects of kidney disease on the human body. Diagrams and images must be used.  Ensure your report has a coherent flow. References must be included.  The advisory word count is 2000

1.1

1.2

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2