1. Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract

• Be aware of the structure of the gastrointestinal tract
• Understand the foregut, midgut, hindgut classifications and their boundaries
• Understand the basic anatomy of the gut, including the mesenteries and omenta
• Understand the concept of peritoneal and retroperitoneal
• Understand the embryological development of the gut and how it relates to its function

2. Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut

• Be aware of the boundaries of the foregut
• Understand the embryological development of the foregut
• Understand the organs associated with the foregut
• Be aware of the nerve innervations and blood supply to the foregut and how this relates to pain and where it is felt

3. Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut

• Understand the anatomy and components of the midgut
• Understand abdominal X-rays as an investigation modalities
• Understand the differences between the small and large intestines

4. Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut

• Understand the anatomy and components of the hindgut.
• Be aware of the innervations and blood supply of the hindgut and the role of each component.

5. Upper Gastrointestinal Pathology

• Understand risk factors, symptoms/signs, pathophysiology and management of conditions of the salivary system, oesophagus and stomach.

6. Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology

• Understand the common causes of liver pathology. 
• Identify the causes of jaundice where the pathology occurs in relation to the liver.
• Understand the symptoms, pathology, investigations and treatment of common conditions of the biliary system and the pancreas.

7. Intestinal Pathology

• Understand pathology, presentation, investigations and treatment of Coeliac disease, IBS and Diverticular disease.
• Diagnose and differentiate between inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Identify the different locations of abdominal hernias and understand how to classify and manage them.

8. Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology

• Understand presentations and aetiology of anal fissures, including conservative and surgical treatment pathways.
• Identify clinical features and urgency of perianal abscesses and potential fistula complications.
• Distinguish internal versus external haemorrhoids by anatomy, symptoms, and management approaches.
• Define diarrhoea and constipation subtypes, their mechanisms, and initial treatment strategies.
• Apply appropriate conservative and pharmacological treatments, knowing when referral or escalation is needed.

9. Gastrointestinal Malignancy

• Identify common GI tract cancers and their typical anatomical locations.
• Describe risk factors and pathophysiology underlying colorectal and oesophageal malignancies.
• Recognise clinical signs like bleeding, anaemia, obstruction, and weight loss.
• Understand diagnostic tools including endoscopy, imaging, and tumour markers.
• Summarise staging, grading, and management principles for gastrointestinal cancers.

10. Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis

• Define gastroenteritis vs. enterocolitis and appreciate the anatomical difference.
• Recognise common infectious causes and pathophysiology of bowel inflammation.
• Identify key clinical features: diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever.
• Understand diagnostic investigations: stool cultures, blood tests, imaging indications.
• Summarise management: rehydration, dietary advice, antibiotics when appropriate.
• Recognise complications like dehydration and systemic spread, and know when escalation needed.

11. Gastrointestinal Emergencies

• Recognise common causes: obstruction, perforation, bleeding, inflammation, infection.
• Identify key symptoms: acute pain, vomiting, bleeding, distension, shock signs.
• Understand initial investigations: CT, X‑ray, endoscopy, blood tests.
• Outline urgent management steps: resuscitation, antibiotics, surgical/endoscopic intervention.
• Appreciate potential complications: peritonitis, sepsis, abscess, organ failure.