6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food
Chief examiner(s)
Associate Professor Maxine Bonham
Coordinator(s)
Quota applies
This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis.
Unit guides
Synopsis
The aim of this unit is to enable students to explore the molecular mechanisms by which nutrients and other food components affect metabolism and cell function.
The unit focuses on the biochemical role of essential nutrients in metabolism, their role in the aetiology of major chronic diseases with postulated nutritional involvement in disease mechanisms.
This unit will reinforce the concepts of nutritional genomics and epigenetics by presenting relevant examples from recent scientific literature and provide students with the competence to interrogate on-line gene databases to answer real life questions.
Special attention will be placed on translating this knowledge into practice and on its limitations.
Outcomes
Proposed learning outcomes
- Explain the fundamental concepts of genetics and the application of genetics to molecular biology research
- Explain the biochemical roles of the essential nutrients in metabolism
- Explain the role of nutrients and other food components in the modulation of gene expression on a global scale (Nutrigenomics and Epigenetics)
- Evaluate the interaction between food components and genetic factors that influence biochemical pathways and health and susceptibility to disease (Nutrigenetics and Epigenetics).
- Integrate and generate biochemical and nutritional science knowledge in professional context such as personalised nutrition
Assessment
- Practical class worksheet (30%)
- Wiki page (10%)
- Mid-semester exam (1.5 hours) (20%)
- Final examination (2 hours) (40%) (hurdle)
Workload requirements
2 hours face-to-face/online/week
2 hours computer workshops/week
2 hours teacher - directed learning/week
See also Unit timetable information