NUT2104 Nutritional biochemistry
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
NUT2104 Nutritional biochemistry is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2023 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before NUT2104
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After NUT2104
1 unit list NUT2104 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisite: NUT1010, NUT1101 & NUT1103
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in course code M2001
Overview
This unit aims to provide an in depth understanding of the metabolism of macro and micronutrients and of the role of nutrition in influencing cell growth, cancer development, blood formation and gene function.
Emphasis will be on clinical relevance, the integration of biochemical pathways and how this is modulated by dietary change, and on techniques used to assess both normal dietary requirements and nutrient deficiencies.
Students will be introduced to biochemical mechanisms of energy expenditure and storage, including metabolic adaptation to periods of fasting or food intake.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- 3 x Laboratory practicals (500 words each)20%
- Group case study presentation (20 mins) and wiki resource (2,000 words)30%
- Final examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Threshold hurdle50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the combined role of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining health and the prevention of disease.
- 2
Explain carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism in the context of the fed and fasting state, hyperglycaemia and alcohol consumption.
- 3
Critique the role of micronutrients in the maintenance of blood health, bone health, as an antioxidant and in excitable nerve cells.
- 4
Describe the nutritional influences on cell growth, differentiation, programmed cell death and the development of the cancerous cell.
- 5
Demonstrate problem based learning skills and the ability to communicate and apply scientific knowledge in relation to nutrition-related scenarios.
- 6
Apply the main biochemical, clinical and physical measures for assessing and interpreting the signs and symptoms of nutrient inadequacy and/or deficiency.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures29 hours
- Practical activities6 hours
- Workshops24 hours
2 x 1 hour lectures
2 x 1 hour tutorial every week,
1 x 3 hour practical on 2 occasions
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Nirma Samarawickrema
- Dr Barbara Cardoso
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Barbara Cardoso
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for NUT2104?
NUT2104 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after NUT2104?
NUT2104 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including NUT3007.
When is NUT2104 offered?
In 2023, NUT2104 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does NUT2104 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.