Overview

This unit focuses on developing fundamental scientific knowledge as the basis for nutrition science. This unit introduces you to the chemistry of organic molecules expanding to incorporate the biochemical pathways relevant to nutrient metabolism. Protein, fat, carbohydrate and alcohol metabolism are covered in detail laying the foundation for a detailed … For more content click the Read More button below. The unit concludes with the introduction of other molecules of life (DNA and RNA) and describes the processes of genetic inheritance, mitosis, meiosis and gene transcription and the importance of gene nutrient interactions in human health. Student centered teaching and learning methods will be used to support the delivery of the unit content. Students' participation as adult learners will be encouraged through the curricula with emphasis on the development of basic scientific communication skills.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Nicole Kellow

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Nicole Kellow
Dr Michael Houghton

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Explain and apply concepts from basic sciences relevant to human nutrition and dietetics, including chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry

2.

Describe the chemistry of atoms and molecules

3.

Explain how atoms and molecules interact in chemical reactions and calculate chemical equations (stoichiometry)

4.

Describe the chemical and biochemical aspects of biological molecules

5.

Classify the main features of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells (including membranes, organelles and enzymes), and correlate their structures with biological functions

6.

Explain the aspects of cellular macronutrient and alcohol metabolism in terms of dietary input and energy release.

7.

Explain mechanisms of genetic inheritance and the factors that govern the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein

8.

Demonstrate basic knowledge and skill in laboratory experimentation and in the reporting and collation of experimental data

Teaching approach

Active learning

Assessment summary

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment

1 - Laboratory practical assessments (6 x practical sessions with approx. 500 word reports)
2 - Scientific poster - group presentation (10 mins presentation and poster submission)
3 - Mid-semester test
4 - Final examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Practical activities
Seminars
Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Availability in areas of study

Nutrition