SHN4252 - Physiology and Nutritional Biochemistry

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Describe the function of major organs from the gastrointestinal and cardio-respiratory system.
Relate the structure of the gastrointestinal system to the process involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Demonstrate an appreciation of the structure and function of principle macromolecules and pathways in the extraction of energy from foods.
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic mechanisms of metabolic regulation.

Content:

Overview of the cardio-respiratory system: circulation-transport of nutrients and gases; heart and vascular system, blood pressure. Structure and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Functions of liver, kidneys and pancreas. Cell structure and physiology of the gastrointestinal epithelium. Fundamentals of absorption, digestion and excretion. Nutrient groups and chemical characteristics. Main features of energy transfer systems. Metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrate. Regulation of metabolism. Hormonal effects on energy balance and health (e.g. glucorticoids, thyroid, insulin, leptin, ghrelin). Physiology of Thirst.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures to deliver key information relevant to the subject and supported by 1 to 2 hour seminars/laboratory practicals per week. Students extend their learning by independent study from resources indicated in lecture material.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: 30

Seminars and laboratory practicals
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 140

Further details relating to assessment
Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.
Other relevant matters
Nutrition and Physiology laboratories.

Assessment:

001 Directed activities semester 1 10%
002 Portfolio 1500 words mid semester 2 40%
003 Essay 2500 words end semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nicola reeve
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - SHN4232
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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