The aim of this module is to develop the student’s comprehension of the principles of human nutrition including; dietary requirements, food composition and the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Furthermore, selected clinical disorders in the contexts of describing critical features, functions, and practical applications will be examined throughout the course of this module.
An Overview of Nutrition
The Importance of Nutrition, Dietary Nutrients in Food and in the Body; Dietary Reference Intakes; Nutritional Assessment; Diet and Health; Planning a Healthy Diet.
Digestion, Absorption and Transport
Digestion: Review of Anatomy of the Digestive Tract; Absorption and Transport: Review of Anatomy of Absorptive System, Intestinal Cells, The Vascular and Lymphatic System.
The Carbohydrates: Sugars, Starches and Fibers
Simple and Complex Carbohydrates; Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates; Glucose in the Body; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Role of Carbohydrates; Carbohydrate related health effects
The Lipids: Triglycerides, Phospholipids, and Sterols
Fatty Acids and Triglycerides; Phospholipids and Sterols; Digestion, Absorption and Transport of Lipids; Roles of Lipids in the Body; Lipid Metabolism; Lipid related health effects.
Proteins and Amino Acids
Structure of Amino Acids and Proteins; Digestion and Absorption of Protein; Protein Synthesis in the Body; Protein Metabolism; Role of Proteins; Protein related health effects.
The Vitamins
An Overview of Vitamins: The Water-Soluble Vitamins, B-Vitamins as Individuals; Vitamin C; Functional properties: Roles, Deficiencies, Toxicities and Sources. The Fat-Soluble Vitamins, Vitamin A, D, E and K, Functional properties: Roles, Deficiencies, Toxicities and Sources.
Water and Minerals
Water and Body Fluids: Water Balance, Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance. Minerals: An overview of the key minerals in the body.
Methods used to achieve the module learning outcomes will include lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, interpretation of data, case studies, problem-solving exercises, video presentations, self-directed learning and computer-based learning.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |