Module Details

Module Code: NUTR
Module Title: Nutritional Biochemistry
Title: Nutritional Biochemistry
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Aine ONeill
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to give the student a sound knowledge of the structure, functions and metabolism of nutrients and to develop basic biochemical practical and reporting skills, with due regard to Health and Safety.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the classification, structure and functions of major biochemical molecules
LO2 Outline the control of metabolism and the central metabolic pathways
LO3 Carry out basic laboratory techniques with due regard to safety
LO4 Prepare scientific laboratory reports
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
4504 SCIE H1111 Chemistry
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Basic Biochemical Systems
The cell system, the biomembrane, the functions of water
Amino Acids and Proteins
Structure of amino acids, essential and nonessential amino acids. Polymerisation and protein structure. The functions of proteins
Enzymology
The definition and mode of action of enzymes. The factors influencing enzyme activity
Carbohydrates
Classification, structure and functions of glucose, starch, glycogen and cellulose. Non-starch polysaccharides
Lipids
The structure and functions of simple, complex and derived lipids. Essential fatty acids. The digestion and transport of lipids
Vitamins
The biochemical functions of fat-soluble and water–soluble vitamins
Minerals
Macrominerals and trace minerals, biochemical role of minerals
Metabolism and Bioenergetics
Introduction to metabolism and the control of metabolism. Metabolic pathways; Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the electron transfer chain, β-oxidation. The generation of ATP. Ketosis. Amino acid catabolism. Gluconeogenesis
Practical
Classes will cover Health & Safety regulations and requirements, relevant calculations and scientific reporting. Students will develop skills in the use of biochemical equipment such as pipettes, pH meters and UV spectrophotometers as well as basic laboratory techniques such as biochemical analysis, chromatography and the study of enzyme activity
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Practical40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
One short continuous assessment, in class
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical Laboratory Book
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Two hour written final examination.
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
Reassessment Description
Re-sit examinations or repeat entire module

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Laboratory Contact Practical class 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 15 Weeks per Stage 12.67 190
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lubert Stryer,Jeremy Berg,John Tymoczko,Gregory Gatto. (2019), Biochemistry, WH Freeman, p.1208, [ISBN: 9781319114657].
  • Sareen S. Gropper,Jack L. Smith,Timothy P. Carr. (2016), Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, Cengage Learning, p.640, [ISBN: 9781305627857].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • David Nelson,Michael M. Cox. Principles Biochem 7e (International Ed), [ISBN: 9781319108243].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • www.youtube.com.
  • www.jove.com.
  • www.biomodule.uah.es.
Discussion Note: