UWA Handbook 2024

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is concerned with studying the qualitative and quantitative aspects of nutrition required for people of different ages and physical activities. It deals with the digestion and absorption of macronutrients and micronutrients, and how this is coordinated by the nervous and endocrine systems. It also considers genetic mutations that deal with inappropriate nutrient absorption (lactose intolerance and cystic fibrosis). A detailed analysis of the absorbed nutrients, their assimilation and subsequent metabolism are considered. The role of the endocrine system in metabolic assimilation of absorbed fuel, along with derangements that follow their excess consumption are considered (e.g. metabolic acidosis, metabolic syndrome). Generic components of these endocrine systems responsible for signal transduction that maintain homeostasis are highlighted by examples that use inherited disorders. The neural and endocrine control of appetite and strategies used to manage this are also addressed.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) system in relation to the digestion and absorption of macro- and micro-nutrients; (2) describe the neural and hormonal regulation of GI function; (3) understand the consequences of specific genetic mutations on nutrient absorption (lactose intolerance and cystic fibrosis); (4) understand the importance of energy balance within the body and how this is impacted by diet and physical activity; (5) understand how hormones exert their effects at the cellular level working through cell membrane and nuclear receptors and recognise that cell surface receptors rely on cell signalling to exert their cellular effects; (6) understand the hormonal regulation of metabolism and of growth including its regulation by thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin, insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins), growth hormone, glucagon and somatostatin and how these hormones are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; (7) understand how calcium and iron homeostasis are maintained in the body and the consequences when these processes are disrupted; (8) understand the difficulties in assessing obesity and the pathophysiological consequences of obesity, specifically metabolic syndrome; (9) understand how GI function and nutrient homeostasis can be assessed (through studies of the scientific literature and lab exercises); (10) apply this knowledge of metabolism in the understanding of disorders of impaired metabolic function; (11) critically evaluate the scientific literature relating to nutrition and metabolism; (12) demonstrate familiarity with experimental techniques relevant to human metabolism including data collection for nutritional assessment of individuals, establishing the Glycaemic Index of particular foods and understanding the significance of this measurement, measurement of basal metabolic rate and body fat composition, biochemical assessment of plasma lipids/lipoproteins and analysis of the neural input that regulates intestinal motility; (13) display competence in the analysis of data by Excel for the assessment of endocrine axes; (14) demonstrate competence in scientific communication skills using both oral communication and written reports; (15) demonstrate self-directed learning; and (16) demonstrate effective participation in group work.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) final examination; (2) laboratory quizzes; and (3) laboratory group reports. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Christina Bojarski {00050574} ~ Professor Shane Maloney {00041724}

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

PHYL2001 Physiology of Human Body Systems
or PHYL1001 Physiology - How Does the Human Body Work?

and 96 points in your chosen degree

Contact hours

lectures: 2 x 45 mins per week
labs: 4 x 2 hours 45 mins
tutorials: 4 x 1 hour 45 mins