Biochemistry of Nutrition major (MJD-BCNDM)
Nutritional science is an applied subject that draws information from many biological areas, with much of the science coming from biochemical studies. The Biochemistry of Nutrition extended major is an integrative area of study that combines physiology, human biology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry and applies these sciences specifically to the study of health, diet, nutrition, disease, and the connections that exist among them. This extended major includes studies of nutrients, food constituents and their function regarding humans and other mammals, and specifically focuses on nutrient chemical components and how they function biochemically, physiologically and metabolically, as well as their impact on disease. Students will gain an appreciation of the clinical relevance of nutritional biochemistry and the influence of dietary modification and nutritional intervention on physiology and physiological dysfunction.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an in-depth understanding of required foundational knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology; (2) understand the biochemical and physiological principles of the processes involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, involvement of gut microflora, and impact on human health; (3) describe the major metabolic pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients in the human body and how they relate to disease pathology; (4) demonstrate how to research topics, participate in teamwork, seek out information and solve problems in nutritional biochemistry; (5) demonstrate technical competency in application of current scientific methodology required to conduct laboratory-based investigations, including experimental design, data collection and interpretation, critical analysis, and operation of laboratory equipment; (6) communicate effectively scientific information and analyses of laboratory-based data in written and oral forms; and (7) apply high-level critical thinking, teamwork and communication and skills required for employment and further studies related to the biochemistry of nutrition.
Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office. If you are completing this major in a Combined Bachelor's masters Course, you have elected to pursue a highly specialised and in-depth program of study in your chosen field. While you are encouraged to use the free elective units available in your course to study in other disciplines offered at UWA, your formal requirement to broaden your course will be met through the Honours and Postgraduate units which form an integral part of your course.
Prerequisites
ATAR Mathematics Methods or equivalent or higher or ATAR Mathematics Mathematics Applications with a mathematics unit taken in the first year. Students without ATAR mathematics will take two first year mathematics unit.
Chemistry ATAR or equivalent or an additional chemistry unit taken in the first year.
Biochemistry of Nutrition can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Overview of unit sequence
Biochemistry of Nutrition is a degree-specific double major comprising:
- six Level 1 units
- four Level 2 units
- eight Level 3 units
Key to availability of units: |
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S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; N/A = not available in 2022 |
Note: Units that are indicated as N/A may be available in 2023 or 2024.
Level 1
Take all units (24 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1 | ANHB1101 | Human Biology I: Becoming Human |
|
S2 | BIOC1001 | Introductory Cellular Biochemistry |
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S1, S2 | CHEM1001 | Chemistry—Properties and Energetics |
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S2 | SCIE1106 | Molecular Biology of the Cell |
|
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points from this group:
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1, S2 | SCIE1104 | Science, Society and Data Analysis |
|
S1, S2 | STAT1400 | Statistics for Science |
Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study. Students without Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher take MATH1721. Students without Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher take MATH1720 and MATH1721. Students without Chemistry ATAR or equivalent or higher take CHEM1003.
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1, S2 | CHEM1003 | Introductory Chemistry |
|
S1, S2 | MATH1720 | Mathematics Fundamentals |
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S1, S2 | MATH1721 | Mathematics Foundations: Methods |
|
Level 2
Take all units (24 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1 | BIOC2001 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell |
|
S2 | BIOC2002 | Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function |
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S1 | PHYL2001 | Physiology of Human Body Systems |
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S2 | PHYL2002 | Physiology of Cells |
|
Level 3
Take all units (48 points):
Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
---|---|---|---|
S1 | BIOC3001 | Molecular Biology | |
S2 | BIOC3003 | Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function | |
N/A | BIOC3004 | Nutritional Biochemistry |
|
S2 | BIOC3005 | Cellular Biochemistry | |
S1 | PHYL3001 | Physiology of Membranes, Muscles and Signalling |
|
S1 | PHYL3002 | Physiology of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems |
|
S2 | PHYL3003 | Physiology of Nutrition and Metabolism |
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S2 | PHYL3004 | Physiology of Integrated Organ Function |
Choosing your degree-specific major
General degrees
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how the Biochemistry of Nutrition degree-specific major can be included in the Bachelor of Science course.
Example Study Plan
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .
Specialised degrees – Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Music
You must satisfy the requirements of the degree-specific major in your degree before you complete your course.
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This comprehensive degree does not allow you to choose a double major.