module specification

This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of energy and nitrogen balance in humans, as well as the concepts of nutrient essentiality and requirements. Energy and nutrient balance are fundamental concepts in nutritional science and underpin the theory and applied practice of managing overweight, obesity and undernutrition.  Over the duration of this module, students will gain an understanding of how energy expenditure in humans is conceptualised, and how energy expenditure is affected by endogenous and exogenous factors. This module also covers the principles of techniques used for the measurement of metabolic balance and turnover rates digestion and transport, and the significance of body pools of energy and nutrients.

This module presents students with an opportunity to apply nutritional theory in practice through an energy balance experiment.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically, it aims to develop a critical understanding of energy and nitrogen balance and their contribution to human nutritional status. To apply this understanding to practical situations where there are implications for human health, for example, obesity, starvation and cachexia.  This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and decision making.

Introduction to Human Nutrition (DT4054),
Essentials of Human Nutrition (DT4055)
NU4052 (Biochemistry for Nutritionists)
NU4053 (Cell Biology for Nutritionists)

Available for Study Abroad? NO

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
The concepts of essentiality and requirements, including water and oxygen. Macronutrients and energy (including alcohol); nutritional balance and turnover: principles of techniques used for the measurement of metabolic balance and turnover rates; digestion and transport; significance of body pools of energy and nutrients. Integration of metabolism (LO1. LO2. LO3).
Energy balance: principles and methods for measurement of gross, digestible, metabolisable and net energy values of diets; measurement of energy expenditure rates; BMR, physical activity and thermogenesis; factors influencing energy intake and expenditure; the regulation of energy balance; dietary, thermoregulatory, pharmacological and exercise-induced thermogenesis. Storage forms of energy (LO1, LO2, LO3).
Physical activity and exercise physiology.
Interactions with diet and sleep.
Nitrogen balance:  dynamics of protein turnover; essentiality and requirements for amino acids; principles and methods for biological and chemical assessment of dietary protein quality; dietary and physiological factors influencing dietary nitrogen utilisation; colonic nitrogen salvage; determination of protein requirements. Disturbances in energy balance including obesity, starvation, cachexia and sarcopenia (LO1, LO2, LO3).

Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through lecturer-led lectures and tutorial workshops; web-based learning and through the guided use of student-centred learning resources. Small group work will be used to consolidate the student with guidance for directed activities. Self-managed time and private study should be spread out over the whole module and not left until the final weeks.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Explain the concepts of nutritional balance and turnover and the theory and practise of their measurements with particular reference to energy and protein and demonstrate an appreciation of the factors implicated in energy balance regulation in humans.
2. Explain the concept of protein quality and its measurement in humans and select appropriate analytical techniques for the experimental study of aspects of energy and nitrogen balance.
3. Investigate concepts of nutritional balance using a wide range of learning resources and interpret, present and evaluate data to communicate conclusions effectively in a scientific context.

This module will be formatively and summatively assessed by:
1. Practical report (2000 words) students will undertake experimental studies measuring their own energy balance and will statistically analyse class energy balance data. The findings will be submitted as a written report.
2. Written exam (1 hour).

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