NU5050 - Metabolic Biochemistry for Nutrition (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Metabolic Biochemistry for Nutrition | ||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module focuses on understanding key principles of metabolism. These principles are illustrated through study of the major metabolic pathways. How metabolism interacts with the nutritional environment is discussed throughout the module.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of metabolism encourage an appreciation of the diversity and interconnection of metabolic pathways, and to stimulate an understanding of the applicability of metabolism in a broad range of biological context.
Syllabus
The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Carbohydrate metabolism: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, their metabolic roles and importance in energy supply and provision of precursors. The role of allosteric enzymes in the control of metabolism: phosphofructokinase and the control of glycolysis. Regulation of glycogen synthesis and breakdown. Carboxylic acid metabolism: Krebs cycle, dehydrogenation reactions, proton and electron acceptors, electron transport. Interconversion of fats and carbohydrates. Lipid metabolism: fatty acids and other esters - functions, transport and storage; biosynthesis, degradation and desaturation. Acetyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid biosynthesis. Purines and pyrimidines: biosynthesis, degradation and metabolic significance. The control of pyrimidine biosynthesis by aspartate transcarbamoylase. Amino acid metabolism: nitrogen sources, nitrogen pool, amination, deamination and transamination. Biosynthesis and catabolism of amino acids and the regulation of pathways. Cellular integrations: signal transduction, membrane proteins; role of cyclic nucleotides; transcriptional control of metabolism. skills.
(LO1-3)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject matter through a variety of teacher led activities and self-directed study. Teacher-led activities will include traditional and interactive lectures, problem solving and revision tutorials, and practicals. Theoretical and practical problems will be employed to assist students in the development of their analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Students will be given access to formative on-line quizzes.
Students' ability to handle and interpret information will be encouraged through laboratory based investigations taken over several weeks and the guided use of expected directed reading of additional literature on the subject, video material and other learning resources.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe the main features, regulation and interconnection of key metabolic pathways and explain how energy is conserved and utilized in metabolic pathways and relate this to nutritional status
2. Explain and evaluate the range and diversity of metabolic processes and critically assess and interpret information from a variety of sources, including primary sources such as laboratory data and published research papers.
3.Understand how experimental evidence has been used to support theories of metabolism