521-305 Biochemistry of Metabolism & Nutrition

Biochemistry 521-211, 521-212 and either 521-220 or 521-221; or 521-024. In special circumstances students who have not taken 521-220 or 521-221 may be permitted to enrol in this subject.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213 and 536-250.

To interpret and respond appropriately to nutritional information, it is necessary to develop an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control metabolic processes and determine metabolic outcomes.

By the end of the subject the student should understand the relationships between nutrients and metabolic processes in various physiological and diseased states, including detailed knowledge of the experimental approaches used to gain insight into the molecular basis for these relationships.

The subject content includes an overview of whole animal nutrition and metabolism including tissue specialisation; adaptive responses and the molecular basis for regulation of enzymes, nutrient carrier proteins and relevant cell receptors; molecular principles behind the control of nutrient digestion and absorption; modern concepts of bioenergetics and the consequences of aerobic metabolism, including the generation of free-radicals and the importance of antioxidants in protecting proteins, lipids and DNA from oxidative damage; mechanism of action of lipid soluble vitamins; regulation of muscle protein metabolism in response to endurance training, excessive feeding, starvation, physical trauma, and related endocrine (hormonal) and other clinical diseases; dietary fate of lipids, the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and transport in normal and diseased states; metabolic contributions to obesity, cardiovascular disease; aging and related nutritional problems; and adaptive responses to excessive consumption of alcohol.

In addition to these specific skills, students will think critically from consideration of the lecture material and research papers, expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations through observing and reporting research literature and acquire abilities in collaborative working, while participating in group presentations.

A 2.5-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%) plus continuous assessment based on up to four short tests and/or oral presentation and written assignment (20%).

Lecture handouts and a list of specific textbooks and other references will be made available at the beginning of the course.