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Module

NUT2001 : Principles of Nutrition

  • Offered for Year: 2020/21
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Helen Mason
  • Lecturer: Professor Thomas Hill, Dr Anthony Watson, Dr Gerry O'Brien
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0

Aims

introduce the scientific foundations to build a sound understanding of nutrition in the maintenance of normal function of mammals. To compare the structure and function of the digestive tract from different species focusing on adaptations to suit specific dietary regimes. To discuss the digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients and energy, using macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). To describe how the metabolism of nutrients are integrated. To inform students about the concepts of nutrient requirements. To relate nutrient function nutrient requirements to normal health and development.

Outline Of Syllabus

DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
1. Overview of roles of the digestive tract
2. Cell biology of gastrointestinal epithelium
3. Digestion and absorption
4. Comparative aspects of gut physiology

NUTRIENT SUPPLY, INTEGRATION AND UTILIZATION
1. Energy values of foods and nutrients; calorimetry
2. Proteins and amino acids
3. Lipids
4. Minerals and trace elements
5. Vitamins

Assessment of nutritional requirements
Nutrient bioavailability
Nutritional toxicology

Teaching Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials182:0036:00Core materials delivery non-sync pre-recorded with quizzes/tasks support exam prep (8x2 S1/10x2 S2)
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials11:001:00Delivery of core material in lecture format. Non-sync pre-recorded quizzes/tasks support exam prep
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials33:009:00Del. of core material on macronutrients in lecture format. Non-sync pre-recorded, quizzes/tasks/prep
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion118:0018:00Collaborative group task. Students research & prepare collaborative group task.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion118:0018:00Preparation for semester 2 exam.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching71:007:00Revision of core material. PIP - 4x1hr sem 1 & 3x1hr sem 2.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching20:301:00Tutorial 2x30min support sessions for each group on the collaborative group task. Sync on-line sem 1
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study142:0042:00Review of lecture material & supplementation of notes using directed reading to extend knowledge.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study165:0065:00Independent student research & reading of relevant literature beyond the directed reading.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk31:003:002x1 hr: intro and conclusion session in S 1. 1x1 hr: intr to S1 collaborative grp task. Sync on-line
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials deliver key information relevant to the subject and provide information upon which the students can extend their learning by independent study, using the on-line resources provided to accompany lecture material and wider research of the scientific literature. Students progression in learning will be monitored via the use of quizzes and tasks embedded into the lecture materials. Tutorials delivered synchronously online will review areas of misconception.

Assessment Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A50Online synchronous examination (remote). Multiple choice and short essay style questions
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Prob solv exercises1M50Collaborative online grp task to develop a wiki. Max 8 pages(2000 words text + figures/tables/ref list) Peer Ass 10% of indvid mark.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam tests the ability of students to display their knowledge and understanding of the principles of nutrition focusing on the micronutrients. The multiple choice questions assess recall of knowledge and encourages student learning during the module. Short essay questions test the ability of students to demonstrate an awareness of the integrated nature of nutrient metabolism; and to write succinct and coherent answers. Where relevant, questions test the ability of students to solve appropriate simple numerical problems.

The collaborative group task develops an integrated awareness of nutrition. Students research how modifying animal feed content can potentially positively impact human health. Students will reflect on how the digestion, absorption and metabolism of macronutrients in farm animals and humans determines the potential impact on human health. Students create a 8 page report to inform relevant stakeholders (animal feed manufacturers, livestock farmers, human nutritionists and public health officials). Peer assessment (10%) will assess individual’s contribution to the report.

Reading Lists

Timetable