Program Overview

BIOL234 - Nutritional Physiology

Year

2024

Credit points

10

Campus offering

The unit is offered at the Melbourne and North Sydney campuses.

Melbourne

• Term: Semester 2
• Mode: Campus Attendance

North Sydney

• Term: Semester 2
• Mode: Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

To enroll in this unit, students must have completed one of the following prerequisites:

• (BIOL126 Human Biology 2 AND NUTR101 Introduction to Nutrition)
• (BIOL125 Human Biology 1 AND EXSC118 Nutrition and Exercise)
• BIOL204 Human Body in Health and Disease 2

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

This unit provides an in-depth understanding of the human gastrointestinal tract and its interaction with other physiological systems, laying the foundation for clinical and preventative nutrition practices. Building on prior knowledge of physiological systems in health and disease, the unit presents current research related to nutrition-specific physiology. Students analyze scientific and pseudoscientific literature to understand current issues in nutritional physiology, such as appetite and thirst regulation, the effects of alcohol consumption on physiological function, and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this unit is to support students in developing contemporary knowledge and practical understanding of the relationships between endocrine and neural regulation of gastrointestinal and related physiological functions, appetite, and metabolism.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Articulate the nature of and interactions between endocrine and neural regulation of gastrointestinal functions and explain their significance in maintaining physiological metabolism.
2. Apply fundamental concepts related to gastrointestinal function and metabolism to discuss the aetiology and pathogenesis of selected pathological conditions.
3. Discuss the physiological basis of selected topics in nutritional physiology.
4. Critique information available in popular and scientific literature, and effectively and professionally communicate their conclusions.

Content

The unit covers the following topics:

• Gastrointestinal function, metabolism, and metabolic balance
• Structure and function of the enteric nervous system
• Cell-to-cell communication pathways
• Neuronal and endocrine control of the gastrointestinal tract
• Motor, secretory, and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract
• Endocrine control of metabolism; factors contributing to metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus
• Regulation of energy intake and utilization, and appetite
• Osmo- and volume regulation, acid-base balance, and pH disturbances
• Metabolism-related aspects of renal function
• Physiological and pathophysiological processes
• Significance of gut microbiome in gastrointestinal physiology
• Aetiology and pathophysiology of selected conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and/or metabolism
• Current issues in nutritional physiology

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

The learning and teaching strategy adopted in this unit comprises three phases designed to provide students with a developmental learning experience. The unit begins with approaches that support the acquisition of advanced knowledge, builds on this by progressing to activities that develop theoretical understanding, and finally involves approaches that support the application of understanding in skills development. The strategies used include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, cooperative learning, online learning, and reflective/critical thinking activities.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment strategy utilizes standards-based assessment, consistent with University assessment requirements. A range of assessment strategies is used to support the developmental sequence of the learning and teaching strategy. The assessment tasks include:

1. A written task early in the semester to demonstrate critical analysis and written communication skills.
2. A presentation to demonstrate newly acquired knowledge and the ability to communicate reasoning and understanding.
3. A final assessment to demonstrate critical analysis, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of the unit content.

Overview of Assessments

• Assessment 1: Written Assessment (30%) - Enables students to critically analyze an issue in nutritional physiology, apply key unit learning, and demonstrate written communication skills.
• Assessment 2: Written Assessment (30%) - Enables students to demonstrate application of knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills.
• Assessment 3: Written Assessment (40%) - Enables students to demonstrate critical analysis, application of knowledge, and critical thinking skills.

Representative Texts and References

• Textbooks:
  • Sherwood, L. (2015). Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems, 9th Ed., Cengage Learning.
  • Silverthorn, Unglaub, D. (2013). Human Physiology: Pearson New International Edition: An Integrated Approach, 6th Ed., Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company.
  • Tortora, G.J., Derrickson, B., Burkett, B., Peoples, G., Dye, D., Cooke, J., Mellifont, R. (2019). Principles of Anatomy & Physiology, 2nd Asia-Pacific Ed., Wiley.
  • Whitney, E.N., Crowe, T., S., Rady Rolfes, S. and Walsh, A.D. (2019) Understanding Nutrition: Australian and New Zealand Edition (4th Ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Cengage Learning Australia.
• Journal Articles:
  • Crujeiras, A. B., Carreira, M. C. Cabia, B. C. et al. 2015. Leptin resistance in obesity: An epigenetic landscape. Life Sciences. 140, 57-63.
  • Hopkins, M. Blundell, J. Halford, J. et al. 2016. The Regulation of Food Intake in Humans.
  • Li, S. & Li, X. 2016. Leptin in normal physiology and leptin resistance. Science Bulletin. 61 (19).
  • Lv, Y., Liang, T., Wang, G., & Li, Z. 2018. Ghrelin, a gastrointestinal hormone, regulates energy balance and lipid metabolism. Bioscience Reports. 38 (5).
  • Patel, H. & Bhardwaj, A. 2018. Physiology, Respiratory Quotient.
  • Puija, A. Gazzaruso, C. Ferro, Y. et al. 2016. Individuals with Metabolically Healthy Overweight/Obesity Have Higher Fat Utilization than Metabolically Unhealthy Individuals. 8: 2.