Program Overview

Module Overview

The module "OBESITY, LIPIDS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE" aims to provide an understanding of the rationale behind current approaches to care of patients in obesity and weight management. It also offers a detailed appreciation of dietary lipids, including their sources of origin, biochemistry, functions, and essential roles in health.

Module Details

• Module code: BMSM043
• Module provider: School of Biosciences
• Module Leader: WHYTE Martin (Biosciences)
• Number of Credits: 15
• ECTS Credits: 7.5
• Framework: FHEQ Level 7
• Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Student Workload

• Independent Learning Hours: 115
• Lecture Hours: 17
• Tutorial Hours: 3
• Guided Learning: 10
• Captured Content: 5

Module Availability

• Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• N/A

Module Content

The module covers various topics, including:

• Definitions and epidemiology of obesity
• Aetiology of obesity
• Distribution of body fat
• Obesity management
• Consequences of obesity and dietary fat intake
• Lipids: structure and functional roles
• Lipid, lipoprotein, and cholesterol metabolism
• Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis
• Dietary fat and disease epidemiology
• Dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease
• Membrane structure and function
• Clinical applications of dietary fatty acids
• The effect of food structure and macronutrient composition on dietary lipid metabolism
• Current public-health policies relevant to obesity and dietary guidelines

Assessment Pattern

• Assessment type: Coursework
• Unit of assessment: Coursework questions
• Weighting: 100

Alternative Assessment

• None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, application of knowledge, critical thinking, and use of the evidence base.

Module Aims

The module aims to:

• Review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of obesity
• Review the physiology of energy metabolism
• Consider the role of bariatric surgery
• Critically examine the epidemiology of obesity, dietary lipids, and disease
• Provide an appreciation of dietary lipids
• Understand the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease
• Understand the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in inflammation and immune function
• Critically evaluate the evidence in support of a therapeutic role for dietary fatty acids

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the module, students will be able to:

• Explain the physiological regulation of energy intake and expenditure
• Define the global importance of obesity in epidemiological terms
• Debate the influence of nutritional factors versus environmental factors in the pathogenesis of obesity and related diseases
• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of various obesity treatment and management strategies
• Describe major dietary issues and the scientific rationale underlying the current consensus on dietary guidelines for lipids and essential fatty acids
• Explain lipid biochemistry and lipid-mediated cardiovascular risk
• Discuss the need to avoid stigmatizing language and images for obesity in public health, clinical practice, and research
• Develop the skills to examine/write a case study involving obesity and lipid-related risk factors

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy includes:

• Lectures
• Class discussions
• Critical evaluation of topical journal articles (group work)
• Case studies
• Module-specific lunch

Programmes this Module Appears In

• Nutritional Medicine MSc (Semester 2, Core)