Units / NUT2104
NUT2104 · Nutritional biochemistry
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit aims to provide an in depth understanding of the metabolism of macro and micronutrients and of the role of nutrition in influencing cell growth, cancer development, blood formation and gene function. Emphasis will be on clinical relevance, the integration of biochemical pathways and how this is modulated by dietary change, and on techniques used to assess both normal dietary requirements and nutrient deficiencies. You will be introduced to biochemical mechanisms of energy expenditure and storage, including metabolic adaptation to periods of fasting or food intake.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 x Laboratory practicals (500 words each) | Written | 20% | — |
| 2 | Group case study presentation (20 mins) and wiki resource (2,000 words) | Presentation | 30% | — |
| 3 | Final examination (2 hours and 10 minutes) | Examination | 50% | — |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the combined role of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining health and the prevention of disease.
- Explain carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism in the context of the fed and fasting state, hyperglycaemia and alcohol consumption.
- Critique the role of micronutrients in the maintenance of blood health, bone health, as an antioxidant and in excitable nerve cells.
- Describe the nutritional influences on cell growth, differentiation, programmed cell death and the development of the cancerous cell.
- Demonstrate problem based learning skills and the ability to communicate and apply scientific knowledge in relation to nutrition-related scenarios.
- Apply the main biochemical, clinical and physical measures for assessing and interpreting the signs and symptoms of nutrient inadequacy and/or deficiency.
Workload
2 x 1 hour lectures 2 x 1 hour tutorial every week, 1 x 3 hour practical on 2 occasions
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 29 hours |
| Practical activities | 6 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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