NUT3008 · Precision and personalised nutrition

Overview

The aim of this unit is to enable you to explore the molecular mechanisms by which nutrients and other food components affect metabolism and cell function. The unit focuses on the biochemical role of essential nutrients in metabolism, their role in the aetiology of major chronic diseases with postulated nutritional involvement in disease mechanisms. This unit will reinforce the concepts of nutritional genomics and epigenetics by presenting relevant examples from recent scientific literature and provide you with the competence to interrogate on-line gene databases to answer real life questions. Additionally, the unit will explore the concept of the gut microbiome and its interaction with the diet.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this 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

1. Explain the fundamental concepts of genetics and the application of genetics to molecular biology research
2. Explain the biochemical roles of the essential nutrients in metabolism
3. Explain the role of nutrients and other food components in the modulation of gene expression on a global scale (Nutrigenomics and Epigenetics)
4. Evaluate the interaction between food components, the gut microbiome, and genetic factors that influence biochemical pathways and health and susceptibility to disease (Nutrigenetics and Epigenetics).
5. Integrate and generate biochemical and nutritional science knowledge in professional context such as personalised nutrition

Workload

2 hours face-to-face/online/week 2 hours computer workshops/week 2 hours teacher - directed learning/week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.