Course Title: Nutritional Physiology
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Nutritional Physiology
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Julia Low
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5032
Course Coordinator Email: julia.low2@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora West
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Assumed Knowledge
An understanding of biology and chemistry is highly desirable.
Course Description
This course examines the physiology pertinent to the study of human nutrition and health. The macro and micronutrient content of the core food groups will be discussed in relation to energy contributions and requirements. Specifically, this course will provide students with an understanding of: gastrointestinal system anatomy; physiological and chemical mechanisms that control the digestion of carbohydrates, lipids and protein; nutrient absorption; human nutrient requirements and energy balance; metabolism for energy use in the body; and vitamins and minerals involved in normal cell functioning.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) at AQF Level 9
PLO 1 - Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of science
1.1 Show an understanding of the scientific methods and an ability to apply the scientific methods in practice
1.2 Show a coherent understanding of the role and relevance of food science in society
1.3 Show an understanding and importance of the role of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge
1.4 Show an understanding of the significance of food science and nutrition to society
PLO 2 - Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge
2.1 Show a depth of scientific knowledge of core concepts in food science and nutrition
2.2 Show an ability to comprehend the role of diets, nutrients, and food in health and disease
2.4 Show an understanding of the dietary guidelines and standards
PLO 3 Critically analyse and solve scientific problems
3.1 Show an understanding of the nutritional status of human diets
PLO 4 Demonstrate effective communication of science
4.1 Show effective communication ability relating to food and nutrition issues
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Differentiate between macronutrients and micro-nutrients.
- Evaluate how factors in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins contribute to energy production and balance.
- Explain the structure of the gastrointestinal tract and its functions, including the digestion, absorption and transport of macronutrients.
- Critically analyse the transformation and interactions of nutrients within key metabolic processes, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and energy transport chain.
- Critcally evaluate the role of micronutrients in normal cellular processes.
- Effectively communicate Illustrate problem solving skills in different professional workplace settings for public communication about human physiology.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
The assessment for this course is based on four assessments tasks.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Team-Based Assignment (Storyboard)
Weighting 10% oral presentation & 20% storyboard
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3and 6
Assessment Task 2: Online Knowledge Check (Individual)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, and 3
Assessment Task 3: In-class Interactive Final Assessment (Individual)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Assessment Task 4: Individual Assignment – Written Report
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.