Nutritional Biochemistry
Overview
This unit introduces many aspects of biochemistry related to macronutrient (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) and alcohol metabolism with an emphasis on human medical and nutritional applications of biochemistry. The unit will cover the biochemistry of digestion and metabolism of macromolecules in food and subsequent energy production; the understanding of key metabolic pathways underlying the utilization of nutrients for energy; the basis of nutrient requirements in various physiological states and nutrient control of gene expression. Practical components of measuring energy metabolism and understanding how dietary manipulation and metabolic hormones alters energy metabolism will be covered.
Requisites
CHE10001 Chemistry 1
CHE10004 Introduction to Chemistry
CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
Rules
Pre-requisite
NTR20001 Nutrition Science
AND
CHE10001 Chemistry 1
OR
CHE10004 Introduction to Chemistry
OR
CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe various metabolic pathways of macronutrients and alcohol
- Evaluate and explain the role of nutrients in the optimal functioning of key biochemical pathways in the body
- Analyse the biochemical mechanisms of disease development and discuss therapeutic options
- Measure and investigate the physiological consequences of dietary and nutritional manipulation as they relate to essential metabolic pathways
- Explain the influence of diet and nutrition on intra- and extra-cellular signalling cascades, gene expression and how these have regulatory roles in metabolism
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Lecture | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | |
| On-campus | Class | 12 | 12 weeks | 1 | |
| On-campus | Lab | 12 | 4 weeks | 3 | |
| Specified Activities | Various | 48 | 12 weeks | 4 | |
| Unspecified Activities | Various | 42 | 12 weeks | 3.5 | |
| Online | Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12 | 12 weeks | 1 | |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 14.5 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment and Presentation 1 | Individual | 35% | 1,2,3,5 |
| Laboratory Report | Group | 25% | 4,5 |
| Test | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3 |
Content
- Introduction, cells and biological chemistry: an overview
- Overview of metabolism and energy production
- Movement of molecules. Protein and enzyme function. Digestive system
- Carbohydrate digestion, absorption and transport
- Overview of glucose metabolism - Glycolysis
- Oxidative Phosphorylation (Electron Transport Chain/Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle)
- Modulation of carbohydrate metabolism
- Lipids digestion, absorption, transport and metabolism
- Protein digestion, absorption transport and metabolism
- Integration and regulation of metabolism
- Extra-and intra-signalling cascades and gene expression
- Biochemical mechanisms of disease development and therapeutic options
- Graduate Attribute: Verbal communication
- Graduate Attribute: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.