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Unit of study_
NUTM3001: Introductory Nutrition and Metabolism
2025 unit information
Nutrition is a multidisciplinary science that covers the role of food in health and disease. Advances in biomolecular science have increased the focus of nutrition on the metabolic pathways that transform nutrients. This unit of study aims to explore fundamentals in nutritional science to develop an understanding of the core concepts in human nutrition through exploring the role of macro- and micro-nutrients and their interaction across the lifespan, mostly in the healthy individual. The focus will be the biochemical reactions that take place in cells, how these are influenced by different nutrients and what are the implications for the whole body. This unit of study will consider the structure and chemical characteristics of nutrients, their metabolism, and their roles in health and disease. This unit of study will explore how animal models, cell culture techniques and human trials have contributed to advancing nutritional science. Examples from current research will be used to illustrate how nutrients are metabolised, mostly in health, and the expanding scope of research in human nutrition.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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[12 credit points from (BCHM2X71 or BCHM2X72 or BCMB2X01 or BCMB2X02 or MBLG2X71)] or [(BMED2401 or MEDS2001) and (BMED2405 or MEDS2003)] and 6 credit points from (BCHM2X71 or BCMB2X02 or MBLG2X71)] |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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2000-level physiology including knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the source and metabolism of the major macro- and micro-nutrients in the human diet
- LO2. discuss concepts relating to energy storage and flux
- LO3. demonstrate an understanding of dietary reference standards, and potential consequences of both over and under-consumption of macro- and micro-nutrients
- LO4. discuss other issues, not directly related to diet, which may influence nutritional status and weight management
- LO5. demonstrate an understanding of how the body senses nutrients at different levels
- LO6. discuss issues and demonstrate critical thinking skills surrounding fad diets and the potential impact of these on nutritional status
- LO7. demonstrate highly developed skills relating to communication using a range of media (both oral and written), team-work, laboratory work, and critical thinking, particularly important in an arena where misinformation abounds.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
BMedSc degree students: You must have successfully completed BMED2401 and an additional 12cp from BMED240X before enrolling in this unit.
