Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The module examines the biological role of macronutrients and their metabolism by integrating basic knowledge in physiology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Relate the principles of biochemistry and physiology to the science of nutrition 2. Describe the structure, function, digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, fats and proteins 3. Describe the key metabolic pathways involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and ketones in the fed and fasted state and, during exercise of different intensities and duration 4. Develop an appreciation for the complex molecular signaling pathways that regulate whole body metabolism is response to a variety of perturbations 5. Interpret nutritional research and debate controversial or evolving nutritional issues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Review Review of inorganic, organic and biochemistry Carbohydrates, fats and proteins Chemical structure and function of carbohydrates fats and proteins Enzymes Structure, function and properties of enzymes with special reference to chemical specificity, chemical affinity, activation energy, kinetics, proteolytic activation and, allosteric and covalent regulation Cellular compartments and membrane transport mechanisms Cellular compartments and membrane transport mechanisms Carbohydrate, fat, and protein digestion and absorption Carbohydrate, fat, and protein digestion and absorption Carbohydrate metabolism Carbohydrate metabolism – aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis, glycogenesis, glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis Lipid metabolism Lipid metabolism – lipolysis, beta oxidation and lipogenesis Very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron Very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron synthesis, transport and metabolism Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex Mechanism of action and regulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex Ketolysis and ketogenesis Ketolysis and ketogenesis Krebs cycle and electron transport chain Krebs cycle and electron transport chain Signal transduction Signal transduction with special reference Gs, Gi and Gq protein linked receptors and insulin signaling pathway Insulin Insulin synthesis, storage and release insulin, glucagon, epinephrine and cortisol Metabolic actions of insulin, glucagon, epinephrine and cortisol Metabolism Molecular mechanisms underpinning the regulation of metabolism in response to normal and prolonged fasting, a meal and exercise | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||