Module Identifier RS12520  
Module Title NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Neil R McEwan  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Michael T Rose, Dr Neil F G Beck  
Course delivery Lecture   4 x 1 hour lectures per week  
  Practical   1 x 3 hour practical per week  
  Seminars / Tutorials   2 x 2 hour tutorials to discuss and feedback regarding coursework essays  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Composite practical report of 500 words - outcomes assessed 1, 2, 320%
Semester Assessment 1500 word essay - outcomes assessed 1, 2, 3, 4, 540%
Semester Exam1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed 1, 2, 3, 4, 540%
Supplementary Assessment1.5 Hours Examination - testing all outcomes100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of tissue metabolism and the key metabolic pathways in mammals.

2. Describe the principles of energy, protein and lipid catabolism and anabolism in the body.

3. Identify basic biochemical techniques relevant to metabolism.

4. Summarise metabolic regulation in mammals

5. Appreciate and discuss the importance of the integration of metabolism within the body.

Brief description

An understanding of cellular metabolism and how metabolism is controlled is a pre-requisite to the study of animal and equine science. This module will provide a base for the nutritional and metabolism aspects of the equine and animal sciences schemes offered by IRS.

This module aims to introduce and explain the key metabolic pathways associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in mammalian tissues. Mechanism of energy generation and expenditure will be investigated, as will biosynthetic pathways. Control of metabolism at a cellular level will be explored as will the hormonal integration of metabolism in the body. These key areas will be brought together in an attempt to gain holistic vision of the function and control of metabolism in hepatic, adipose, muscle and mammary tissue.

Key metabolic pathways and control mechanisms in animal and human metabolism will be studied. In particular, pathways and key enzymes in glycolysis and energy generation within mammalian systems, glucogenesis and glycogen metabolism together with lipid and protein catabolism and anabolism will be studied. Control of metabolism at a cellular level will be explored as will the hormonal integration of metabolism in the body. Whole body metabolism will be stressed through a detailed examination of the importance of metabolic status and selective study of key metabolic organs. Specifically the function and control of metabolism in hepatic, adipose, muscle and mammary tissue will be considered within a framework of understanding metabolic demand and nutrient homeostasis.

Formal lectures will be combined with coursework essays and laboratory practicals to help foster a more complete understanding of basic biochemical techniques and how metabolic parameters integrate with metabolism in productive farm animals.

Module Skills

Problem solving As part of the practical aspect of this course students will be expected to interpret and discuss experimental measurements in relation to enzyme kinetics and whole body metabolism  
Research skills Both in terms of laboratory practicals and using research papers from peer reviewed journal sources for essay answers  
Communication Written communication - essay and exam  
Improving own Learning and Performance Developed for essay and exam  
Team work All laboratory work will be carried out in small teams  
Information Technology Word processed essay, incorporating graphical material where appropriate  
Application of Number Interpretation and discussion of data obtained in laboratory practicals will strengthen the students? grasp of number usage  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
BERG J M, TYMOCZKO J L AND STRYER L (2002) BIOCHEMISTRY 5TH. FREEMAN AND CO
GIBSON D M AND HARRIS R A (2002) METABOLIC REGULATION IN MAMMALS TAYLOR AND FRANCIS

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4