NUT1004 : Fundamental Principles of Genetics and Biochemistry for Nutrition
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Catherine Meplan
- Lecturer: Dr Damian Parry, Dr Robert Yeo, Professor Gavin Hudson, Dr Alison Day
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aims of this module are to:
• introduce the fundamental principles of human genetics and biochemistry in relation to nutrition
• demonstrate the relationship between structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins
• introduce Mendelian genetics, population genetics and current concepts of molecular genetics applied to eukaryotes
• provide an opportunity for students to interpret genetic information and work through problems in seminars, and relate their knowledge of genetics
• introduce the molecular basis of cellular processes and the principles that underlie many biological events consider the implications in relation to health and disease
• introduce some of the molecular and genetic techniques being used in the postgenomic era of genetics
• demonstrate the relationship between structure and function of carbohydrates and lipids
Outline Of Syllabus
Lectures and seminars cover the following topics:
• Nucleic acids and proteins structure and function
• Relationship between DNA, RNA and proteins
• Replication, transcription and translation
• DNA Sequencing and the human genome
• Epigenetic mechanisms
• Control of gene expression
• Amino acid structure and function
• Carbohydrates structure and function
• Lipid structure and function
• Cell division: mitosis and meiosis
• Molecular techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, genotyping
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative class test |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Non-synchronous online pre-recorded teaching materials supported by sync online support session |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:00 | 17:00 | PIP - lecture |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | PIP Seminars. Class to be broken down into smaller groups for seminars. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 123:00 | 123:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introductory Module Talk - PIP |
| Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
1. Lectures and lecture materials will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.
2. Seminars will enable students to ask questions on lectures and will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working. Students will be encouraged to work with peers to address a set of questions to encourage teamwork before joining the whole group to discuss the answers.
3. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | PIP Inspera Invigilated: computer-based exam. Multiple choice questions (MCQs), approximately 70 questions |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Online synchronous (remote) mid-semester multiple choice questions (formative) will be provided to students under exam conditions. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end of semester examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material. The formative computer assessment will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the format of MCQs exam.
MDiet candidates must obtain an overall mark of 40 or above to pass the module, however, if the module has more than one assessment students must also achieve a mark of at least 35 in each component of the assessment to pass the module.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NUT1004's Timetable