MOLECULAR NUTRITION - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module explores the molecular and genetic basis of nutrients in health and disease.  Taught by a collective expertise within the Biosciences of the University students will be well equipped with  the fundamentals of molecular biology and how this is applied to current research and understanding in nutrition.  By the end of the module students will be able to critically appraise topical research in this area and evaluate how new knowledge helps underpin current understanding of disease.    

Module provider

School of Biosciences and Medicine

Module Leader

ELLIOTT Ruan (Biosc & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Previous attendance of MHUM001, MHUM003 and MHUM005

Module content

Duration (h)


Staff


Topic




1


RME


Introduction to molecular nutrition




2


RME


Critical appraisal tutorial




2


RME


Fundamentals of molecular biology – regulation of gene expression




2


KRA


Introduction to genetics




2


RME


Key research methods in molecular biology




2


RME


Transcriptomics




2


RME


Proteomics




2


AT


Metabolomics




2


KA


Nutrigenetics




2


RME


Bioinformatics – a biologist’s perspective




2


KRA


Causes and consequences of 1 carbon metabolism




2


RME


Nutrition and epigenetics




2


RME


Molecular mechanisms of iron and zinc homeostasis




2


RME


Dietary modulation of DNA repair




5


RME/JBM


Workshop: student presentations





 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

For the group work assessment an equivalent piece of coursework will be set for presentation (critical appraisal) or essay resubmission via SurreyLearn

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• Understanding of a wide range of molecular mechanisms by which cells and tissues sense and respond to nutrient exposure and the potential impact of these effects on human health (via both the student oral presentation and essay).


• Understanding and awareness of the fundamentals of the molecular biological methods used in nutrition/nutrigenomic research through a combination of verbal presentation and written work.


• The ability to critically appraisal and interpret current scientific literature in the field of molecular nutrition and nutrigenomics (students presentation and essay).

• A critical appraisal and presentation of a nutrigenomic research paper (group work)


• Structured written assignment with data analysis and data interpretation

• Verbal guidance and feedback during optional group workshop tutorials prior to group presentations


• Written and verbal feedback following group presentations


• Written feedback on written assignment

Module aims

• To provide an overview of the molecular biological tools as they are used in the context of nutrition research
• To provide insight into the interplay between nutrient status/exposure, genetics, molecular mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis, health and disease

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Help the students to gain a thorough understanding of complex experimental techniques and concepts


• Help the students to develop critical appraisal skills through a formative tutorial session followed by peer-learning through group work and a lecturers assisted workshop prior to the oral presentations


• Refine scientific presentation skills through group presentations and essay writing


• Enhance critical engagement with complex scientific principles  through background reading and preparation of the coursework elements

• Lectures, tutorials, group workshops and student seminars.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MHUM006

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.