This course focuses on the scientific basis of nutrition in an interdisciplinary manner, covering the biochemistry and physiology linking diet to health and disease. Nutritional aspects of macro- and micronutrients will be integrated within the exploration of nutritionally-related conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The course is structured into six themes, each consisting of a block of lectures followed by a theme tutorial. Course content will be focused on recent research and developments in the field, and as such, students will have the opportunity to critique and debate contemporary issues in nutritional science. Throughout the semester, students will also participate in a number of interactive laboratory sessions, where they will not only acquire practical skills related to dietary analysis but also, as the subjects of their own analyses, gain insight into their own nutritional status!
BIOSCI 358 is a required course in the BSc specialising in Food Science and Nutrition (Nutrition pathway), and also of interest to any students planning further study or a career in the areas of food, nutrition and metabolism, dietetics, health and/or biomedical science or bioscience enterprise.