Outline

Overview

Nutrition is a multidisciplinary science that covers the role of food in health and disease. Advances in biomolecular science have increased the focus of nutrition on the metabolic pathways that transform nutrients. This unit of study aims to explore fundamentals in nutritional science to develop an understanding of the core concepts in human nutrition through exploring the role of macro- and micro-nutrients and their interaction across the lifespan, mostly in the healthy individual. The focus will be the biochemical reactions that take place in cells, how these are influenced by different nutrients and what are the implications for the whole body. This unit of study will consider the structure and chemical characteristics of nutrients, their metabolism, and their roles in health and disease. This unit of study will explore how animal models, cell culture techniques and human trials have contributed to advancing nutritional science. Examples from current research will be used to illustrate how nutrients are metabolised, mostly in health, and the expanding scope of research in human nutrition.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[12 credit points from (BCHM2X71 or BCHM2X72 or BCMB2X01 or BCMB2X02 or MBLG2X71)] or {[(BMED2401 or MEDS2001) and (BMED2405 or MEDS2003)] and 6 credit points from (BCHM2X71 or BCMB2X02 or MBLG2X71)}
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	2000-level physiology including knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kim Bell-Anderson, kim.bell-anderson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Exam with multiple choice and short answer questions	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Journal club presentation - Part 1 Oral presentation live or submitted	5%	Week 05 Due date: 26 Mar 2026 at 23:59	5 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Journal club presentation - Part 2 Oral presentation live or submitted	15%	Week 05 Due date: 26 Mar 2026 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Diet & Metabolic Signalling lab report Written report	15%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Nutritional genomics assessment See Canvas for more details	15%	Week 09 Due date: 30 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Glycemic Index Abstract Written summary of practical work	10%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 23:59	300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Journal club presentation: In this exercise you will get help from the library to select and describe a research article through critical analysis of both the science and source.
Diet & metabolic signalling lab report: Write a short paper based on the metabolic signalling practicals.
Nutritional genomics assignment: The assessment will be a research task where you will be asked to find relevant information in the literature online in relation to specific related short answer questions.
Glycemic Index abstract: Write a scientific abstract based on the Glycemic Index practical classes.
Final exam: 2 h of lecture content-related questions in the end of semester exam. Supervised test/exam*: Pen and paper on campus.
This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Energy balance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Dietary macronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Dietary macronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Diet & Metabolic Signalling Lab 1: cDNA creation	Practical (4 hr)
Week 04	Dietary macronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Diet & Metabolic Signalling Lab 2: qPCR	Practical (4 hr)
Week 05	Diet & Metabolic Signalling Lab debrief	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Dietary micronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Dietary micronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Personalised nutrition – online exercises	Practical (1 hr)
Week 08	Dietary micronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Dietary micronutrients	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Glycemic Index Lab 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Nutritional endocrinology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Glycemic Index Lab 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Nutritional endocrinology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Glycemic Index Lab 3	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Nutrition across the lifecycle	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.
Referencing guide: It is essential in scientific reports and essays that proper acknowledgment is given to the research and ideas of others. Material that is a direct quote must be indicated as such by quotation marks or by setting the material apart from the text. The quote must also be acknowledged with a reference to its source. Where a direct quote is not made, but a fact is stated that relies on a particular author, the statement must be acknowledged with a reference. Not acknowledging an information source is a form of plagiarism. For further information about citation and referencing sources visit the University of Sydney Library Quick Reference Guide: http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/citation?hs=a References must be cited in the text, starting in the introduction. For this course you can use either the Author–date style (Harvard style) or the Vancouver style to cite and list your references.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Recommended textbook: Food and Nutrition: Sustainable food and health systems (4th ed.), 2020. Gallegos, D., & Wahlqvist, M.L. (Eds.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003115656
Recommended textbook: Essentials of Human Nutrition 6th Edition, 2023. Edited by Jim Mann and A. Stewart Truswell. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198752981

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the source and metabolism of the major macro- and micro-nutrients in the human diet
LO2. discuss concepts relating to energy storage and flux
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of dietary reference standards, and potential consequences of both over and under-consumption of macro- and micro-nutrients
LO4. discuss other issues, not directly related to diet, which may influence nutritional status and weight management
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of how the body senses nutrients at different levels
LO6. discuss issues and demonstrate critical thinking skills surrounding fad diets and the potential impact of these on nutritional status
LO7. demonstrate highly developed skills relating to communication using a range of media (both oral and written), team-work, laboratory work, and critical thinking, particularly important in an arena where misinformation abounds.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The number of academics teaching into this unit has increased to improve feedback and response to student questions related to practical classes.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in the Charles Perkins Centre X-Lab. This includes a laboratory coat, safety glasses and closed, impermeable shoes.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NUTM3001: Introductory Nutrition and Metabolism

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links