HSN211 Nutritional Physiology Notes

Unit Overview

  • Unit Code: HSN211
  • Title: Nutritional Physiology
  • Institution: Deakin University
  • Provider Code: 00113B

Acknowledgement of Country

  • Deakin acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land.
  • Respect is paid to Elders and Ancestors for their custodianship over the land for many thousands of years.

Unit Aims

  • Expand knowledge from HBS109 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Topics include:
    • Gastrointestinal system anatomy and physiology.
    • Human nutrient requirements, including water and electrolyte balance.
    • Energy use and control of energy balance.
    • Micronutrient use in normal cell functioning.

Teaching Staff

  • Unit Chair/Lecturers:
    • Dr. Ajam Khokhar
    • Dr. Andrew Costanzo
    • Dr. Linda Atkins
  • Seminar Tutors:
    • Linda Atkins (Burwood)
    • Ajam Khokhar (Geelong)
    • Andrew Costanzo (Online)
  • Contact: HSN211@deakin.edu.au

Seminar Structure

  • 5 x 2-hour on-campus seminars.
  • 5 x 2-hour online seminars (Thursdays 10-11:50 am AEDT/AEST).
  • Held in weeks: 2, 5, 7, 8, and 10.

Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)

  • ULO1: Explain the physiological function and mechanisms of the gastrointestinal system.
  • ULO2: Describe the functions of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals in energy metabolism.
  • ULO3: Detail the physiology of digestion, regulation, and metabolism of major nutrients.
  • ULO4: Evaluate energy regulation, utilization, and mechanisms controlling appetite and thirst.
  • ULO5: Discuss physiological mutations affecting nutrient digestion and absorption.

Assessment Tasks

  1. Assignment:

    • Topic: Gastrointestinal Physiology.
    • Individual written assignment.
    • Word limit: 1250 words; max two A4 pages.
    • Due: April 1, 2025 (Week 5).
    • Weighting: 30%.

  2. Literature Review:

    • Individual assignment and multimedia presentation.
    • Written: 1500 words; Multimedia: 3-minute video.
    • Due: May 13, 2025 (Week 10).
    • Weighting: 40%.

  3. Exam:

    • Format: Short answer.
    • Duration: 1.5 hours.
    • Covers all topics (1-11).
    • Weighting: 30%.

Learning Resources

  • Essential:
    Whitney E, Rolfes SR, Crowe T, et al., Understanding Nutrition, 4th ed, Cengage Learning, 2019.
  • Recommended:
    Widmaier EP, Raff H, Strang KT, Vander's Human Physiology, 15th ed, McGraw Hill, 2019.
  • Additional online resources available via CloudDeakin.

Importance of CloudDeakin

  • Regular access improves performance; lack of assessment submissions or infrequent access can lead to failure.
  • CloudDeakin hosts learning materials, assessments, and discussions.

Chemistry Background Support

  • Appendix B for foundational chemistry is required reading for those with weak backgrounds.
  • Appendix C provides additional resources for unit progress.

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

  • Familiarize with Deakin’s policies regarding plagiarism and paraphrasing.
  • Severe consequences are in place for instances of plagiarism.

Unit Outline

  • Weeks 1-3: Gastrointestinal Physiology (GI Tract, Liver, Pancreas).
  • Weeks 4-7: Macronutrients & Energy (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids).
  • Weeks 8-11: Vitamins & Minerals (Fat- and Water-soluble vitamins, Major minerals).

Gastrointestinal System Overview

  • Main Components: Oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum).
  • Six Digestive Functions:
    1. Ingestion
    2. Mechanical Processing
    3. Secretion
    4. Digestion
    5. Absorption
    6. Excretion

Functions of Major Digestive Organs

Oral Cavity
  • Breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva.
Esophagus
  • Hollow muscular tube (~25 cm long) that moves food via peristalsis (~9 sec).
Stomach
  • Mechanical breakdown and enzymatic digestion; stores food as chyme and kills bacteria (low pH ~2.0).
Small Intestine
  • Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum: Major site of nutrient absorption (~90%). Breaks down chyme and absorbs nutrients aided by circling folds and microvilli.
Large Intestine
  • Functions include water reabsorption, compaction of contents, and vitamin absorption produced by bacteria.
  • Major sections: Cecum, Colon (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid), and Rectum.

Physiological Functions

  • Each digestive organ has specific contributions towards digestion and nutrient absorption; the coordination of these organs is essential for overall digestive efficiency.