Biochemistry of Nutrition

Faculty

Faculty of Agricultural Science and Landscape Architecture

Version

Version 1 of 28.01.2025.

Module identifier

44B0431

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

only winter term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

The knowledge, understanding and use of human biochemistry is extremely central to the nutritional sciences. In this modul a concise overview of the major human biochemical processes are thematized. This would equip the students to understand the links between states of health and diesease, diesease etiology and pathology towards accessing practice of therapeutic nutritional sciences, laboratory-based nutritional sciences and research in the nutritional sciences.  

Teaching and learning outcomes

  • The thermodynamic basis of human biochemistry
  • Metabolic pathways (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and energy)
  • Structure, function and replication of DNA and RNA
  • Introduction to enzymes and enzyme kinetics
  • Hormones, cytokines and neurotransmitters with some examples of mechanism of action
  • Homeostasis with selected functional analyses
  • Measurement of body composition in context of functional and biochemical tests. 

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Seminar-
30Practice-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Preparation/follow-up for course work-
10Study of literature-
50Exam preparation-
Graded examination
  • Written examination
Exam duration and scope

K2, two hours exam

Recommended prior knowledge

A good knowledge and understanding of human biology, energy processes and biophysics of the nutritional sciences, chemistry, biostatistics and all modules of human nutrition are essential. 

Knowledge Broadening

Die Studierenden know the basic principles and functionality of human biochemistry.

Knowledge deepening

The students can use the basic principles and functionality of the human biochemistry in in-depth explanations of physiology, pathophysiology and targeted toxicology using a person-centered approach.

Knowledge Understanding

The students understand the basic principles and functionality of human biochemistry

Application and Transfer

The students can apply the basic principles and functionality of human biochemistry in the basic assessment of a person's health condition. 

Academic Innovation

The students know and understand the primary, original publications on human biochemistry.

Communication and Cooperation

The students can successfully work on a biochemical topic in groups.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

The students can transfer the knowledge of human biochemistry into the practice of human biochemistry.

Literature

  • Rodwell V.W., Bender D.A., Bothham, K.M., Kennelly P. J. und Weil, P. A. Haper's Illustrated Biochemistry - a Lange medical book. 31st. Edition. McGraw Hll Education, ISBN: 978-1-259-83793-7, 2018.
  • Gropper S.S., Smith J. L. und Carr T. P. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 7th Edition. Cengage Learning. ISBN: 978-1-305-62785-7, 2018.
  • Links zur primären Literatur

Linkage to other modules

The preliminary completion of further necessary modules: "Chemistry", "Nutrition in LIfe-Course - Dietetics", "Energy Processes and Balances in Nutritional Sciences", "Applied Statistics in Bioprocess Engineering", "Food Safety of Animal and Plant Products" or "Food Microbiology and Laboratory Work Techniques" , "Nutrition and Disease I" and "Nutrition and Disease I - Dietetics"

Follow-up and/or parallel recommendation for additional modules: "Nutrition and Disease II" and "Nutrition and Disease II - Dietetics"

Applicability in study programs

  • Home Economics and Nutritional Sciences
    • Home Economics and Nutrition Sciences B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Berkemeyer, Shoma Barbara
    Teachers
    • Berkemeyer, Shoma Barbara