MEDSCI 315 : Nutrition, Diet and Gene Interactions

Medical and Health Sciences

2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Focuses on the importance of nutrition in health and disease from a clinical perspective. The contribution of genetic and epigenetic factors and dietary influences in the development of a range of disorders will be considered. The course is structured using themes that include technologies, gut and metabolism, inflammation, nervous system, mobility and population health.

Course Overview

MEDSCI315 (Nutrition, diet and gene interactions) is designed to provide an introduction into how the environment interacts with an individuals genetics to modulate the risk of disease development and progression from a cellular signalling perspective through to a population level. The focus of this course is on genetic interaction with nutrition (nutrigenomics), but examples of exercise and pharmacological interactions will also be discussed. This course will require conceptual and practical application of techniques and study design to interrogate gene-diet interactions. Delivery is through a combination of lectures, tutorials, student-led blended learning and practical laboratory classes.  

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 202, 203

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Science

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Be able to critically evaluate scientific literature in the field of diet and genetic interactions (Capability 1, 2 and 5)
  2. Describe the role of genetics and potential environmental interactions in the development and treatment of common diseases and medical conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and Crohn's disease (Capability 1, 2 and 4)
  3. Discuss the role of the microbiome in determining the response to a dietary intervention (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  4. Evaluate and apply different study designs used in investigating gene-diet interactions (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 4)
  5. Demonstrate an understanding and application of different 'omics' technologies used in gene-diet interaction research (Capability 1, 2 and 4)
  6. Understand the differences in individual responses to dietary intake and how this may relate to the perception of flavor (Capability 1 and 2)
  7. Communicate how diet and environment can impact on cancer risk and progression by interacting with genetics and epigenetic (Capability 1, 2 and 4)
  8. Identify, explain and evaluate the risk and benefits of dietary supplements on bone health (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 25% Individual Coursework
Presentation 10% Group Coursework
Laboratories 5% Individual Coursework
Test 15% Individual Test
Final Exam 45% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Assignments
Presentation
Laboratories
Test
Final Exam

Learning Resources

PowerPoint files and audio used for delivery of the lecture will be available through CANVAS. Reading material will be available through CANVAS.

Course Contacts

Course Coordinator: Troy Merry t.merry@auckland.ac.nz ext 89008

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 3 hours of lectures, tutorials or flip-class rooms per week, 2 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 4 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation. You will also be expected to attend 4 laboratory sessions of 2-3 h during the semester.   

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 18/02/2020 02:49 p.m.