HSN211 - Nutritional Physiology

Unit details

Year

2025 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Trimester 3: Online
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Ajam Khokhar
Trimester 3: Paige Van Der Pligt
Prerequisite:

HBS109

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with:

HSN201 and HSN701

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

Burwood (Melbourne) students:
1 x 2 hour lecture per week
5 x 2 hour seminars per trimester

Waurn Ponds (Geelong) students:
1 x 2 hour lecture per week
5 x 2 hour seminars per trimester

Warrnambool students:
1 x 2 hour online recorded lectures per week
5 x 2 hour online seminars per trimester

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour online recorded lectures per week and 5 x 2 hour online seminars per trimester

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Content

This unit expands on the knowledge acquired in HBS109 Human Structure and Function and examines the physiology pertinent to the study of human nutrition. Specifically, this unit will provide students with an understanding of: gastrointestinal system anatomy and physiology including mechanical & chemical digestion; nutrient absorption and pancreatic, liver and biliary system function; physiological mechanisms that control the gastrointestinal system; human nutrient requirements; renal physiology including body fluid homeostasis and water and electrolyte balance and excretion; energy use and control of energy balance; micronutrient use in normal cell functioning and physiological mutations that impact nutrient digestion and absorption.

Learning Outcomes

ULO These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can:

Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs)

ULO1

Describe in detail and explain the physiological function of, and the physiological mechanisms that control, the gastrointestinal system.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO2

Identify and explain the functions of the macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism and control of physiological functions.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO3

Describe and explain in detail the physiology of digestion, regulation and metabolism of the major macro- and micro-nutrients.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO4

Evaluate and describe how the body maintains a constant supply of energy through regulation of energy intake, energy utilisation and the physiological mechanisms controlling appetite and thirst.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO5

Identify, evaluate and explain physiological mutations and pathophysiological alterations that impact nutrient digestion and absorption.

GLO5: Problem solving

Assessment

Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week

Assessment 1: Gastrointestinal
physiology assignment

1250 word written assignment 30%
  • Week 5

Assessment 2:
Literature review and multimedia presentation

Written component:
1500 words
Multimedia component: 
180 seconds

40%
  • Week 10

Assessment 3:
End-of-Unit Assessment

90 minutes 30%
  • End-of-unit assessment period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning resource

The texts and reading list for HSN211 can be found via the University Library.

Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.