NUT2103 - Integrated science systems - 2019

12 points, SCA Band 2, 0.250 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit



Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food

Chief examiner(s)

Assoc Prof Maxine Bonham


Dr Aimee Dordevic
Dr Julia Choate

Unit guides



  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)


NUT1101 and NUT1103


Must be enrolled in course M2001


The unit takes a systems approach to understanding the human body and integrates knowledge from human biology, anatomy, physiology and basic cell biology to achieve an understanding of bodily functions. It will give you an understanding of the detailed workings of vital body systems, acting separately and together to ensure the integrated function of the body as a whole. There will be a particular focus on the immune system in this unit and the area of pharmacology will be introduced owing to interactions with nutrition and physiological processes. This unit complements the unit NUT2104 (Nutritional Biochemistry)


Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Appraise the structure and function of the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, circadian, immune, urinary, skeletal and muscular systems to nutrition, health and disease
  2. Describe the organisation of the human nervous system and differentiate between the roles of the peripheral and central nervous system in normal physiological functioning.
  3. Explain the physiological and biochemical processes associated with the digestion and metabolism of food
  4. Explain neuroendocrine control within the body
  5. Discuss the role of innate and acquired immunity in health and disease.
  6. Describe the pharmacokinetics of common drugs, their distribution and metabolism in the body and their interaction with nutrients
  7. Evaluate the integration of physiological systems and processes within significant nutrition issues relating to health and disease.
  8. Interpret physiological data generated in the laboratory and demonstrate skills in the reporting of laboratory experiments


  • 5 x laboratory practicals (25%)
  • Critical essay (3,000 words) (20%)
  • Mid-semester examination (90 minutes) (15%)
  • Final examination (3 hours) (40%) (hurdle)

Workload requirements

24 hours a week

4 x 2 hours per week lectures/tutorials on campus

1 x 3 hours practical on campus

13 hours self study and assessment

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study