SCV0707 - Nutrition biology

courses

ID:

SCV0707

Duration (hours):

48

CFU:

SSD:

BIOLOGIA APPLICATA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 30/01/2026)

Course Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the biological basis of human nutrition and the molecular basis of food-related diseases, as well as theoretical hints for operating in the field of nutrition applied to human health. Furthermore, tools will also be provided to understand the metabolic processes and regulatory circuits underlying nutrition and to understand the nutritional implications of possible metabolic and pathological alterations. The student should be able to connect and integrate the different topics of the course by developing his own critical ability. Furthermore, the student should acquire good skills in exposing and communicating the topics learned using an appropriate scientific language.

Course Prerequisites

Basic principles of biochemistry, microbiology and physiology.

Teaching Methods

The teaching activity includes lectures, which will be carried out with the aid of slides. There will also be one or more seminars held by experts

Assessment Methods

Learning is verified through a written exam on the topics covered during the course. The exam consists in a written test aimed to test knowledge of the topics covered in class, summarized in the teaching material available on the e-learning site. The criteria that will guide the evaluation of the exam are based on the consistency of the answers to the questions asked and on the correct use of scientific terminology in the presentation of the topics. The final mark, expressed out of thirty, will be determined by the sum of the score obtained in the exam questions.

The course covers topics related to basic nutrients, macro and micro-nutrients, non-nutrients, ant- nutrients, beverages, antioxidants, bioactive compounds and food in general. The physiological mechanisms underlying nutrition will be reviewed, together with those of hormonal action. Particular emphasis will be given to the role and functions of the intestinal ecosystem. The second part of the course will be dedicated to the study of nutritional needs, essential nutrients, and methods for assessing basal metabolic rate and energy requirements. It will delve into concepts such as anthropometry, body composition, and the regulation of eating behavior, including its alterations. Following this, there will be modules on nutritional approaches in various clinical conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and inflammatory diseases. The course will also cover specific nutritional plans for athletes, ketogenic diets, nutritional support for pharmacological therapies, and bariatric surgery. It will conclude with a focus on fasting-mimicking diets, autophagy, and an introduction to nutrigenomics