HSN211 - Nutritional Physiology
Unit details
| Year | 2026 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: Andrew Costanzo Trimester 3: TBA |
| Prerequisite: | HBS109 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HSN201 and HSN701 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | Burwood (Melbourne) students: Waurn Ponds (Geelong) students: Warrnambool students: |
| 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. |
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1250 word written assignment | 30% |
|
| Assessment 2: | Written component: | 40% |
|
| Assessment 3: | 90 minutes | 30% |
|
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.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
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To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
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.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.