Course info

This module explores how human energy (fuel) metabolism is regulated. The processes coordinating carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism will be examined; key topics including organ specialisation, hormonal control, metabolic homeostasis, appetite and body weight and consequences of disturbances of metabolism will be discussed.

Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. explain how human energy (fuel) metabolism is regulated by the coordinated activities of different organs;
2. describe the key features of the pathways linking carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism and their regulation;
3. explain the hormonal processes that control energy metabolism;
4. describe the molecular mechanisms by which extracellular hormones trigger responses in cellular activities;
5. discuss how cellular energy status is monitored and controlled;
6. describe the main signalling molecules, and their actions that influence appetite and body weight;
7. discuss the major consequences of disturbances to energy metabolism;
8. demonstrate competence in (a) the analysis and interpretation of data, (b) written communication(poster) and (c) practical determination of the values of the kinetic parameters Km, Vmax of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.