NNEK23001U Advanced Nutrition Physiology and Metabolism

Volume 2025/2026
Education

MSc Programme in Human Nutrition

MSc Programme Food Innovation and Health
 

Content

The course will focus on micro- and macronutrients, including definitions, classifications, chemical structure, physical and chemical characteristics, and physiological and metabolic functions. This will comprise digestion, absorption, transportation, storage, and excretion of nutrients, as well as factors influencing these processes, including interaction among nutrients and other dietary factors. The biochemical role of micronutrients and physiological effects of excess and deficient micronutrient intake will be addressed. Examples from relevant and new research will be included.

 

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Describe in detail digestion, absorption, transportation, storage of nutrients and factors of importance for these processes.
  • Describe in detail metabolism and regulation of nutrients in normal physiological functions.
  • Characterize the function of nutrients in physiological functions and in the context of different dietary patterns, including a sustainable diet.


Skills:

  • Explain in detail digestion, absorption, transportation of micro- and macronutrients.
  • Differentiate storage, mobilization, and metabolism of micro- and macronutrients.
  • Analyze factors influencing these processes.
  • Discuss and reflect on the absorption and metabolism of the nutrients and their importance for the normal functions of the human organism.
  • Use scientific language to discuss and explain problems.


Competences:

  • Systematic and deep understanding of metabolism and physiology of micro- and macronutrients.
  • Work independently within the field of nutrition physiology and metabolism.

Course literature will be announced at study start on the course’s Absalon page.

The course build on knowledge and competences in basic human nutrition.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures, theoretical exercises, written report, group work.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 162
  • Exercises
  • 12
  • Exam
  • 2
  • Total
  • 206
Not relevant
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 2 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
The on-site written exam is an ITX exam.
See important information about ITX-exams at Study Information, menu point: Exams -> Exam types and rules -> Written on-site exams (ITX)
Aid
All aids allowed

The University will make computers available to students at the ITX-exam.

Students are not permitted to bring digital aids like computers, tablets, calculators, mobile phones etc.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam.

If ten or fewer students have registered for re-examination, the examination will be changed to an oral examination with 10 minutes preparation and 15 minutes examination including assessment.

 

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see ”Learning Outcome”