VET10080 Cell and Whole Body Metabolism

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module focuses on the pathways of intermediary metabolism, with particular reference to domestic animals. It describes the main pathways of intermediary metabolism, their relationship to each other, and how they are regulated by hormones. Students learn about enzyme activity and regulation, and the main pathways of carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. These pathways are illustrated using examples from various domestic species. This module describes how precursors generated in these pathways are used to generate compounds such as nucleic acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters. The hormonal regulation of metabolic pathways in different species is discussed, with reference to clinical veterinary scenarios. The metabolic function of vitamins and minerals and their relevance to health and disease is discussed in the context of ruminant and monogastric species.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the essential elements of cell metabolism, including protein structure, enzyme kinetics, and regulation of enzyme activity.
2. Describe the central pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and protein metabolism in domestic animals
3. Display an understanding of the processes by which cells obtain energy (glycolysis, TCA cycle, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation)
4. Display an understanding of metabolic processes within cells, understand the role of hormones in regulating metabolism in different domestic species, and be able to describe some of the clinical implications of deficiencies in these hormones.
5. Understand how vitamins and minerals are required for many cellular functions, and some of the pathological effects of deficiency or oversupply of these in domestic animals.
6. Be aware of current research themes in this area.

Indicative Module Content:

Enzyme activity and structure, regulation, relevance to veterinary medicine
Carbohydrate metabolism, including hormonal regulation by insulin and glucagon
Energy metabolism
Oxidative phosphorylation
Protein and amino acid metabolism
Lipid metabolism
Vitamins in metabolism
Minerals in metabolism

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Small Group

2
Practical

8
Autonomous Student Learning

85
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures (27 hours)
Laboratory practical classes (4 2-hour classes) in which students work in pairs to perform experiments, do calculations, combine and analyze data and plot this using graphs.
Group work: 2 hour study group in which students work together to answer short and long questions based on topics related to intermediary metabolism and health and disease. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Multiple Choice Questionnaire examination. Week 8 n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

35
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Multiple choice and short questions Week 12 n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

65

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is given on a group basis after the MCQ held in week 8. Some students also ask for individual feedback, on arrangement, especially if they have done badly. This serves to show students how well they are doing halfway through the module, and can also correct misconceptions held by the class.

Name Role
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Ms Elise O'Byrne-White Tutor
Ms Michelle Purcell Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor