Course coordinator
Dr Nathan Cook
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
This course provides an in-depth understanding of nutrition science: what the human body requires in terms of food constituents to maintain day to day homeostasis and overall health. Topics covered include: digestion and absorption principles; energy metabolism pathways; macronutrients and micronutrients absorption, metabolism, and the mechanisms of action of their functions in health; assessment, signs, symptoms and possible reasons of nutrient deficiencies; where macro and micronutrients are found in foods. The course also provides an understanding of how nutrient targets are determined, and how nutrition science is translated into dietary guidelines for healthy eating. The course equips students with the tools to discern objectively between evidence-based nutrition information and often unfounded commercially-motivated nutrition claims.
NUTR2101 is the foundation course in human nutrition science, which provides in-depth knowledge about the macro- and micronutrients found in food, including: theﾠmolecular structure, digestion, absorption, transport, storage, excretion, and mechanisms of action of selected functions.ﾠThe course content is designed to provide students with the fundamental concepts of nutrition science and serves as the basis for Advanced Nutrition Science (NUTR3201) offered by the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences in Semester 2.
NUTR2101 examines foods in terms of nutrient profile. It provides the background required for the understanding of the diet-disease relationships covered in the Masters of Dietetics Studies. NUTR2101 also provides the backgroundﾠto evaluate the role of food and its constituents in broader contexts including: the health industry, public health promotions, food manufacture, and health-related media.ﾠ
NUTR2101 is run over 13 weeks. The weekly workloadﾠincludes 2-3 hours-worth of study of the lecture material posted in the pre-recorded format on the UQ Extend platform, aﾠ2-hour in-person workshop and an estimated additional 5 hours of preparation reading and studying, plus completion of assessed quizzes. In addition, the course coordinator is available weekly (from Week 2) for a 1hr live Zoom, and or separate in-person 30 minutes sessions throughout semester where you can join in to ask clarification questions or book certain timeslots to discuss content of the course (day and time as specified on Blackboard in Week 1; for in person - bookings are essential).
The in-person workshops attendance and participation isﾠcrucial for adequate integration of the content. Workshops includeﾠinteractive learning, discussions on contemporary topics, clarification of assessable items, individual and group work, and practice exam questions to help you assimilate the knowledge in a practical and useful way. Your engagement and participation ensure that you are gaining the most of these in-person sessions. Workshops are not recorded.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course requires a good background knowledge of chemistry, general humanﾠphysiology, the anatomy ofﾠthe digestive system, and a general understanding of the digestiveﾠprocesses.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(CHEM1090 or CHEM1100) + (CHEM1200 or CHEM1221)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Nathan Cook
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The lecture material is delivered via the UQ Extend platform in pre-recorded videos, readings and activities. Workshops are delivered in person as per your timetable schedule. Workshops are not recorded.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with:
- Accurate knowledge on the science of human nutrition, with emphasis onﾠcontemporary scientific theoriesﾠand principles of dietary requirements and human nutrition metabolism.
- Knowledge conferring the ability to understand and assess the role of food, and food-constituentsﾠin health,ﾠand in the prevention ofﾠdisease where relevant.
- The skills to locate and critically evaluate nutrition information from various sources, in order to discriminate accurately between substantiated and unsubstantiated claims, and between scientific and anecdotal statements.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate robust understanding of human digestion, nutrient absorption, endogenous production and/or conversion to bioactive forms of nutrients, and transport for delivery to cells.
LO2.
Demonstrate a robust knowledge of micro- and macronutrients with respect to their characteristics and functions; how the Australian Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) are determined and their role; and where nutrients are specifically found in the diet.
LO3.
Demonstrate robust understanding of metabolism pathways of macro and micronutrients, and mechanisms of action in selected functions, with outcomes on the nutritional status of the individual. Identify and explain the reasoning behind nutrition targets and healthy eating recommendations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quizzes
|
20% (10 x quizzes worth 2% each) |
Quiz 1: 10/03/2026 Quiz 2: 17/03/2026 Quiz 3: 24/03/2026 Quiz 4: 31/03/2026 Quiz 5: 21/04/2026 Quiz 6: 28/04/2026 Quiz 7: 5/05/2026 Quiz 8: 12/05/2026 Quiz 9: 19/05/2026 Quiz 10: 26/05/2026
Quiz link opens at 12:01am and is due by 11:59pm. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 28/03/2026 - 3/05/2026 |
| Examination |
End of semester exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Online Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20% (10 x quizzes worth 2% each)
- Due date
Quiz 1: 10/03/2026
Quiz 2: 17/03/2026
Quiz 3: 24/03/2026
Quiz 4: 31/03/2026
Quiz 5: 21/04/2026
Quiz 6: 28/04/2026
Quiz 7: 5/05/2026
Quiz 8: 12/05/2026
Quiz 9: 19/05/2026
Quiz 10: 26/05/2026
Quiz link opens at 12:01am and is due by 11:59pm.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
10 x 40 minute (20 questions) multiple choice quizzes which will include questions from the course content including UQ Extend, Readings and Workshops. Each quiz will be on the previous weeks content.
Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
To be completed as an online quiz via the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Your deferred quiz date and time will be determined by the course coordinator and communicated to you via your UQ student email account.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In-Semester Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
28/03/2026 - 3/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The examination relates to course content, workshops and reading material from weeks 1 to 6.
The examination contains a mix of MCQs, SAQs, problem solving, short and medium answer questions. You will need a UQ approved calculator.
Attendance to workshops assist greatly in your preparation and provide an indication of the types of the questions to expect in the in-semester exam.
Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is permitted Unmarked bilingual dictionary |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submit your exam once completed via the Inspera platform.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
End of semester exam
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The examination relates to the content covered throughout the second half of semester including:
- MCQ and problem-solving questions relate specifically to week 7 to 13 content only (course content, workshops and reading material).
- Short answer questions relate to week 7 to 13
Attendance with active participation to workshops, completing the preparation reading, and completing the weekly quizzes are all essential to be appropriately prepared for the final exam. Short answer exam questions are practiced during workshops.
Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
In order to pass this course, you must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam. If you do not meet this requirement, the highest grade you can receive for this course is a 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is permitted Unmarked bilingual dictionary |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submit your exam once completed via the Inspera platform.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Serious deficiencies in quality of performance in relation to learning objectives.ﾠFails to satisfy most basic requirements of the course. This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 0 and 24%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course.ﾠClear deficiencies in performance. Some evidence that some of the basic requirements have been met. This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 25ﾠand 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for Pass but is close to acceptableﾠoverall. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who either achieves a cumulative percentage for all graded assessment of 50% or higher but who does not achieve a minimum of 40% at the end of semester exam, or who achieves a cumulative percentage for all graded assessment of 45% and 49%. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates basic quality of performance considered satisfactory or adequateﾠor capable in the course. This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 50 and 64%. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts. Demonstratesﾠawareness of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems. Demonstrates ability to solve problems based on acquired knowledge, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability toﾠevaluate new ideas and develop relevant insight. This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is betweenﾠ65 and 74%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates thoroughﾠunderstanding of the fundamental and extended concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of routine and non-routine contexts, including where synthesis ofﾠknowledge is required. Develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification. Communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline.ﾠDemonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental contents and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skillsﾠto show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, use of analytical skills and some originality in insight. This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 75 and 84%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates all the previously described knowledge requirement (as detailed in grade 6)ﾠwithﾠmastery , astuteﾠmetacognition, insight, and adequate application in assessments, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course. Work is consistent, constentlyﾠaccurate, insightful, and outstanding. This grade is awarded when the summation of all marks from all assessment items completed gives a percentage of the maximum score that is between 85 and 100%. |
Additional course grading information
A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g. 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64).
In order to pass this course, you must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the End of semester exam. If you do not meet this requirement, the highest grade you can receive for this course is a 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Wardlaw Perspectives in Nutrition | Available as an ebook or hardcopy. 12th Edition, 2022. Authors: Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Jacqueline Berning, Danita Kelley, Jaclyn Abbot Publisher: McGraw Hill | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
- Australian Healthy Eating Guidelines website and tools:ﾠhttps://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/
- Nutrient Reference Values:ﾠhttps://www.nrv.gov.au/
- NHMRC:ﾠhttp://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications
- Dietitians Australia:ﾠhttps://dietitiansaustralia.org.au
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand:ﾠhttps://www.foodstandards.gov.au/
- Choice:ﾠhttp://www.choice.com.au
- NIHﾠOffice of dietary supplements:ﾠhttps://ods.od.nih.gov/
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Centreﾠﾠhttps://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic
- Food Watch:ﾠhttp://www.foodwatch.com.au
- Healthy Food Guide:ﾠhttp://www.healthyfoodguide.com.au
- Nutrition Australia:ﾠhttp://www.nutritionaustralia.org
- The World of Food Science:ﾠhttp://www.worldfoodscience.org
- WHO Food Safety:ﾠhttp://www.who.int/foodsafety
- American Society of Nutrition:ﾠhttps://nutrition.org/
- The International Union of Nutrition Science:ﾠhttps://iuns.org/ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1- Healthy eating, food law + no tutorial Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2- Digestion, absorption & energy metabolism + Chosen Tutorial 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3- Carbohydrates + Chosen Tutorial 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4- Protein + Chosen Tutorial 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5- Lipids + Chosen Tutorial 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6- Fibre, Alcohol + Chosen Tutorial 5 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7- Introduction to micronutrients + Chosen Tutorial 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8- Fat soluble vitamins + Chosen Tutorial 7 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9- Water soluble vitamins part 1 + Chosen Tutorial 8 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10- Water soluble vitamins part 2 + Chosen Tutorial 9 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11- Water; major minerals + Chosen Tutorial 10 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12- Minor / trace minerals + Chosen Tutorial 11 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Week 13- Revision + Chosen Tutorial 12 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: