Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOL3202 Nutritional biochemistry (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota 150
Course Co-ordinator Dr I K C Cheng, Biological Sciences < ibiscks@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr I K C Cheng,School of Biological Sciences)
(Prof B C B Chan,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives To introduce the fundamental concepts of nutrition through an integrated approach in discussing the interactions between diet and intermediary metabolism.
Course Contents & Topics Essential nutrients and their requirement;
Metabolic control of macronutrient utilization;
Metabolism of micronutrients
Nutritional impacts of hexoses, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, cholesterol, amino acids, vitamins and minerals
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 explain how different organs coordinate to achieve metabolic control of glucose
CLO 2 understand the metabolic pathways of cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids
CLO 3 understand the theoretical constructs of nitrogen requirement and the importance of the urea cycle
CLO 4 understand the biochemical roles of micronutrient in human health
CLO 5 explain the biochemical outcomes of nutrient deficiency/excess
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC2600 or BIOL2220 or MEDE2301
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 2,1,5,4,3 >
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 5,4,3,2,1 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 3,2,1,5,4 >
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,1,5,4,3 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 5,4,3,2,1 >
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 3,2,1,5,4 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,5,4,3,2 >
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 4,3,2,1,5 >
2021 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 2,1,5,4,3 >
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 5,4,3,2,1 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough grasp of the subject matter covered. Show exceptional ability on knowledge integration, problem identification and solving. Show outstanding ability to critically analyze and interpret scientific data and draw appropriate conclusions. Demonstrate highly effective organization / writing skills.
B Demonstrate substantial grasp of the subject matter covered. Show full ability on knowledge integration, problem identification and solving. Show reasonable ability to critically analyze and interpret scientific data and draw appropriate conclusions. Demonstrate effective organization / writing skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete grasp of the subject matter covered. Might show misunderstanding of the materials. Show some ability on knowledge integration, problem identification and solving. Show some ability to analyze and interpret scientific data and draw proper conclusions. Demonstrate adequate organization / writing skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited grasp, with retention of some relevant information, of the subject matter covered. Misunderstanding of the materials is not uncommon. Show limited ability on knowledge integration, problem identification and solving. Use elementary approaches to analyze and interpret scientific data and draw sometimes erroneous conclusions. Demonstrate basic organization / writing skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no grasp, with retention of little relevant information, of the subject matter covered. Show lack of coherent and logical thinking, and minimal competence in problem solving. Fail to integrate information and identify problems. Seriously deficient in ability to analyze and interpret scientific data and draw conclusions. Demonstrate poor organization / writing skills.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 34.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Examination 50.0 1,2,3,4,5
Test 30.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 S.S. Gropper & J. L. Smith 'Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism' (6th edition) Elsevier
M.H. Stipanuk & M.A. Caudill 'Biochemical, physiological, and molecular aspects of human nutrition' (3rd edition) Elsevier
K. N. Frayn 'Metabolic Regulation – a human perspective' Wiley-Blackwell
G.F. Combs & J. P. McClung 'The Vitamins – Fundamental aspects in nutrition and health' (5th edition) Elsevier
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk/
Additional Course Information This course will be offered subject to a minimum enrollment number and availability of teachers


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