Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOL3211 Nutrigenomics (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota 40
Course Co-ordinator Dr I K C Cheng, Biological Sciences < ibisckc@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr I K C Cheng,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives Recent advances in the understanding of the human genome have resulted in the emergence of a new science called Nutrigenomics. This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underpinning the science of nutrition and the relation between genes and diet-related diseases. It explains the role of nutrition at the molecular level and the concepts of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics.
Course Contents & Topics Concepts of nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, metabolomics and nutritional biochemistry.
Regulation of gene expression; Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and relation to diseases.
Overview of lipid metabolism; cholesterol metabolic pathway; hyperlipidaemia, LDL receptor mutations.
Relevance of  folate, vitamin B12; hyperhomocysteinemia and gene polymorphisms in diseases.
Epigenetics, Barker s hypothesis, influence of maternal nutrition in fetal gene expression. Obesity, genetic predisposition, candidate genes like leptin, FTO and other hormones involved in the control of appetite
Polyunsaturated fatty acid and their roles in the control of gene expression example lipogenesis and lipid oxidation pathways;
Inborn errors of metabolism in the context of genetic mutations and personalized diet therapy
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 explain the principles of the control of gene expression
CLO 2 demonstrate understanding of the role of metabolic pathways in relationship to diet, gene expression and disease
CLO 3 discuss how genetic variations are used to study the role of genes in nutrient-related cellular processes
CLO 4 explain the relationship between genotype, epigenetics and diet-related diseases
CLO 5 critically evaluate current theories of personalized nutrition based on individual genetic variation
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 Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Food & Nutritional Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 2,3,4,5 >
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 extensive ability of knowledge integration and problem solving skills. Show excellent ability to critically analyze and interpret complex scientific data and draw appropriate conclusions. Demonstrate highly effective organization and writing skills.
B Demonstrate substantial grasp of the subject matter covered. Show substantial ability of knowledge integration and problem solving skills. Show substantial ability to critically analyze and interpret scientific data and draw appropriate conclusions. Demonstrate effective organization and writing skills.
C Demonstrate general and acceptable grasp of the subject matter covered. Show acceptable ability of knowledge integration and problem solving skills. Show moderate ability to analyze and interpret scientific data and draw proper conclusions. Demonstrate moderate organization and writing skills.
D Demonstrate marginal grasp of the subject matter covered. Show limited ability on knowledge integration and problem solving skills. Show limited ability to analyse and interpret scientific data. Demonstrate basic organization and writing skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no grasp, with little retention of information of the subject matter covered. Show lack of coherent and logical thinking, and minimal evidence in problem solving. Fail to integrate information and identify problems. Show little or minimal ability to analyze and interpret scientific data and draw conclusions. Demonstrate poor organization and writing skills.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials student-centered learning 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments presentation 30.0 1,2,3,4,5
Examination 40.0 1,2,3,4,5
Test 30.0 1
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Ordovas: Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics. Wiley. 2004
Brigelius-Flohe, Joost: Nutritional Genomics. Wiley. 2006.
Rimbach, Fuchs, Packer: Nutrigenomics, CRC Press. 2005
Journals in Nutrition, Molecular Biology and Genetics
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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