13.8 Human Biosciences

Human Biosciences courses are designated by HUBI.

HUBI 1001 Food, Drugs, and Your Body

examines the substances humans put into their bodies and the impact the substances have on cellular physiology and metabolism. With a special emphasis on current trends, the course introduces the concept of foods and drugs, how they are metabolised by the body, the social and political implications of foods and drugs, how they can influence overall health, and the sometimes grey areas between foods and drugs.

EQ:

Biochemistry 1600

HUBI 1430 Biochemistry for Health Professionals

is an introduction to the chemistry and structure-function relationships of DNA, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. It will examine the basic metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, with emphasis on the biochemical fluctuations that occur in human health and disease, and will include a brief introduction to molecular genetics. Prospective Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative) program students should consult with the Faculty of Nursing concerning admission to this course.

CR:

the former Biochemistry 2430

EQ:

Biochemistry 1430

LC:

4

PR:

Level 3 Chemistry or Chemistry 1010 or Chemistry 1810 or equivalent

UL:

may not be used for credit to fulfil the requirements for the Human Biosciences major

HUBI 2001 Introduction to Biochemistry

is an introduction to the major macromolecules of living organisms; proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids: their structure, relationship, and biochemical function. Other topics include: enzymes; the biochemistry of membranes; and an introduction to cellular signalling.

CO:

Chemistry 2400

CR:

the former Biochemistry 2101, Biochemistry 2201, Pharmacy 2004, or the former Pharmacy 3110

PR:

Chemistry 1051

HUBI 2002 Introduction to Human Nutrition

gives an overview of human nutrition with an emphasis on topics of current interest. Students will gain an understanding of nutrition in the context of health maintenance across the life span. Topics covered will include Canada's Food Guide, nutrient requirements, obesity and weight loss, sports nutrition, and nutrition in the prevention of chronic diseases.

EQ:

Biochemistry 2600, Human Kinetics and Recreation 2600 

HUBI 2003 Basics of Human Metabolism

examines how we digest, absorb, and metabolize carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and micronutrients. Students will learn the processes involved in human metabolism including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis, and triacylglycerol synthesis and storage. These topics will be presented in the context of linking metabolism and health.

CR:

Biochemistry 3206, 3106, and Pharmacy 3111

PR:

Biology 1001

HUBI 2004 Fundamentals of Modern Molecular Biology

will introduce the mechanisms by which genomic information is stored, and expressed; and how expression is regulated. Topics will include nucleic acid structures, DNA replication, RNA transcription and splicing, and how proteins are synthesised. Molecular biological techniques, their applications to biotechnology used in the advancement of food and drug development, and the implications for modern living will be discussed.

CR:

Biochemistry 2100, 2200

PR:

Biology 1001

HUBI 2901 Biochemistry Laboratory

develops robust basic biochemistry lab skills in the context of a biotechnology project; students purify and characterize a recombinantly expressed enzyme. Students learn skills including safety, pipetting, buffer calculations, making solutions, protein bioinformatics, techniques for protein enrichment, enzyme kinetics measurements and calculations, graphing data, keeping a lab book, teamwork, critical analysis and presentation of their work in several formats. Students may co-author a scientific publication based on their results.

AR:

attendance is required in the laboratory component of this course

CO:

Chemistry 2400

EQ:

Biochemistry 2901

LH:

3

PR:

Chemistry 1051, Science 1807 and Science 1808

HUBI 3001 Lipids and Health

covers core concepts of lipids and membranes, particularly as applied to human health and disease. Students will learn classification, structure, reactions, biosynthesis and oxidation of lipids including fatty acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, lipoproteins and other lipid species.  Also covered are lipid digestion, absorption and storage, fat soluble vitamins, bile acids and steroid hormones, cell membranes and associated proteins, lipids-barrier interactions such as blood-brain and placenta, vesicular trafficking and an introduction to lipidomics.

PR:

HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106 or Pharmacy 3111)

HUBI 3002 Carbohydrates: Functions in Human Health and Disease

covers concepts of carbohydrates and glycobiology, specifically, their role in sustaining life and maintaining health and preventing disease. Students will learn the classification, structure, function, reactions, biosynthesis, and oxidation of carbohydrates. Additional topics covered include carbohydrate digestion, absorption and storage, roles of vitamins and minerals in the metabolism of carbohydrates, the recognition of specific glycans by proteins, role of glycans in complex biological systems and glycolytic modifications of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101) or Pharmacy 2004 (or the former Pharmacy 3110), HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106) or Pharmacy 3111

HUBI 3003 Proteins and Health

covers core concepts of amino acids and proteins with a particular focus on their relationship to human health and disease. Students will learn about dietary proteins as sources of amino acids, amino acid requirements, synthesis, structure and function, body protein synthesis, trafficking, translation, post-translational modifications, and interactions with other proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and drugs. The course includes protein methodology such as structure determination and prediction, immunohistochemistry, bioinformatics and computational modelling.

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101) or Pharmacy 2004 (or the former Pharmacy 3110), HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106) or Pharmacy 3111

HUBI 3004 Cellular Signaling

provides a comprehensive overview of how cellular function adapts to changes in the environment, how this relates to human disease, and examples of how nutrients, therapeutic and illicit drugs, and Indigenous medicines interact with signalling cascades. The impact of intracellular signalling on survival, differentiation, and other cellular outputs will be covered. These include, but are not limited to, mineral and vitamin signalling, cytokine and chemokine signalling, gaseous signalling molecules, cyclin-dependent kinases, and receptor signalling pathways.

CR:

Biochemistry 3108

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101) or Pharmacy 2004 (or the former Pharmacy 3110), HUBI 2002 (or Biochemistry 2600 or Human Kinetics and Recreation 2600)

HUBI 3005 Environment-Health Interactions

will provide a comprehensive overview of the effects and interactions of major environmental factors with human health. Students will learn how exogenous compounds such as food additives, allergens, drugs, toxicants, as well as probiotics, prebiotics and microbiomes interact with and affect human cellular homeostasis. Impacts of food sustainability, food policy, food ecosystems, digital literacy, and lifestyle on populations including Indigenous communities will be discussed.

PR:

HUBI 2002 (or Biochemistry 2600 or Human Kinetics and Recreation 2600)

HUBI 3052 Food Microbiology

is the study of the microbiology of water and food with regard to the beneficial and detrimental roles of microorganisms on interaction with these systems. Emphasis will be on the microbiology of food, fermentations, food spoilage and food borne vectors of human disease.

EQ:

Biochemistry 3052, Biology 3052

LH:

3

PR:

Biology 3050 and Science 1807 and Science 1808

HUBI 3101 Immunology

is an introduction to the cells and organs of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The molecular and cellular basis of allergy, autoimmunity, vaccination and cancer immunology will also be discussed.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4105, Biology 4200, and Pharmacy 3006

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101)

HUBI 3105 Physical Biochemistry

examines topics such as: types of intermolecular forces in biomolecules; the folding of biomolecules and the role of water; pH, buffers, and ionisation of biomolecules; thermodynamics: equilibria, coupled reactions, transport across membranes and redox reactions; and ligand binding. Other topics will include: size and shape of biomolecules; isotopes in biochemistry; and spectroscopy of biomolecules.

EQ:

Biochemistry 3105

OR:

a two hour problem-solving class

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101)

HUBI 3207 Nucleic Acid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

examines the structure, function and biochemistry of DNA and RNA and the biochemical processes in the flow of information from the gene to protein. These will include: DNA replication, recombination and repair processes; transcription of RNA and RNA splicing; and protein synthesis. The regulation of gene expression will also be covered at an introductory level. The course will also include an introduction to cloning methodology.

CR:

Biochemistry 3107

EQ:

Biochemistry 3207

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101), and HUBI 2004 (or Biochemistry 2100 or 2200, or Biology 2250)

HUBI 3402 Food Chemistry

covers the following topics: water structure and the role of water in chemical reactions and mechanical properties of foods; chemistry and physical properties of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; oxidative processes in food, food dispersions; pigments and natural colorants; food flavour; enzyme properties, immobilization and applications; enzymic and non-enzymic browning; food phenolics and natural antioxidants; food additives; and chemical changes in foods during processing.

EQ:

Biochemistry 3402

LH:

3

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101), Chemistry 2400, Science 1807 and Science 1808

HUBI 3600 Sports and Exercise Nutrition

deals with the specific roles of nutrients in sport and exercise, and the application of nutrition to sport and exercise.

CR:

the former Biochemistry 4241

EQ:

Biochemistry 3600

PR:

HUBI 2002 (or Biochemistry 2600 or Human Kinetics and Recreation 2600), and one of Medicine 310B or Human Kinetics and Recreation 2320

HUBI 3906 Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism Laboratory

teaches advanced biochemical lab and critical thinking skills with a focus on metabolism and nutrition-related biochemistry. Topics may include animal diet formulation, tissue culture, immunoblots, metabolic flux assays, metabolic regulation, nutrient metabolism, metabolomics and metabolic energetics. Students develop their quantitative reasoning, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. Students may have opportunities to tour lab facilities and to co-author a scientific publication based on their results.

AR:

attendance is required in the laboratory component of this course

CR:

Biochemistry 3906

LH:

3

PR:

HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106, or Pharmacy 3111), HUBI 2901 (or Biochemistry 2901), Science 1807 and Science 1808

HUBI 3907 Molecular Biology Laboratory

develops biochemical lab and critical thinking skills through a molecular biology focused project. Topics may include restriction digestion, PCR amplification-based techniques, recombinant DNA and plasmid construction, gene expression systems, nucleic acid bioinformatics, and application of high through-put methods in molecular biology. Students develop their quantitative reasoning, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral). Students may have the opportunity to coauthor a peer-reviewed scientific publication based on their results.

AR:

attendance is required in the laboratory component of this course

EQ:

Biochemistry 3907

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101), and HUBI 2004 (or Biochemistry 2100, 2200, or Biology 2250), HUBI 2901 (or Biochemistry 2901), Science 1807 and Science 1808

HUBI 4002 Biochemical Regulation

examines metabolic regulation at the cellular and multicellular level. Topics will include control theory, biosynthesis and mechanism of action of hormones, signal transduction and endocrine coordination of metabolic processes. Principles are illustrated by the use of case studies from the medical literature.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4002

LC:

two to three hours per week, together with assigned reading and case studies

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101), HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106), HUBI 2004 (or Biochemistry 2100 or 2200, or Biology 2250)

HUBI 4101 Proteins

will review the history of protein research and the general properties of proteins and include other topics such as strategy and methods for purification, chemical structure, properties, modification and determination of the protein amino acids, sequencing strategy, chain cleavage methods and end group analysis; folding of the protein main chain and techniques to determine structure; and the relationship between structure and function: protein filaments, motors and regulators. It will also cover disease-related proteins and other examples from the current literature.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4101

LC:

two to three hours per week, together with assigned reading

PR:

HUBI 3003 (or Biochemistry 3105)

HUBI 4102 Current Topics in Biochemistry

is a seminar course in which faculty and students will discuss topics of current interest in the biochemical literature. Students will be responsible for reading and critically assessing recent literature.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4102

PR:

Honours Biochemistry students in their final year or permission of the Head

HUBI 4104 Eukaryotic Gene Regulation and Developmental Biology

details the cellular and molecular aspects of eukaryotic gene regulation and development. Topics to be covered will include the DNA content and organization of eukaryotes, mechanisms controlling the expression of eukaryotic genetic information at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and the methodologies used to define these mechanisms. Detailed consideration will be given to the cell-surface events which regulate nuclear gene expression and cell lineage specification. Developmental mechanisms operating in a number of model systems will be discussed.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4104

PR:

HUBI 3004 (or Biochemistry 3108), and HUBI 3207 (or Biochemistry 3207 or 3107)

HUBI 4106 Regulation of Metabolism

is an advanced metabolism course covering the regulation of human metabolism. The course emphasis is on the regulation and integration of metabolism across various cells and tissues in states of nutrient excess and deprivation. Topics covered include citric acid cycle, urea cycle, hormonal regulations, cellular glucose sensing, glycogen, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and regulation of oxidative phosphorylation. Additional topics include metabolic flexibility, minor molecules with important impacts on metabolism and metabolic diseases.

PR:

HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106)

HUBI 4200 Bioenergetics and Biological Oxidation

examines topics such as: respiration and electron transport; the functional organization of energy transducing membranes; the structure and function of flavoenzymes, cytochromes, iron-sulfur proteins and quinones; enzyme reduction of oxygen; and, free radicals in biological systems.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4200

LC:

two to three hours per week and assigned reading

PR:

HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106)

HUBI 4201 Membranes - Structure and Function

examines the structure of model and biological membranes, the molecular interactions between membrane components and the effects of these interactions on the biophysical and functional properties of membranes. Other topics will include the structure-function of specialized membranous systems, such as lipoprotein, lung surfactant, and lipid rafts; membrane lipid composition in biochemical adaptation and function; and the role of membrane proteins in intracellular trafficking, receptor function, enzymatic activity and membrane-related diseases.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4201

PR:

HUBI 3001 (or Biochemistry 3105)

HUBI 4230 Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism

is designed to provide current knowledge about advances and controversies in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in the context of health and disease. Topics to be covered include advanced knowledge about lipid and lipoprotein synthesis and regulation, reverse cholesterol transport, plus lipid and lipoprotein utilization to regulate cellular and physiological functions. The covered topics will be related to areas such as reproductive biology, atherosclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.

CR:

Biochemistry 6000

EQ:

Biochemistry 4230

PR:

HUBI 3001

HUBI 4231 Molecular Biology of the Bacterial-Human Interface

will explore the molecular biology of the bacteria that inhabit or invade human bodies, how these bacteria get established in humans, the biochemical mechanisms by which some bacterial pathogens can damage the host, and the contest for essential nutrients (e.g. iron) between bacteria and host.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4231

PR:

HUBI 3207 (or Biochemistry 3207 or 3107), or permission of the course instructor

HUBI 4232 Enzymes and Receptors

provides students with the tools to identify which drug will have more therapeutic benefit or greater risk of toxicity, and how drugs are altered to make them more effective. The majority of approved therapeutics are active due to interactions with either an enzyme or a receptor, and this course will examine how these interactions are studied and quantified to allow comparisons, and how this information directs drug discovery efforts.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4232

PR:

HUBI 2001 (or Biochemistry 2201 or the former 2101), HUBI 3004 (or Biochemistry 3108)

HUBI 4233-4239 Special Topics in Biochemistry

will be given for senior undergraduates, and will cover a range of topics in specialized fields in Biochemistry. They may be taught by visiting specialists when available.

PR:

to be determined at the time of offering

HUBI 4240 Nutrient-Gene Interactions and Personalized Nutrition

is designed to provide greater understanding of the relationships between nutrients and the genome, the potential to design personalized diets based on the genetic makeup of an individual and ethical issues. Students will develop an appreciation for the roles of nutrients in direct interactions with genes to regulate metabolic processes, thereby maintaining health and preventing diseases.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4240

PR:

HUBI 2002 (or Biochemistry 2600 or Human Kinetics 2600), HUBI 2003 (or Biochemistry 3206 or 3106), HUBI 2004 (or Biochemistry 2100 or 2200, or Biology 2250)

HUBI 4241-4249 Special Topics in Nutrition

will be given for senior undergraduates, and will cover a range of topics in specialized fields in Nutrition. They may be taught by visiting specialists when available.

EQ:

to be determined at the time of offering

HUBI 4300 Controversies in Nutrition

is a course in which current controversies and trends in human nutrition are presented and discussed using the scientific literature.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4300

PR:

HUBI 3001, 3002 and 3003 or the former Biochemistry 3203, and Medicine 310B

HUBI 4301 Nutrition and Disease

is a course which uses current literature to discuss the relationships between dietary habits, nutritional status and chronic disease risk; the scientific basis for nutritional interventions used in the treatment of chronic diseases commonly affecting Canadians is also part of the course content.

EQ:

Biochemistry 4301

PR:

HUBI 3001, 3002 and 3003 or the former Biochemistry 3203, and Medicine 310B

HUBI 4800 Human Biosciences Capstone

is a seminar course in which faculty instructors and students will meet to discuss concepts and methods related to the study of human health. Students will have the opportunity to read and critique current literature, discuss the literature with peers, and work with a faculty mentor to design a research protocol relevant to human biosciences.

PR:

Restricted to Human Biosciences major and honours students with at least 60 credit hours in courses

HUBI 499A and 499B Dissertation

is the independent study of a problem in life sciences and is obligatory for Honours students in Human Biosciences. Faculty advisors will guide the subject of study which must be approved by the Head of the Department or delegate. The written dissertation shall be submitted by the end of the tenth week of the second semester. At the end of that semester the student will give an oral presentation and answer questions on their study.

CH:

6

CR:

Biochemistry 499A and 499B

OR:

Occasional classes will be held to guide and advise students in the preparation of their written reports. Students are expected to attend these classes.

PR:

Honours students in their final year or permission of the Head; Science 1807 and Science 1808

AN = Additional notes.

AR = Attendance requirement as noted.

CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours.

CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described.

CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent.  Credit is limited to one of these courses.  Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.

EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination.  Credit is limited to one of these courses.  These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.

LC = Lecture hours per week: lecture hours are 3 per week unless otherwise noted.

LH = Laboratory hours per week.

OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars.

PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described.

UL = Usage limitation(s) as noted.

Copyright © 2024 Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
calendar.editor@mun.ca