Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Applied Metabolism and Obesity Management
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Rowan Kearns
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. Students will also gain the skills required to manage obesity and diabetes through exercise and nutritional interventions.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Demonstrate a specific and in-depth understanding of the prevalence and causes of obesity and diabetes in both adults and children.
MLO2 Critically examine the metabolic disturbances linked with obesity and diabetes.
MLO3 Conduct a range of assessment techniques to measure body composition, energy expenditure and energy intake.
MLO4 Design, implement and evaluate exercise and nutritional interventions aimed at treating and preventing obesity and diabetes.
MLO5 Evaluate the effect of various modes and intensities of exercise on the metabolic pathways associated with obesity and diabetes.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
The "Diabesity" Epidemic
Prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Ireland and Internationally. Obesogenic society and the emergence of an "exercise-deficient" phenotype. The economic cost of obesity. Causes and cost of chronic disease states to include obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome on the health service. Nutritional implications and nutritional treatment.
Etiology of Obesity and Diabetes
Perturbations in the metabolic pathways linked to obesity and diabetes - the metabolic syndrome. The contributing role of physical inactivity - disturbances in the energy balance equation. Substrate utilisation. Metabolic flexibility. Insulin resistance. The genetic basis of obesity.
Childhood Obesity
The growing prevalance of obesity and Type II Diabetes among children in Ireland and worldwide. Assessing, treating and preventing obesity in childhood. Childhood physical activity levels and the risk of adult obesity.
Assessing Obesity
Consolidation of assessment techniques appropriate to the management of obesity - Energy Intake - dietary analysis using computer software.
Managing Obesity and Diabetes through Dietary Interventions
Investigating the evidence in relation to a range of popular dietary approaches. Calculating dietary goals. Creating an energy deficit through dietary interventions - low calorie diets and very-low calorie diets. The effect of calorie restriction on metabolism.
Managing Obesity and Diabetes through Exercise Interventions
Physical activity levels and the effect on metabolism - acute exercise responses; chronic responses to exercise training. The effect of exercise mode and intensity on promoting weight and fat loss and maintaining fat free mass. The role of exercise in treating and preventing obesity and Type II Diabetes - signalling pathways; insulin sensitivity; gene expression. Exercise prescription for weight loss - plan and deliver safe and effective exercise programs for obese individuals and diabetics. Creating an energy deficit through exercise prescription.
Medications for Weight Management and Diabetes
Compare medications licensed for the treatment of obesity and diabetes in terms of their effectiveness and side-effects. The interactions between physical activity and medication.
Obesity and Diabetes: Looking to the Future
Future directions in treating obesity and diabetes. Investigating the effectiveness of global and local initiatives aimed at addressing the obesity and diabetes epidemic.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete a multiple choice exam on the prevalence and causes of obesity and diabetes.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete a case study addressing the assessment and management of obesity and diabetes.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact There is an 80% attendance requirement for the theoretical component of this module. Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact There is an 80% attendance requirement for the practical component of this module. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Once per semester 2.00 30
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Once per semester 2.00 30
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Active IQ. (2018), Certificate in Exercise and Nutritional Interventions for Obesity and Diabetes, Level 4.
  • Joan Webster-Gandy,Angela Madden. (2020), Oxford Handbook of Nutrition and Dietetics 3e, Oxford University Press, USA, p.961, [ISBN: 0198800134].
  • Wolfgang Stroebe. (2022), Dieting, Overweight and Obesity, Second edition. [ISBN: 9781138613676].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Hawley, J.A. and Zierath, J.R.. (2008), Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL., [ISBN: 13: 9780736064798].
  • Hargreaves, M. and Spriet, L.. (2006), Exercise Metabolism, 2nd. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL., [ISBN: 13: 9780736041034].
  • American College of Sports Medicine. (2006), ACSM's Metabolic Calculations Handbook, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, [ISBN: 9780781742382].
  • Pennington, J.A. and Spungen, J.S.. (2009), Bowes and Church's Food Values of Portions Commonly Used, 19th. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA., [ISBN: 9781608313655].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Foley, P., Steinberg, D., Levine, E., Askew, S., Batch, B. C., Puleo, E. M., Svetkey, L. P., Bosworth, H. B., DeVries, A., Miranda, H., & Bennett, G. G.. (2016), Track: A randomized controlled trial of a digital health obesity treatment intervention for medically vulnerable primary care patients, Contemporary Clinical Trials, 48, p.12,
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2016.03.00 6
This module does not have any other resources