Teaching Methodologies
Theoretical classes will include content presentations based on the course syllabus. Multimedia presentations will be used to enhance learning, encouraging direct student participation through the description and discussion of physiological mechanisms.
In the theoretical-practical approach to physiology teaching, emphasis will be placed on video visualization to illustrate specific syllabus topics, as well as research, presentation, and discussion of scientific articles on recent advancements related to the course content.
Continuous assessment will have a significant weight and will include the following components:
• Active participation in theoretical-practical sessions and debates (25%)
o Monitoring student engagement in case study analysis, scientific article discussions, and problem-solving of experimental issues.
o Evaluating students’ ability to argue, think critically, and integrate acquired knowledge.
• Individual critical review work and debates (75%)
The primary assessment component will be a small group presentation developed throughout the course. Students will analyze, present, and debate innovative topics based on recent scientific research articles. The student must:
o Explain the scientific basis of the study and discuss hypotheses.
o Assess the appropriateness of the experimental design, including chosen models, inclusion/exclusion criteria, control strategies, variable analysis, etc.
o Discuss the obtained results.
o The work will be presented orally before a panel composed of the course instructors and, whenever possible, invited specialists.
Approval Criteria
• The final grade will be determined based on the weighting of the above components.
• To pass, students must achieve a minimum score of 10 (on a scale of 0 to 20) in the weighted average of continuous assessment and the final project.
• Attendance and active participation are encouraged, with a mandatory presence in at least 75% of the sessions.
Learning Results
1) Understand the physiological mechanisms regulating ingestion, absorption and metabolism of the different types of nutrients.
2) Understand the mechanisms of nutrient perception by the different cell types involved in metabolism regulation.
3) Recognize the neuronal pathways of appetite regulation and its control by peripheral signals
4) Systematize the recent knowledge regarding the interaction between food composition and regulation of specific physiological and metabolic processes
Program
1. Digestion, absorption and perception of nutrients
Mechanisms of macro and micronutrients digestion and absorption
Mechanisms of nutrient perception in the gastrointestinal system
Regulation of gastrointestinal factors by nutrients
Regulation of endocrine systems by nutrients
Olfactive and cannabinoid receptors across the body
2. Mechanisms of appetite and satiety control
Neuronal pathways controlling appetite and satiety
Orexigenic and anorexigenic pathways
Hedonic and homeostatic feeding
Appetite control by peripheral neuroendocrine signals
3. Control of metabolism by nutritional signals
Regulation of metabolism by gastrointestinal factors
Nutrition, metabolic activity and browning
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Matafome, P., & Seiça, R. (2017). Function and Dysfunction of Adipose Tissue. Advances in neurobiology, 19, 3-31. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63260-5_1
Matafome, P., & Seiça, R. (2017). The Role of Brain in Energy Balance. Advances in neurobiology, 19, 33-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63260-5_2
Matafome, P., Eickhoff, H., Letra, L., & Seiça, R. (2017). Neuroendocrinology of Adipose Tissue and Gut-Brain Axis. Advances in neurobiology, 19, 49-70. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63260-5_3
Rosendo-Silva, D., Lopes, E., Monteiro-Alfredo, T., Falcão-Pires, I., Eickhoff, H., Viana, S., Reis, F., Pires, A. S., Abrantes, A. M., Botelho,
M. F., Seiça, R., & Matafome, P. (2024). The adipose tissue melanocortin 3 receptor is targeted by ghrelin and leptin and may be a therapeutic target in obesity. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 594, 112367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2024.112367