Learners' Outcomes

1. Understand that macromolecules must be broken down into smaller diffusible molecules in order for absorption and assimilation by the body to take place.
2. Know the nutrients that make up a balanced diet and be aware of the importance of the different classes of food required for good health.
3. Understand what malnutrition is, and the diseases that occur as a result and cite examples such as scurvy, kwashiorkor, rickets, anemia, obesity and constipation.
4. Identify the principal structures of the digestive system.
5. Understand that monosaccharides, amino acids, & fatty acids and glycerol are the building blocks of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, respectively.
6. State that the digestive system consists of ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion.
7. Explain how the digestive system is adapted to its function of absorption, in particular the adaptive features of the small intestine for its role in absorption. (NOTE: Do not need to know the various enzymes involved in digestion. Only required to know:

                         a. What the end products of carbohydrate, protein and fat digestion are?
                         b. Where digestion of the various classes of food occurs?
                         c. Where absorption occurs?