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Advanced Human Nutrition

Course Specification

Course Title: Advanced Human Nutrition Code: NUTR1019
Co-ordinator: Dr. Laurence Harbige Level: 6
School: School of Science Credits: 15
Department: Life and Sports Science

Aims

  • To provide an in-depth understanding how nutritional requirements change throughout the human life cycle from foetal life to old age.
  • To review existing knowledge and ongoing research regarding the role of nutrition in the aetiology, pathogenesis and prevention of human disease.
  • To explain and alert students to the multidisciplinary nature of human nutrition research.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of diet, foods and nutrients in the maintenance of health and in the prevention or causation of disease or dysfunction throughout the lifecycle. Critically discuss current issues in human nutrition and appraise the validity and applicability of new research in this area. Explain the inherent conceptual and methodological problems and the contradictory evidence describing the role of nutrition in human health and disease. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods for acquiring and interpreting information about diet and nutritional status, in specified groups or individuals. Skills Learning Outcomes: On completion of this course, students will be able to: Critically discuss current issues in human nutrition and appraise the validity and applicability of new research in this area. Perform literature-based research and evaluation in an area of human nutrition. Recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations. Interpret and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques. Exhibit competency in scientific writing e.g. citing and referencing work in an appropriate manner. Effectively communicate information using suitable presentation and communication skills. Demonstrate the skills required for self-management and lifelong learning Identify the targets required for lifelong learning, and be able to work to wards those targets. Develop a flexible and effective approach to work and study.

Indicative Content

Foetal and early infant origins of adult disease and the Barker hypothesis. Nutrition in pregnancy and special requirements; nutrition of the pre-term and term infant. Lactation and formula milk feeding. Protein Energy Malnutrition Lipid nutrition and inflammatory disorders including early atherosclerosis and arthritis. Fats, antioxidants and other nutrients in coronary heart disease, cardiovascular risk factors and diet; diet and obesity, role of leptin, and the public health aspects of CHD and obesity. Epidemiological and experimental evidence for food, macronutrients and micronutrients in aetiology and risk of cancer e.g. stomach and colon Effects of aging on nutritional status and of the elderly, nutrition of the aged person Nutritional issues in developed and developing countries: Food and health systems; socioeconomic issues; access to services; social, cultural and psychological issues; nutritional issues among ethnic minorities; nutritional issues for women; nutritional issues among socioeconomic subgroups., drought and desertification; political and social strife; migration and urbanisation; macro and micronutrient deficiencies - effects and assessment; work of food aid organisations Nutrition Policy: International and national organisations and policy; implications of European policies Analysis: Nutrient intakes; use of anthropometric and biochemical data; epidemiological and small study research.

Teaching & Learning Activity

The course will be taught largely through lectures and tutorials (2:1) three hours per week. The principles and current research activity will be explained in the lectures, while the tutorials will establish the understanding of these principles. Development of group working and presentational skills will also take place in tutorials.

Assessment

Coursework - 10% 1 hour test - interpretive exercise. 3 hour Exam - 60%.

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