module specification

1) This module aims to explore the fundamental interplay between genetic, physiological, environmental and nutritional influences on human growth and development throughout the lifespan. Students will develop an awareness of the short and long-term consequences for growth and development if these factors are not optimal.
2) Students will critically evaluate methodology of assessment of nutritional status and interpret biochemical, anthropometric, nutritional and clinical data to determine nutritional status of individuals and populations.
3) This module also integrates the biochemical and physiological aspects of energy balance and how energy homeostasis may be regulated with reference to clinical metabolic disorders and obesity.

HN5002 Nutrition Science 1

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
It aims to explore the fundamental physiological and nutritional influences on human growth and development throughout the lifespan.
Gain an appreciation of the importance of nutrition for the attainment of optimal growth, health and longevity. Develop student awareness of the interplay between genetic, physiological and environmental factors and Develop an understanding of the short and long term consequences for growth and development if these factors are not optimal.
The concept of nutritional assessment and surveillance and the evaluation of different nutritional assessment systems. Indices of nutritional status and the use of reference standards. Evaluation of population and individual data of nutritional status.

Collection, statistical analysis and interpretation of anthropometric data.
Integrate molecular, biochemical and physiological aspects of energy homeostasis and its regulations. Provide biochemical explanations of physiological and clinical phenomena relevant to nutrition and dietetics. Enhance the students’ ability to utilise appropriate research tools to obtain information thereby promoting an understanding of current theories for the aetiology and treatments of metabolic disorders. 
This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Pregnancy and reproduction, maternal nutritional status, foetal origins of adult disease:
Lactation & neo-natal nutrition, maternal metabolic adaptations, energy/nutrient cost of lactation, composition of breast milk, foetal metabolic and hormonal adaptations to life outside the womb
Early growth, infant feeding
Puberty, hormonal and nutritional changes and influences, bone health
Body composition
Immune function hormonal and nutrition influences
Biochemical & Physiological aspects of the colon
Ageing
Nutritional assessment and surveillance 
Determinants of nutritional status, including nutritional and socioeconomic factors.
Indices of nutritional status and the use of reference standards.
Collection, statistical analysis and interpretation of anthropometric data.
Energy Homeostasis and hormones: Biochemical effects and interactions of hormones dominant in energy homeostasis, animal models of altered energy homeostasis; central integration of energy balance.
Clinical Applications: consideration of the relevance to obesity, diabetic mellitus, trauma, slimming drugs

Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through lecturer-led lectures (50 hours) and tutorial workshops (26 hours); and through the guided use of student-centred learning resources (189 hours). Practical classes and small group work (6 hours) will be used to consolidate the student with guidance for directed activities (20 hours).

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the interplay between genetics; physiology; nutritional and hormonal factors over the various stages of the life cycle in the determination of growth and development and use, and apply appropriate anthropometric measurements to determine aspects body composition.
2. Critically evaluate the main physiological and nutritional influences on pregnancy and reproductive function and the implications of these for the health of the mother and infant and acquire and evaluate published and experimental data in the field of growth and development
3. Appraise information relevant to the nutritional status of a population and handle and interpret data relating to the nutritional status of a population.
4. Critically evaluate current theories on energy balance regulation and explain the roles and mechanisms of action of hormones involved in energy metabolism at the cellular and whole body levels.

This module will be summatively assessed by a piece of coursework (practical write up)(used to provide formative feedback; 1500 words), an progress exam (1.5 hours), a critical review (1000 words) and an exam (1.5 hours). Students will undertake experimental studies measuring their own body composition. The findings will be submitted as a written report. To pass the module, students must pass the written report, test, review and the exam with an overall mark of 40% or above.

Attendance during laboratory and anthropometry practical teaching

Frayn KN. 2010. Metabolic regulation: A Human Perspective. 3rd Edn. London; Wiley-Blackwell.
Geissler C, Powers H. 2010. Human Nutrition. 12th Ed. London; Churchill Livingstone.
Gropper SS, Smith JL. 2012. Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism. 6th Edn. California USA; Wadsworth Publishing Co. Inc. (core)
Langham–New S, Macdonald IA, Roche HM. 2011.Nutrition and Metabolism. 2nd Edn. London; Wiley- Blackwell. (core)
Langley Evans S. 2015.Nutrition, Health and Disease: a lifespan approach. 2nd Edn. London; Wiley-Blackwell.