Course syllabus for Nutritional Physiology

Specific entry requirements

At least 60 credits from courses within the Bachelor's Programme in Nutrition Science, including 22.5 credits in chemistry courses (of which at least 7.5 credits in biochemistry), and at least 5 credits from the course Cell- and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Genetics.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Module 1: Macronutrients and micronutrients (7.5 credits)

• describe and discuss macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and their importance for human physiology and the maintenance of health.
• describe and discuss micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and their importance for key metabolic processes and bodily functions.
• discuss and demonstrate understanding of how metabolic processes and deficiencies in macronutrients and micronutrients may affect health.

Module 2: Diet planning and nutritional requirements in different groups (7.5 credits)

• plan and perform nutrient calculations for diets based on individuals’ energy and nutrient requirements, and integrate sustainability aspects by balancing nutritional needs, environmental impact including climate change, economic conditions, and cultural preferences.
• communicate dietary advice tailored to individuals with different energy and nutrient requirements (for example, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and older adults) who are not specialists in the field, and apply a person-centred and respectful approach in communication.
• identify and reflect on ethical dilemmas in dietary counselling, such as autonomy, integrity, equality, and social justice.
• search for and identify relevant scientific sources in the field of nutritional physiology.
• compile scientific information in nutritional physiology and present it in written and oral form.

Content

The course is divided into two modules:

Module 1 covers fundamental nutritional physiology, including molecular aspects of the functions of nutrients and how this knowledge is applied in practice. Borth energy-yielding nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and non-energy yielding nutrients (vitamins and minerals) are discussed in depth. The focus is on the properties, functions, regulation, and metabolism of nutrients, as well as requirements, deficiency conditions, and their occurrence in the diet. The background to and principles of nutrition recommendations are also addressed.

Module 2 covers nutritional requirements in different groups, such as children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, and athletes. It also includes an applied component with practical training in diet planning, as well as designing and communicating dietary advice tailored to these groups. This part of the course also includes following the knowledge development in the field and practical training in searching for scientific literature. In addition, the course includes training in summarising nutritional physiology knowledge in a scientific report and in communicating nutritional physiology information and research to non-specialist audiences.

Teaching methods

Teaching consists of lectures, group work, seminars, laboratory sessions, and presentations.

Examination

Module 1 is examined through two written examinations (graded Pass/Fail and Pass with Distinction/Pass/Fail, respectively). Module 2 is examined through written reports and an oral examination (graded Pass with Distinction/Pass/Fail). To pass the course, all assignments must fulfil the criteria for Pass. To obtain Pass with Distinction on the course, Pass with Distinction is required on at least one of the two modules.

In the case of a fail, the examination may be retaken a maximum of five additional times. If a student has failed an examination six times, no further examination opportunity will be offered for that examination. For written reports and oral examination, a failed assignment may be complemented in order to achieve a pass. If the student does not complete the complementation within the specified time, the grade Fail will be awarded. A student who has failed an examination twice is entitled to have another examiner appointed unless there are special reasons to the contrary.

Compulsory participation:

Seminars and group work are compulsory. The examiner assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulsory parts can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence according with the examiner's instructions, the student's study results cannot be finalized. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student cannot compensate absence until the next time the course is given.

If there are special reasons, or need for adaptions for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus's regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of complementation of or exemption from compulsory activities, etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities must not be altered, removed or lowered.

Other directives

Parts of the teaching may be conducted in English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Mandatory literature:

• Näringslära för Högskolan. Berg C., Ellegård L., Larsson C. (red). Upplaga 7. Liber AB, 2021. ISBN: 9789147131075
• Modern nutrition in health and disease. Tucker K, Duggan CP, Gordon, LJ, Peterson KE. (red).12th edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers Inc., 2024. ISBN: 9781284264432
• Nordiska Ministerrådet: Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR2023). Available electronically free of charge.

In addition, articles and other course materials will be made available electronically.