Human Nutrition
MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Nutrition Fundamentals Optional (for students who do not have a first degree in a bio-science)

Nutrition Fundamentals (Optional (for students who do not have a first degree in a bio-science))

This module covers essential concepts in nutrition related to energy, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Dietary reference values and recommendations are presented for each nutrient as appropriate. The associations between nutrition and chronic diseases (obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer) are also discussed.

The last part of the module explores the biochemical pathways that relate to nutrients; this will provide a foundation for the material covered in the degree.

• Directed Study PGDip only

Directed Study (PGDip only)

This module aims to provide students with a deep and systematic understanding of the stages, processes and limitations involved in preparing a research study. This module will allow students to develop an advanced understanding of theoretical perspectives of an emerging issue within nutrition. The study will comprise an extensive review and analysis of relevant literature and is designed to develop student knowledge and critical understanding of a selected topic.

Please note: this module is core for Diploma students and is not available to MSc/Certificate students.

Credits: 20

• Principles of Human Nutrition I Core

Principles of Human Nutrition I (Core)

This module explores complex interactions between genes and nutrients. The effect of genetic variation on dietary response (nutrigenetics) and the role of nutrients and bioactive food compounds in gene expression (nutrigenomics) is explored.

Current and emerging tools for nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics research are introduced. 

Credits: 20

• Principles of Human Nutrition II Core

Principles of Human Nutrition II (Core)

This module consists of two themes, aimed to build on key concepts introduced in Principles of Nutrition I.

The biochemical, physiological and molecular aspects of human metabolism will be reviewed. Students will gain a deep understanding of how these pathways integrate in day-to-day metabolism, and also in more extreme physiological states.

This module also aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct valid assessments of the nutritional status of individuals and population groups.

Credits: 20

• Food and Nutrition Policy and Health Promotion Core

Food and Nutrition Policy and Health Promotion (Core)

This module explores the potential for nutrition to improve population health. The module aims to develop a critical awareness of the development, intervention and evaluation of public health nutrition policy, as well as the theoretical approaches to health promotion. The inequalities of the health agenda are also debated.

Please note: this module is only core for MSc students and is an optional module for Diploma/Certificate students.

Credits: 20

• Nutrition and Chronic Disease Core

Nutrition and Chronic Disease (Core)

This module aims to examine and evaluate the evidence for a relationship between nutrition and chronic disease. In addition the module aims to appraise the potential for improvement in health of individuals and communities by changes in dietary habits. Finally, the module aims to explore the use of therapeutic diets in the management of chronic disease.

Please note: this module is only core for MSc students and is an optional module for Diploma/Certificate students.

Credits: 20

• Life Cycle Nutrition Core

Life Cycle Nutrition (Core)

This module aims to critique the role of diet and nutrition and dietary requirements of different age groups throughout the lifecycle in the prevention of disease and maintenance of optimal health and wellbeing.

Please note: this module is only core for MSc students and is an optional module for Diploma/Certificate students.

Credits: 20

• Nutrigenomics Optional

Nutrigenomics (Optional)

This module aims to develop a critical appreciation of genetics, with an emphasis on nutrigenomics. To develop an advanced level of knowledge about how genetic factors may interact with diet and affect the development or progression of diseases.

Credits: 20

• Research Study Core

Research Study (Core)

This module aims to provide students with a deep and systematic understanding of the stages, processes and limitations involved in preparing a research study and the tools necessary for interpretation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. The skills developed in this module will enable students to plan, design and conduct a high quality research study independently and communicate the findings to others in a written and oral format.

Please note: this module core for MSc students and is not available to Diploma/Certificate students.

Credits: 60

• Professional Skills Core

Professional Skills (Core)

This module aims to develop students' academic, professional and personal development skills required of nutrition practitioners through a series of seminars and workshops. Furthermore students are required to compile a reflective portfolio of the evidence of activities undertaken to develop transferable skills and professional practice which encourages the students to become reflective learners.

Please note: this module core for MSc students and is not available to Diploma/Certificate students.

• Sports Nutrition Optional

Sports Nutrition (Optional)

This module aims to examine the influence of nutrition on sporting performance and to explore the current research/theories and role of nutritional strategies during the preparation for, participation in and recovery from sport and exercise. This module also starts to address the professional skills needed to develop and evaluate CPD needed for an effective sports nutrition service and allow the student to develop a system for self-reflective practice.

Credits: 20