Nutrition and Genetics
MSc

Modules

• Nutrition Fundamentals Optional (for students with a first degree other than nutrition or dietetics)

Nutrition Fundamentals (Optional (for students with a first degree other than nutrition or dietetics))

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.

• Principles of Molecular Biology Core

Principles of Molecular Biology (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

This module aims to provide students with a deep knowledge and understanding of fundamental aspects of molecular biology. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between DNA and RNA, how they regulate protein synthesis and how the process can be regulated. The module also covers functions such as DNA damage and repair, single nucleotide polymorphisms and the three main aspects of epigenetics.

Credits: 20

• Genetics in Health and Disease Core

Genetics in Health and Disease (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

This module aims to address associations between genetic predisposition to certain health traits and disease risk. The involvement of genetics in chronic diseases as a risk or a protective factor will be explored. This will allow students to develop strong foundations for a thorough investigation of genetic-environmental interactions.

Credits: 20

• Nutrient-gene Interactions Core

Nutrient-gene Interactions (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

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) will be explored.

Credits: 20

• Genetics and Personalised Nutrition Core

Genetics and Personalised Nutrition (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

This module aims to educate students in the theory behind the different levels of personalised nutrition, with more focus on the involvement of genetics at the top level.

Credits: 20

• Applied Personalised Nutrition Core

Applied Personalised Nutrition (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

This module covers advantages and challenges of applying personalised nutrition, techniques that can be employed and how to best deliver personalised advice based on research findings. Students will be trained to translate scientific findings into well-structured nutrition advice.

Credits: 20

• Genetic Tests in Nutrition Core

Genetic Tests in Nutrition (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

This module will elucidate the main research and commercial techniques currently used in molecular nutrition. Students will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in our laboratory in techniques that cover DNA extraction, purification, quantitation and quality screening as well as genotyping, gene expression and epigenetics investigations.

Credits: 20

• Research Project Core

Research Project (Core)

Module convenor: Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis

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 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. Students will be provided the option to carry out their Research Project at the University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain) as part of the Erasmus exchange programme.

Credits: 60