Syllabus
Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
APN 510 Applied Nutrition Biochemistry – Summer A 2023
Credits - 3
Description
Using human nutrition as a model, this biochemistry focused course will explore metabolic pathways to which macro and micronutrients play a significant regulatory role, as well as the interaction between nutrients within these pathways. The course is guided by the exploration of recent scientific literature in areas of nutrition and biochemistry and ways one informs the other. Topics include energetics of metabolism; structure and metabolism of macro and micronutrients; and the integration of metabolic systems. Students will examine signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency as well as excess, and understand nutrition status with respect to disease prevention and therapy through an emphasis on biochemical mechanisms of nutrition and metabolism.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
ACEND Competencies:
Unit 1: Foundational Knowledge
1.1 Applies an understanding of environmental, molecular factors (e.g. genes, proteins, metabolites) and food in the development and management of disease. (S)
- 1.1.4 Demonstrates an understanding of research techniques and processes used to study the relationship between molecules (e.g. genes, proteins, metabolites) and microbes with disease states. (K)
- 1.1.5 Identifies the influence of food consumption on the development of diseases. (K)
1.2 Applies an understanding of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
- 1.2.1 Analyzes the impact of food and nutrition on physiological processes. (S)
- 1.2.2 Integrates knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to make decisions related to nutrition care. (S)
1.5 Applies knowledge of patho-physiology and nutritional biochemistry to physiology, health and disease.
- 1.5.1 Examines nutritional biochemical indicators specific to the disease process. (K)
- 1.5.2 Interprets and analyzes the effect of diet, fluids, electrolytes and nutritional status on the development and progress of the disease process. (S)
- 1.5.3 Interprets and analyzes the effects of disease, clinical condition and treatment on nutritional health status. (S)
1.11 Applies knowledge of medical terminology when communicating with individuals, groups, and other health professionals.
- 1.11.1 Interprets and communicates medical terminology to non-health professional audiences. (D)
- 1.11.2 Uses acceptable medical abbreviations and appropriate medical terminology in all forms of communication. (D)
1.15 Applies knowledge of nutritional health promotion and disease prevention for individuals, groups, and populations.
- 1.15.1 Recognizes and communicates the cause of disease and nutrition risks. (K)
- 1.15.2 Identifies, prioritizes and implements health risk reduction strategies for individuals, groups and populations. (S)
Unit 6: Critical Thinking, Research, and Evidence-Informed Practice
6.1 Incorporates critical thinking skills in practice.
- 6.1.1 Considers multiple factors when problem solving. (D)
- 6.1.2 Incorporates the thought process used in critical thinking models. (D)
- 6.1.3 Engages in reflective practice to promote change and continuous learning. (D)
6.3 Applies current research and evidence-informed practice to services.
- 6.3.1 Uses research terminology when communicating with other professionals and publishing research. (D)
- 6.3.2 Critically examines and interprets current research and evidence-informed practice findings to determine the validity, reliability and credibility of information. (D)
- 6.3.3 Integrates current research and evidence-informed practice findings into delivery of safe and effective nutrition care. (D)
- 6.3.4 Analyzes and formulates a professional opinion based on the current research and evidence-based findings and experiential learning. (D)
Course Outcomes
- Discuss the relationship between human metabolism, micronutrients and macronutrients and how systems are integrated to maintain health
- Examine biochemical pathways that are relevant to an understanding of normal and disordered nutrition processes
- Critically analyze and evaluate mechanisms of nutrition and metabolism that are important for an understanding of biochemistry as it relates to human nutrition and nutrition care processes
- Apply scientific research findings to patient recommendations for a variety of health and disease states
Assignments
Discussion Board:
You will be required to participate in discussions. Initial posts are due on Sundays, and responses are due by Tuesday. If the initial post and response are not submitted within the discussion week you will be given a zero. Posts submitted after the discussion week will not be graded.
Your success in the course relies on robust discussion, critical thinking, and peer response. Weekly posts responding to prompts posed are meant to facilitate a deeper understanding of the broader themes of the course as well as enrich the readings, handouts, and lectures. Your initial response should be no less than 400 words. Peer-responses should be no less than 200 words and must be thoughtful, contain compliments as well as constructive criticism, and maintain a professional tone.
Furthermore, in regard to all assignments, please observe the following:
- All assignments must be completed using AMA formatting where appropriate.
- All times refer to Eastern Time (ET).
- All questions about assignments and all questions, in general, should be sent through email.
Quizzes
Some weeks, your coursework will include quizzes. These generally have about 10 questions, with a variety of question types. There is no time limit, but you must complete the quiz within one sitting, so do not start the quiz until you have enough time and are prepared to finish it.
Assignments
Some weeks, your course work will include assignments, which typically have an attached file. You will make a copy of the file, fill in your answers, then submit or upload your copy on the assignment page for grading.
Writing Statement
As professionals in the field, you will consistently be expected to clearly and concisely articulate advanced concepts for diverse audiences at a variety of educational levels.
Graduate students are expected to produce their best quality work, including screening their work prior to submission for clarity, grammatical, spelling, formatting and mechanical issues.
While there is often a portion of each assignment’s rubric dedicated specifically to grammar, spelling, mechanics, and formatting, it is critical to understand that failure to submit work that has been adequately proofed may result in a reduction of points in other areas of the rubric. These may include, but are not limited to metrics rating professionalism or content knowledge and synthesis; work submitted in graduate courses should provide evidence of strategic reading, writing, and academic speaking skills essential for success in the discipline.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment: | Point Value: |
|---|---|
| Discussions | 36 (10 discussions) |
| Student Syllabus Contract | 1 |
| Week 1 Assignment | 8 |
| Week 2 Case Study Assignment | 8 |
| Week 3 Quiz | 5 |
| Week 4 Quiz | 5 |
| Week 5 Quiz | 5 |
| Week 6 Quiz | 8 |
| Week 7 Quiz | 8 |
| Week 7 Vitamins Assignment | 8 |
| Week 8 Minerals Assignment | 8 |
| Total | 100 |
Schedule
Weekly Dates
Week 1: May 3 – May 9
Week 2: May 10 – May 16
Week 3: May 17 – May 23
Week 4: May 24 – May 30
Week 5: May 31 – Jun 6
Week 6: Jun 7 – Jun 13
Week 7: Jun 14 – Jun 20
Week 8: Jun 21 – Jun 25
Week One: Introduction to Course, Macronutrients, & Carbohydrates
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- Identify the relationship between biochemistry and nutrition
- Define metabolism and biological energy
- Discuss the function of macronutrients in metabolism
- Assess carbohydrates as a fuel source and describe structural features
Lectures
- Welcome
- Introduction to Biochemistry & Metabolism
- Carbohydrates: Structure, Digestion, & Absorption
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 3 – Carbohydrates pg. 61-77
- Dietary Carbohydrates: role of quality and quantity in chronic disease
- Metabolic effects of dietary carbohydrates: The importance of food digestion.
- Overview of metabolism and catabolism. KhanAcademy.
Note: additional reading and videos can be found in the course
Assignments
- Syllabus Contract
- Digestion & Carbohydrates Assignment
Discussions
- Introductions
- Carbohydrates
Week Two: Carbohydrate Metabolism
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- Identify the main energy form in metabolism and how it is created
- Discuss glucose and glycogen metabolism and identify the net products of these reactions
- Describe the role of the TCA cycle to intermediary metabolism
- Evaluate different mechanisms of metabolic regulation and how this impacts enzymatic function
Lectures
- Introduction to Integrated Metabolism and Regulation, Glycogenesis & Glycogenolysis
- Glycolysis, TCA Cycle, and Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Gluconeogenesis
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 3, Carbohydrates – Integrated Metabolism in Tissues pg. 77-106
- Visible Body Physiology Animations: Cellular Respiration Video (Cells & Tissues)
- Cellular respiration introduction. Khan Academy.
- Overview of Glycolysis. Khan Academy.
- Regulation of Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis. Khan Academy.
- Regulation of Krebs-TCA Cycle. Khan Academy.
Assignments
- Glycolysis Case study
Discussions
- Energy Drink Discussion
Week Three: Dietary Lipids
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- List the major functions of fats/lipids in the human body and identify sources of types of dietary lipids
- Describe the properties of different dietary lipids and their effects on health and disease risk
- Compare the digestion of phospholipids, triacylglycerol, and cholesterol
- Discuss the structure of lipoproteins and their role in lipid absorption and transport
- Apply research findings regarding dietary lipids to patient recommendations for fat intake
Lectures
- Lipids: Properties and Structure
- Lipids: Digestion, Absorption, and Transport
- Lipids: Lipoprotein Metabolism
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 5 – Lipids pg. 125 – 145
- Effects of dietary fats on blood lipids: a review of direct comparison trials.
Assignments
- Quiz
Discussions
- Trans Fats Discussion
Week Four: Dietary Lipids Metabolism
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- Describe the metabolism of lipids and lipoprotein particles
- Identify the basic steps of fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis
- Evaluate the difference in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and how the two interconnect
Lectures
- Catabolism and Biosynthesis of Fatty Acids
- Regulation of Lipid Metabolism
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 5, Lipids pg. 145 – 166
- Overview of Fatty Acid Oxidation. Khan Academy.
Assignments
- Quiz
Discussions
- Ethanol Discussion
Week Five: Dietary Proteins and Amino Acids
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- List the major functions of protein in the human body
- Characterize the components of protein digestion and amino acid absorption
- Compare methods of amino acid classification and identify amino acids based on these classifications
- Provide protein recommendations based on specific diseases/conditions
Lectures
- Amino Acid Structure and Classification
- Dietary Protein: Digestion, Absorption
- Functional Role of Proteins
Required Readings & Materials
- Gropper Text: Chapter 6, Protein pg. 175 -184; 203-209
- Amino Acid Structure. Khan Academy.
- Classification of Amino Acids. Khan Academy.
Assignments
- Quiz
Discussions
- Protein Discussion
Week Six: Protein Metabolism
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- Discuss protein metabolism and protein synthesis
- Summarize the major fates of the α-keto acids of dietary amino acids
- Evaluate the relationship between the urea cycle and the TCA cycle
- Describe the alanine-glucose cycle and skeletal muscle use of amino acids
- Analyze changes in protein metabolism and provide recommendations for older adults
Lectures
- Protein Metabolism: Overview of Amino Acid Catabolism
- Protein: Synthesis and Protein Requirements
- Interorgan Metabolism of Amino Acids
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 6, Protein pg. 184 – 240
- Overview of Amino Acid Metabolism. Khan Academy.
Assignments
- Protein Quiz
Discussions
- Protein Metabolism Discussion
Week Seven: Vitamins (Part I)
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- Identify water-soluble vitamins and describe the factors related to their digestion and absorption
- Discuss how water-soluble vitamins are interconnected to the metabolism of macronutrients
- Evaluate the recommended intakes of water-soluble vitamins and consequences of deficiency
- Analyze both popular news, as well as published research studies, related to vitamins
Lectures
- Introduction to Vitamins and Vitamin C
- B Vitamins
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 9, Water-Soluble Vitamins
Assignments
- Quiz
- Vitamin Assignment
Discussions
- Vitamin Discussion
Week Eight: Vitamins & Minerals (Part II)
Weekly Learning Outcomes
- Identify fat-soluble vitamins and describe the factors related to their digestion and absorption
- Differentiate factors for digestion and absorption between water- and fat-soluble vitamins
- Discuss adequate, inadequate, and excess intake of fat-soluble vitamins
- Identify the properties of major minerals
- Describe the factors related to the digestion and absorption of major minerals
- Evaluate how calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium function in the body and in metabolic pathways
Lectures
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, and K
- Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorous, and Magnesium
Required Readings
- Gropper Text: Chapter 10, Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Gropper Text: Chapter 11: Minerals
Assignments
- Minerals Assignment
Discussions
- Meal Plan
- Course Reflection
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Applied Nutrition page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Applied Nutrition Database
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
UNE Student Academic Success Center
The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of services to support your academic achievement, including tutoring, writing support, test prep and studying strategies, learning style consultations, and many online resources. To make an appointment for tutoring, writing support, or a learning specialist consultation, go to une.tutortrac.com. To access our online resources, including links, guides, and video tutorials, please visit:
Information Technology Services (ITS)
- ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
AMA Writing Style Statement
In keeping with the requirements of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course and is available at both UNE libraries under the title "AMA Manual." Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.
Online resources: AMA Style Guide
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in AMA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Late Policy
Assignments: Assignments submitted after the due date and time will receive a deduction of 10% of the total possible grade for each day it is late. After three days, the assignment will not be accepted. No assignments will be accepted after the course ends.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, acceptance of the discussion board is at the discretion of the faculty. Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded (does not apply to practicum).
Students are encouraged to make every effort ahead of time to contact their instructor and their student support specialist if they are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.