Syllabus
Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
APN 600 Trends and Issues in Nutrition (Spring A 2023)
Credits - 3
Description
Current trends and issues relating to nutrition, food and food products are examined. The course will contain a review of key concepts related to the digestive system, metabolism, energy balance, nutrition and disease and the Nutrition Care Plan. Current issues related to these topics will be explored. Students will review, analyze and synthesize professional literature. Students will apply course concepts to their practice and/or area of study and expertise.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Students in this course will meet the following program-specific competencies, learning how to:
- Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best-practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives.
- Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities.
- Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences.
- Research, develop and disseminate evidence-based and theory driven educational materials and work-products at an audience appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion.
ACEND Competencies:
- 1.1 Applies an understanding of environmental, molecular factors (e.g. genes, proteins, metabolites) and food in the development and management of disease.
- 1.1.3 Demonstrates general understanding of nutrition and genetics, as it relates to health conditions. (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.
- 1.5.2 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)
- 1.5.4 Analyzes the correlation between mental health conditions and nutritional health.(S)
- 2.3 Utilizes the nutrition care process with individuals, groups or populations in a variety of practice settings.
- 2.3.10 Determines barriers that might influence a client/patient’s nutritional status. (D)
- 6.1 Incorporates critical thinking skills in practice.
- 6.1.1 Considers multiple factors when problem solving. Engages in reflective practice to promote change and continuous learning. (D)
- 6.2 Applies scientific methods utilizing ethical research practices when reviewing, evaluation and conducting research.
- 6.2.7 Translates and communicates research findings and conclusions through a variety of media. (D)
- 6.3 Applies current research and evidence-informed practice to services.
- 6.3.2 Critically examines and interprets current research and evidence-informed practice findings to determine the validity, reliability and credibility of information. (D)
- 6.3.4 Analyzes and formulates a professional opinion based on the current research and evidence-based findings and experiential learning. (D)
- 7.1 Assumes professional responsibilities to provide safe, ethical and effective nutrition services.
- 7.1.2 Engages in self-reflective practice activities to develop and maintain ongoing competence and professional behaviors. (D)
- 7.2 Uses effective communication, collaboration and advocacy skills.
- 7.2.4 Selects mode of communication appropriate to the messaging to meet the needs of the audience. (D)
Course Outcomes
Students in this course will learn how to:
- Demonstrate a graduate level understanding of key nutrition concepts.
- Analyze, synthesize and evaluate arguments posed by relevant scholarly literature.
- Identify and evaluate current trends in the field.
- Investigate the role of nutrition in treating disease.
- Apply knowledge of the Nutrition Care Process.
- Convey discipline specific information to a diverse audience.
Assignments
Lectures
This course is lecture-based; please see each week’s module for required, supplemental and optional viewing as applicable.
Assignments
Student Syllabus Contract
RefWorks Assignment
AMA Quiz Assignment
Week 4: Dune Agreement
Key Assessment Part 1: Faculty Call
Key Assessment Part 2: Outline
Key Assessment Part 3: Position Paper
Key Assessment Part 4: Blog Post
Week 8 Assignment
Discussion Board
You will be required to participate in weekly 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 compliment as well as constructive criticism, and maintain a professional tone. Please be sure to follow the individual directions provided with each Discussion Board prompt, as the requirements may vary from Discussion Board to Discussion Board. Review the MSAN Discussion Guidelines document in week one.
Specific statements about nutrition and health outcomes should be supported appropriately with citations of peer-reviewed research.
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.
- There will be no extra credit offered.
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
| RefWorks Assignment | 2 |
| AMA Quiz | 2 |
| 8 Discussion Boards (3 points each) | 24 |
| 5 Weekly Assignments (5 points each - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6) | 25 |
| Week 4 DUNE Agreement | 2 |
| Week 8 Assignment | 1 |
| Key Assessment Part 1: Faculty Call | 3 |
| Key Assessment Part 2: Outline | 5 |
| Key Assessment Part 3: The Position Paper | 20 |
| Key Assessment Part 4: Blog Post | 15 |
| Student Syllabus Contract | 1 |
| Total | 100 |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Weekly Schedule:
- Week 1: Jan 4 – Jan 10
- Week 2: Jan 11 – Jan 17
- Week 3: Jan 18 – Jan 24
- Week 4: Jan 25 – Jan 31
- Week 5: Feb 1 – Feb 7
- Week 6: Feb 8 – Feb 14
- Week 7: Feb 15 – Feb 21
- Week 8: Feb 22 – Feb 26
Please note: Weeks 1 and 8 will only open after the course surveys have been completed.
Week One: Reviewing, Analyzing and Synthesizing Scholarly Articles
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Identify types of nutrition research
- Discuss the importance of research in the nutrition field
- Understand how to read scholarly articles
- Navigate the UNE library databases
- Apply AMA referencing style
Lecture
Week 1 Lecture
Required Reading
- A brief guide to AMA style
- AMA Quick Guide
- How to Evaluate Journal Articles
- Journal Title Abbreviations
- Evaluation Worksheet Example
- Article Evaluated in Reading and Evaluating Journal Articles Video
- 12 Major Research Design Types
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: When One Study Is Just not Enough
- The Challenge of Connecting Dietary Changes to Improved Disease Outcomes: The Balance between Positive, Neutral, and Negative Publication Results
See course for supplemental reading.
Assignments
- RefWorks Assignment
- AMA Quiz Assignment
- Week 1 Assignment: Evaluating Journal Articles
Discussions
- Introductions
- Week 1 Discussion
Week Two: Trends in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Explain the role and application of nutrition supplements in GI diseases
- Identify meta-analysis/ review articles
- Describe mechanisms of action for nutrition supplements
- Differentiate between factual information and popular thought
Lectures
- Week 2 Lectures
Required Reading
- Alterations in Intestinal Permeability: The Role of the “Leaky Gut” in Health and Disease
- Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health
- Harnessing the Power of Microbiome Assessment Tools as Part of Neuroprotective Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Interventions
- Dietary Supplements: Regulatory Challenges and Research Resources
See course for supplemental reading.
Assignments
- Week 2 Assignment: Current thoughts on Leaky Gut
- Key Assessment Part 1: Faculty Call
Discussion
- Week 2 Discussion
Week Three: Trends in Metabolism
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Analyze the importance of carbohydrates in metabolism
- Critique low carbohydrate diets and their appropriateness
- Develop a one-day meal plan for a low carbohydrate diet
Lectures
- Week 3 Lectures
Required Reading
- Energy, Metabolism, and Mitochondria: An Overview
- Evidence that supports the prescription of low-carbohydrate high-fat diets: a narrative review
- The use of a low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes – benefits and risks
See course for supplemental reading.
Assignments
- Week 3 Assignment: 24-hour Recall Modification
- Key Assessment Part 2: Outline
Discussion
- Week 3 Discussion
Week Four: Trends in Energy Balance
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Identify signs/symptoms of Orthorexia Nervosa
- Distinguish between disordered eating and eating disorders
- Develop a plan to guide a patient from disordered eating to normal eating
- Create a professional brochure on a complex topic
Lectures
- Week 4 Lectures
See course for supplemental videos.
Required Reading
- Energy metabolism, fuel selection and body weight regulation
- Analysis of energy metabolism in humans: A review of methodologies
- Eating Issues and Body Image Continuum
- On Orthorexia Nervosa: A review of literature and proposed diagnostic criteria
Assignment
- Week 4 Assignment: Brochure
Discussion
- Week 4 Discussion
Week Five: Nutrition in Disease
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Analyze the role of nutrition in dementia
- Report on the use of technology in nutrition care
- Convey a position on a complex nutrition topic
Lectures
- Week 5 Lectures
Required Reading
- Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases report Chapter 2 and Chapter 4
- Nutrition and Dementia
- Mobile Health Applications to Promote Active and Healthy Aging
- Mobile Health Technology in Late-Life Mental Illness: A Focused Literature Review
Assignment
- Key Assessment Part 3: The Position Paper
Discussion
- Week 5 Discussion
Week Six: Nutrigenomics
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Explain the concepts of genomics and nutrigenomics
- Explore the psychological implications of genomic testing
- Recognize and analyze ethical concerns of nutritional genomics
Lectures
- Week 6 Lectures
Required Reading
- Nutrigenomics in the modern era
- Nutrigenomics Interview – Marion Nestle – National Public Radio
- Self-Regulation Principles Underlying Risk Perception and Decision Making within the Context of Genomic Testing
Assignment
- Week 6 Assignment: Nutrigenomics Position Analysis
Discussion
- Week 6 Discussion
Week Seven: Nutrition Care Plan
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Create a Nutrition Care Plan for weight loss
- Convey complex nutrition issues to a diverse audience
Lectures
- Week 7 Lectures
Required Reading
- Nutrition Care Process and Model Update: Toward Realizing People-Centered Care and Outcomes Management
- Nutrition Care Process Part II: Using the InternationalDietetics and Nutrition Terminology to Document The Nutrition Care Process
- Nutrition Care Process Terminology
- Nutrition Diagnosis Snapshot
- Nutrition Diagnostic Terminology
- Nutrition Intervention Snapshot
- Nutrition Intervention Terminology
- Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation Snapshot
- Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation Terminology
See course for supplemental reading.
Assignment
- Key Assessment Part 4: Blog Post
Discussion
- Week 7 Discussion
Week Eight: Opportunities in the Nutrition Field
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this week’s module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate the course content as a whole
- Discuss how food impacts social change
- Analyze the future of the food industry
Lectures
- Week 8 Lectures
Required Reading
- Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Professional Outlook
- Building a Better Tomorrow: Diversity, Mentoring and the Future of Dietetics
- The Future of Nutrition Research at the National Institutes of Health
- What does the Dietitian of the Future Look Like?
- Dietitians Abroad — TD Speaks With Dietitians Working Around the World to Learn What It’s Like Practicing Overseas
- Career Toolbox – lots of great articles, pay special attention to the articles in the “Journal Career Supplements and Articles.”
Assignment
- Week 8 Assignment: Course Reflection and Portfolio Piece
Discussion
- Week 8 Discussion
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 Blackboard/Brightspace.
- Applied Nutrition Database
- Library Tutorial: Find an article
- 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.
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 Turnitin Student quick start guide.
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
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and 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.