Syllabus

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition

APN 615 Nutrition and Metabolism — Summer B 2017

Credits - 3

Description

The metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water and the biological and physiological actions of these nutrients are examined.  Topics include macronutrient and micronutrient absorption, transport, and excretion, the regulation of biochemical and enzymatic pathways, variability in the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals, and the impacts of nutrient toxicity and deficiency in humans and animal models.

Materials

Gropper, S. A. S., Smith, J. L., & Carr, T. P. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism; 2018.

Hands-On Labs:

  • Nutrition and Metabolism
  • Biological Macromolecules

Please see the course for Hands-On Labs ordering information.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Program Objectives

This course will help you satisfy the following program objectives:

  • 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

 

Course Objectives

In this course you will:

  • Evaluate the role of macro and micro nutrients in health and disease

  • Distinguish the complex interaction of cell biology, biochemistry, and physiology in the study of nutrition

  • Analyze current articles/reviews in the field of nutritional science as they relate to the topics of the course

Course Outcomes

In this course you will:

  • Summarize the processes of digestion, absorption, metabolism, excretion and biochemical function of macronutrients, and vitamins, and minerals

  • Summarize the regulation of lipid, carbohydrate, and protein digestion, absorption, transport, tissue and cellular metabolism

  • Examine the scientific basis for establishing micro and macronutrient requirements and how to apply to various populations and age groups

  • Examine metabolic pathways dependent on specific nutrients with an emphasis on how vitamins and/or mineral facilitate specific biochemical functions

  • Discuss the basis of how nutrient deficiencies and excesses result in metabolic abnormalities with functional and potentially toxic consequences

  • Evaluate deficiency and toxicity signs and symptoms associated with each nutrient

  • Distinguish how macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism affect disease etiology and their roles in disease prevention

  • Analyze physiological, biochemical and metabolic changes associated with micro and macro nutrient intake as it relates to select metabolic diseases

  • Compare and contrast relevant scientific literature and synthesize existing knowledge in nutrition and metabolism with new research information.

Assignments

The IRB Proposal: You will complete a 15-20 page IRB proposal based on a hypothetical study of a nutrient. 

The Presentation: You will deliver a 10-15 minute professional presentation based on the information in your proposal.

Nutrient Introduction: You will share the preliminary information necessary to compose your IRB proposal.

Literature Review: You will complete a 5-10 page literature review of your topic.

Data Analysis: You will submit the data analysis portion of your IRB proposal as an assignment.

Case Studies: You will complete a number of case studies.

Krebs Cycle and Nutrient Multimedia Projects: You will complete a creative, multimedia depiction of the Krebs Cycle, as well as one of your IRB proposal nutrient.

Hands-On Labs: You will complete two Hands-On Labs. Please make sure you have ordered them. See the course for directions.

Discussion Board:

You will be required to participate in discussions. Initial posts are due on Sundays, and responses are due by Wednesday. 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.

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.

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

IRB Proposal23
Presentation10
Nutrient Submission2.5
Nutrient Introduction2.5
Literature Review5
Data Analysis/Methods Section5
Instructor Feedback2
Case Studies8
Hands-On Labs12
Krebs Cycle Multimedia Project2.5
Nutrient Multimedia Project2.5
ePortfolio Reflection5
Discussion Board (excluding Case Studies)19
Student Syllabus Contract1
Total100

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 One: 6/28 – 7/5

Week Two: 7/5 – 7/12

Week Three: 7/12 – 7/19

Week Four: 7/19 – 7/26

Week Five: 7/26 – 8/2

Week Six: 8/2 – 8/9

Week Seven: 8/9 – 8/16

Week Eight: 8/16 – 8/20

 

Major Due Dates

Discussion Board Prompts

Every Sunday and Wednesday

Case Studies

Same as Discussion Board; please see individual prompts for additional details

Nutrient Submission

Wednesday, 7/5

Nutrient Introduction

Wednesday, 7/12

Krebs Cycle Multimedia Project

Sunday, 7/16

Hands-On Lab 1 & 2

1: Wednesday, 7/19; 2: Sunday, 7/30

Literature Review

Wednesday, 8/2

Data Analysis/Methods Section

Wednesday, 8/9

Presentation

Sunday, 8/13

IRB Proposal

Wednesday, 8/16

Nutrient Multimedia Project

Sunday, 8/20

ePortfolio Reflection

Sunday, 8/20

 

Week One: The Cell and the Digestive System

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • Identify the components of the cells/ organelles and discuss their functions
  • Discuss apoptosis
  • Analyze apoptotic cell death and understand the mechanisms involved
  • Distinguish the roles of cellular proteins including receptors and enzymes
  • Discuss energy transformation and heat production related to nutrient utilization
  • Identify the structures of the digestive system and discuss the absorptive processes
  • Summarize selected disorders of the digestive tract
  • Identify and discuss the regulatory peptides which influence and coordinate digestion and absorption

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 1: The Cell: A Microcosm of Life
  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 2: The Digestive System: Mechanism for Nourishing the Body

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

Submit nutrient choice and disease process for instructor approval.

Discussions

DB1: Introduce yourself!

DB2: Vitamin D Case Study

 

Week Two: Carbohydrates, Fiber, and the Water Soluble Vitamins

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • Explain the structural differences between simple and complex carbohydrates
  • Identify inborn errors of the TCA cycle
  • Discuss metabolic control of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis
  • Describe the dietary modifications for a gluten free diet
  • Compare carbohydrate utilization in type2 and type 1 diabetes
  • Explain the chemistry and characteristics of fiber
  • Discuss the health benefits of fiber
  • Recommend fiber intake for different population and age groups
  • Compare and contrast digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion for each water-soluble vitamin
  • Detail functions and mechanisms of action for each water-soluble vitamin
  • Recommend appropriate water-soluble vitamin intake for adults (based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance)
  • Assess the impact of water-soluble deficiencies and toxicities as they relate to health and disease

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 3: Carbohydrates
  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 4: Fiber
  • Gropper and Smith CHapter 9: Water Soluble Vitamins

Additional readings listed in course.

Videos

  • The Krebs Cycle Made Simple

Assignments

Submit full introduction of nutrient (Due Sunday)

Discussions

DB1: Share introductory information about the nutrient you would like to study for your IRB proposal.

DB2: GI Case Study

Initial post due Sunday, and responses due Wednesday.

 

Week Three: Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • Explain the structure and biological importance of lipids
  • Describe the digestion, absorption, transport and storage of lipids
  • Evaluate a lipid profile and make appropriate recommendations based on the lipid profile
  • Discuss the impact low-carbohydrate diets have on lipid metabolism
  • Detail the regulation of lipid metabolism
  • Outline ethyl alcohol metabolism and the biological impact
  • Explain the role of lipids and lipoproteins in cardiovascular disease risk
  • Compare and contrast digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion for each fat-soluble vitamin
  • Detail functions and mechanisms of action for each fat-soluble vitamin
  • Recommend appropriate fat-soluble vitamin intake for adults (based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance)
  • Assess the impact of fat-soluble deficiencies and toxicities as they relate to health and disease

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 5: Lipids
  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 10: Fat Soluble Vitamins

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

Biological Macromolecules HOL (due Wednesday)

Krebs Cycle multimedia presentation (due Sunday)

Discussions

DB Post 1: Lipid Profile Case Study

DB Post 2: Please share a link to your Krebs Cycle video.

Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Wednesday.

 

Week Four: Protein

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • Describe amino acid classification
  • Explain how protein is digested and absorbed
  • Outline amino acid metabolism including transamination, deamination and disposal of ammonia, carbon skeletons/alpha-keto acids and hepatic metabolism
  • Discuss protein synthesis
  • Explain organ specific protein metabolism
  • Explain protein catabolism and tissue turnover
  • Describe changes in body mass that occur with aging
  • Evaluate protein quality and amino acid needs

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 6: Protein

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

Begin working on Literature Review (due week 5)

Discussions

DB1: Please list the disordered processes related to your nutrient.

DB2: Albumin Case Study

Initial post due Sunday, and responses due Wednesday.

 

Week Five: Metabolism and Exercise, Energy Expenditure, and Body Composition

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • Discuss the differences in energy utilization in the fed, post-absorptive, fasting and starving states
  • Explain the sources of energy utilized in resting muscle versus muscle during exercise
  • Identify the hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism during exercise
  • Calculate energy expenditure
  • Describe the difference between HiiT, Tabata, and plyometric training and the fuel sources utilized
  • Compare and contrast the different methods used to measure energy expenditure
  • Explain the different components of energy expenditure
  • Calculate your energy expenditure
  • Discuss the health implications associated with abnormal BMIs
  • Describe factors which influence energy balance and body mass

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 7: Integration and Regulation of Metabolism and the Impact of Exercise
  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 8: Energy Expenditure, Body Composition and Healthy Weight

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

Nutrition and Metabolism Hands on Lab (due Sunday)

Literature review (due Wednesday)

Discussions

DB1: Explain the macronutrient needs of an athlete from your favorite sport.

DB2: Share your HOL experience.

Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Wednesday.

 

Week Six: Major Minerals, Water, and Electrolytes

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • For each mineral: list food sources, explain digestion, absorption and transport, discuss regulation and homeostasis, excretion and potential interactions. Describe deficiency and toxicity symptoms and assessment of nutriture.
  • Make appropriate recommendations using the Recommended Dietary allowance based on age/sex
  • Discuss body water content and distribution
  • Describe how water is absorbed
  • Assess appropriate water intake based on recommendations

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 11: Major Minerals
  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 12: Water and Electrolytes

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

Data Analysis/Methods Section of IRB Proposal

Discussions

Please share your proposed method of study, research population, sample size, and which test/analysis you propose to use.

Initial post due Sunday, and responses due Wednesday.

 

Week Seven: Essential Trace Minerals

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • For each mineral: list food sources, explain digestion, absorption and transport, discuss regulation and homeostasis, excretion and potential interactions. Describe deficiency and toxicity symptoms and assessment of nutriture.
  • Make appropriate recommendations using the Recommended Dietary allowance or adequate intake based on age/sex

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 13: Essential Trace Minerals

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

IRB proposal (due Wednesday)

Presentation (due Sunday)

Discussions

DB1: Share interesting findings you discovered about your nutrient from completing the proposal.

DB2: Share the link to your IRB presentation.

Initial post due Sunday, and responses due Wednesday.

 

Week Eight: Essential Trace and Ultratrace Minerals

Weekly Learning Outcomes

This week you will:

  • For each mineral: list food sources, explain digestion, absorption and transport, discuss regulation and homeostasis, excretion and potential interactions. Describe deficiency and toxicity symptoms and assessment of nutriture. Discuss recommended intake.

Lectures

  • See Course

Readings

  • Gropper and Smith Chapter 14: Essential Trace and Ultratrace Minerals

Additional readings listed in course.

Assignments

Course Reflection/ePortfolio

Nutrient Multimedia project

Discussions

DB1: Please share your final thoughts on the class.

DB2: Please post a link to your nutrient multimedia project.

Posts due Sunday. Responses optional.

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:

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 Online Student 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:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. 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.