Syllabus
Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
APN 615 Nutrition and Metabolism – Summer B 2021
Credits - 3
Description
The normal and disordered metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and water and the 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
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
ACEND Competencies
- 1.2: Applies an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. (S)
- 1.2.1 Analyzes the impact of food and nutrition on physiological processes.
- 1.5: Applies knowledge of patho-physiology and nutritional biochemistry to physiology, health and disease. (S)
- 1.5.3 Interprets and analyzes the effects of disease, clinical condition and treatment on nutritional health status.
- 1.10: Applies knowledge of math and statistics (S)
- 1.10.2 Communicates information on statistical methods, results and interpretation, both orally and in writing.
- 2.3: Utilizes the nutrition care process with individuals, groups or populations in a variety of practice settings. (D)
- 2.3.12 Identifies patient appropriate validated formula and performs calculations to determine nutritional requirements.
- 2.4: Implements or coordinates nutritional interventions for individuals, groups or populations.
- 2.4.11 Communicates complex nutrition information to broad and diverse audiences.
- 6.1: Incorporates critical thinking skills in practice. (D)
- 6.1.1 Considers multiple factors when problem solving.
- 6.1.2 Incorporates the thought process used in critical thinking models.
- 6.2: Applies scientific methods utilizing ethical research practices when reviewing, evaluating and conducting research. (D)
- 6.2.2 Articulates a clear research question or problem and formulates a hypothesis.
- 6.2.3 Identifies and demonstrates appropriate research methods.
- 6.2.4 Interprets and applies research ethics and responsible conduct in research.
- 6.2.7 Translates and communicates research findings and conclusions through a variety of media.
- 6.3: Applies current research and evidence-informed practice to services. (D)
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- 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.
- 7.2: Uses effective communication, collaboration and advocacy skills. (D)
- 7.2.4 Selects mode of communication appropriate to the messaging to meet the needs of the audience.
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
Key Assessment, Part One – The IRB Proposal: You will complete a 15-20 page IRB proposal based on a hypothetical study of a nutrient. Your proposal will include the following sections, submitted during weeks 1-6:
Section One – IRB Proposal Title and Research Questions: You will submit a title and proposed research questions for your study.
Section Two – Introduction, Hypothesis and Purpose: You will compose a 1-2 page introduction to your proposal that states your hypotheses and the purpose of the research study. You will also submit your first 10 articles for the Research Matrix.
Section Three – Research Matrix: You will complete a template containing a minimum of 20 scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to your research topic.
Section Four – Literature Review: You will complete a 6-8 page literature review of your topic.
Section Five – Research Methods: You will submit a 5-7 page description of all of the activities and procedures associated with your research study.
Section Six – Data Analysis: You will submit the data analysis portion of your IRB proposal, including your conclusion and the significance and limitations of the study.
Key Assessment, Part Two – Presentation of IRB Proposal Information: You will deliver a 10-15 minute professional presentation based on the information in your proposal.
Instructor Consultation: During Week 2 and Week 5, you will schedule a meeting with your instructor to discuss your IRB proposal.
Case Studies: You will complete four case study assignments focusing on different nutritional scenarios/questions.
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.
Nutrient Deficiency Assignment: You will analyze skeletal evidence and share your opinion on the cause of observed disease as a result of nutritional deficiency.
Diet Comparison Assignment: You will submit a report examining the nutritional attributes and scientific validity of five established dietary practices.
Unit Quizzes: You will complete weekly quizzes designed to check your understanding of key concepts from the weekly readings in the textbook.
Discussion Board: You will be required to participate in weekly discussions. Initial posts are due on Sunday 11:59 p.m., and responses are due by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. 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 Proposal | 15 |
| IRB Proposal Presentation | 6 |
| Section 1: IRB Proposal Title & Research Questions | 3.5 |
| Section 2: Introduction, Hypothesis & Purpose | 4.5 |
| Section 3: Research Matrix | 4 |
| Section 4: Literature Review | 4 |
| Section 5: Research Methods | 2 |
| Section 6: Data Analysis | 2 |
| Case Studies - 4 @ 2 pts. each | 8 |
| Krebs Cycle Multimedia Project | 2.5 |
| Nutrient Multimedia Project | 2.5 |
| Nutrient Deficiency Assignment | 3 |
| Diet Comparison Assignment | 3 |
| ePortfolio Reflection | 3 |
| Unit Quizzes - 7 @ 2 pts. each | 14 |
| Discussion Board (excluding Case Studies) - 9 @ 2 pts. each, 2 @ 1 pt | 18 |
| Instructor Consultation Summary (2 @ 2 pts. each) | 4 |
| 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: June 23 – June 29
Week 2: June 30 – July 6
Week 3: July 7 – July 13
Week 4: July 14 – July 20
Week 5: July 21 – July 27
Week 6: July 28 – Aug 3
Week 7: Aug 4 – Aug 10
Week 8: Aug 11 – Aug 15
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
Readings
- Medeiros, Ch. 1: Foundations of the Human Body
- Medeiros, Ch. 2: Digestion and Absorption
Additional readings listed in the course.
Assignments
- Section 1: IRB Proposal Title & Research Questions
- Unit 1 quiz
Discussions
- DB1: Introduce yourself!
- DB2: Vitamin D Case Study
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
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 of 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
Readings
- Medeiros, Ch. 3: Carbohydrates: Energy, Metabolism, and More
- Medeiros, Ch. 4: Dietary Fiber: Digestion and Health
- Medeiros, Ch. 11: Water Soluble Vitamins
- Nutrient Recommendations: Dietary Reference Intakes
- Murphy E, Geber J. Scurvy in the Great Irish Famine: evidence of vitamin C deficiency from a mid-19th century skeletal population. Am J Phys Anthropol. 2012;148(4):512-524.
Additional readings listed in course.
Videos
- The Krebs Cycle Made Simple
Assignments
- Section 2: Introduction, Hypothesis & Purpose, and 2.1: first 10 articles for the Research Matrix
- Submit Instructor Consultation Summary after you have completed your consultation with your instructor
- Unit 2 quiz
Discussions
- DB1: IRB Proposal Nutrient Introduction
- DB2: GI Case Study
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
Week Three: The 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
- 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
- Assess the impact of fat-soluble deficiencies and toxicities as they relate to health and disease
Lectures
Readings
- Medeiros, Ch. 5: Lipids: Fatty Acids, Triglycerides, Phospholipids and Sterols
- Medeiros, Ch. 10: Fat Soluble Vitamins
Additional readings listed in course.
Assignments
- Nutrient Deficiency Assignment (due Tuesday)
- Krebs Cycle multimedia presentation (due Sunday)
- Section 3: Research Matrix
- Unit 3 quiz
Discussions
- DB Post 1: Please share a link to your Krebs Cycle video.
- DB Post 2: Lipid Profile Case Study
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
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
Readings
- Medeiros, Ch. 6: Proteins and Amino Acids: Function, Quantity, and Quality
- Article: Should Albumin and Prealbumin Be Used as Indicators for Malnutrition?
Additional readings listed in course.
Assignments
- Section 4: Literature Review
- Unit 4 quiz
Discussions
- DB: Albumin Case Study
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
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 a variety of diets and dietary choices
- Explain the different components of energy expenditure
- Discuss the health implications associated with abnormal BMI’s
- Describe factors which influence energy balance and body mass
Lectures
Readings
- Maderios, Ch. 8: Metabolism, Energy Balance, and Body Weight and Composition
- Medeiros, Ch. 9: Nutrition, Exercise, and Athletic Performance
Additional readings listed in course.
Assignments
- Section 5: Research Methods (due Tuesday)
- Diet Comparison Assignment (due Sunday)
- Submit Instructor Consultation Summary after you have completed your consultation with your instructor
- Unit 5 quiz
Discussions
- DB1: Explain the macronutrient needs of an athlete from your favorite sport.
- DB 2: Evaluate diets against national guidelines for nutritional health.
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
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
Readings
- Medeiros, Ch. 7: Water
- Medeiros, Ch. 12: Major Minerals
Additional readings listed in course.
Assignments
- Section 6: Data Analysis
- Unit 6 quiz
Discussions
- Please share your proposed method of study, research population, sample size, and which test/analysis you propose to use.
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
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
Readings
- Medeiros, Ch. 13: Minor Minerals
Additional readings listed in course.
Assignments
- IRB Proposal (due Tuesday)
- IRB Proposal Presentation (due Sunday)
- Unit 7 quiz
Discussions
- DB1: Share interesting findings you discovered about your nutrient from completing the proposal.
- DB2: Share the link to your IRB presentation.
Initial posts due Sunday, and responses due Tuesday.
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
Readings
- Supplemental: Medeiros, Ch. 14: Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
Additional readings listed in course.
Assignments
- Course Reflection/ePortfolio Piece
- Nutrient Multimedia project
Discussions
- DB1: Please share your final thoughts on the class.
- DB2: Please post a link to your nutrient multimedia project.
Initial posts due Sunday; responses posts 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:
- 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.