Research Skills in Nutrition
20 credits
The research process:
A review of the steps in the research process, including project planning, applying for funding, project management, and the peer review process.
Critical review skills:
A discussion of reading strategies appropriate for scientific literature, and how to critically assess the quality of published material.
Data collection and statistical analysis:
An introduction to the types of data commonly collected in research in nutritional sciences and the basic concepts of statistical analysis, with practical application using SPSS. How to present data effectively.
Laboratory skills:
An introduction to the basic skills required to work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment.
Dietary assessment:
The tools available for dietary assessment, both at individual and population level. Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, according to different research scenarios in the nutritional sciences.
Anthropometry:
The tools available for measuring body composition, both at the individual and population level. Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, according to different research scenarios in the nutritional sciences. Practical application of laboratory, dietary assessment and anthropometry techniques
Healthy People, Healthy Planet
20 credits
You will investigate international nutritional practices and evaluate the impact on health, survival and development capacity of populations in developing and developed countries. You'll look at current and future considerations such as climate change and an increasingly ageing population.
Topical issues will focus on household, community, national and international levels, such as:
- nutritional surveillance
- development of sustainable global diets
- international breastfeeding and weaning initiatives
- future foods
- impact of infectious disease on nutrition and health
Nutrition and Metabolism
20 credits
This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the role of nutrition in a variety of physiological & pathological situation covering:
- Metabolism in the Fed, Fasted and Starved States.
- Nutrition, Metabolism and Exercise
- Disorders of Metabolism
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease, Lipoproteins, Hyperlipidaemia and Atherosclerosis
Molecular Nutrition
20 credits
This module will introduce the concept of metabolic control at the gene expression level with particular reference to the role of nutrients in these processes. Through the provision and application of relevant biochemical and molecular biology information, you will gain an understanding of the regulatory effects of nutrients, either directly or indirectly, on gene expression and how this influences metabolism and growth in eukaryotic systems.
Fundamentals of Nutrition
20 credits
This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts in the field of Nutrition, including requirements for macronutrients (e.g. proteins, carbohydrates and fats) and micronutrients (e.g. vitamins and minerals).
Public Health Nutrition
20 credits
This module will provide an integrated programme of epidemiology, basic nutrition and molecular science and public health nutrition and policy to examine the relationship between nutritional status and major human disease. The emphasis of the module will be upon understanding population-wide approaches to evaluation of disease risk factors and development and implementation of preventive strategies.
Postgraduate Research Project
60 credits
You will carry out a research project in an area related to nutritional sciences, supervised by a specialist. This will involve the application of investigative, critical and analytical skills, and the presentation of a report. There is a poster presentation at the annual postgraduate research symposium.