Human Nutrition - Macronutrients

Aim and Content

The course provides a detailed introduction to the digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion of the energy-yielding nutrients, focusing on the function and biochemistry of the nutrients. Furthermore, the significance of the diet for normal development and health, including over- and malnutrition, dietary patterns in Western societies and developing countries, and some of the most important health issues related to diet and how these depend on living conditions and lifestyle. Other focuses include: sources of and the requirements of the different nutrients, nutritional recommendations and how to interpret these.

Dietary surveys are included as a compulsory part of the course.

Learning Outcomes

It is expected that the student after completing this course can:

Knowledge:

• Describe how proteins, carbohydrates, fat and dietary fiber affects development, growth and health in humans.
• Define the structure, and tell about digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion with focus on function and biochemistry.
• Define requirements for nutrients, and know (Norwegian) nutrient recommendations and how to interpret these.
• Describe the impact of diet on normal development and health, including over- and malnutrition, dietary habits in Western societies and developing countries, and some of the most current health problems related to diet (such as diabetes, blood-lipid related diseases, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome).
• Be able to put their knowledge into a dietary context, for example by being able to identify sources in the diet to different fatty acids, amino acids and different types of carbohydrates, including the link between diet/changes in diet and different health challenges.

Skills:

• Measure dietary pattern and nutrient intake
• Critically read research articles related to nutrition research
• Write a scientific text (semester paper), with correct use of citations

Competence:

• Have the ability to ask critical questions and discuss nutrition research with fellow students.

Language of Instruction

Norwegian

Course Unit Level

Master

Department

NIFES

Pre-requirements

MOL101, KJEM100 eller KJEM110, BIO110, BIO111, BI0113, BIO114 MOL101, KJEM100 or KJEM110, BIO110, BIO111, BI0113, BIO114

Compulsory Requirements

Seminar with oral presentations, dietary survey and a written semester paper.

Assessment methods

Oral presentation of assigned topic (33%), written paper (33%) and oral exam (33%).

Grading Scale

Grading scale A-F

Course Unit Evaluation

Written evaluation on My Space/Mi side

Contact Information

studie@med.uib.no / +47 55 97 73 45 / +47 55 58 25 35