Human Nutrition and Health

University of Greenwich

This module aims to: To develop a greater understanding of the regulation of the cell cycle and cell death; Explore the differentiation and arrangement of cells in the context organ formation; Explore the internal organisation of the cells; To develop a greater understanding of cell biology of immune function. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Discuss the biological processes involved throughout the life of a cell, including cell differentiation, membrane trafficking, motility, adhesion and communication and cell death; Evaluate the molecular and cellular aspects of stem cell biology; Describe the features of adaptive and innate immunity and the interplay of cells during an immune response, including biochemical, molecular and cellular aspects; Employ key techniques in the investigation of cell biology.

This module aims to: To develop the knowledge and understanding of human nutritional requirements for macro and micronutrients and their role in physiology and disease; To provide students with a firm understanding of factors that affect the bioavailability, turnover and storage of nutrients. At the end of the course student will be able to: discuss the nature and extent of the metabolic demand for nutrients, energy and nutrient balance, nutrient turnover and storage and the effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses; demonstrate an understanding of digestion, absorption, metabolism and excretion of nutrients and an appreciation of the biological effects of inert ingesta on the organism; describe the concepts of bio-availability and utilisation; evaluate the derivation and purpose of dietary reference values, and sources and use of standards and other reference data; etc.

The aims of this course are: To provide an introduction to basic concepts in metabolism and the principles of metabolic pathways; To provide students with information on core metabolic pathways; To discuss relationships with metabolism and core disease pathways. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Discuss general issues related to regulation and integration of metabolic processes; Discuss the use of various metabolites as energy sources; Distinguish between major groups of metabolites; Identify the subcellular location of steps of selected metabolic pathways; Compare strategies involved in catabolism and anabolism of specific metabolites; Explain the metabolic bases of selected diseases.

Micro-organisms are found in every ecosystem. They affect the environment in which they are located as well as being affected by it. Their effects can be beneficial, detrimental or unobserved. This course introduces students to some of the key areas in which microbial activity has an important impact on man. It will look at the positive effects that microbial metabolic activity has on the environment through the association of microorganisms with plants, animals and man, from their use in the production of food, and through their use in bioremediation. Students will also look at the negative aspects of microbial activity including the role they play in diseases of humans, animals and plants.

The module aims are: To develop students' understanding of the roles and limitations of homeostatic control and regulation; To examine the factors which contribute to the integrated control of representative examples of different physiological systems. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Explain the inter-relationships existing between the anatomy and physiology of organ systems; Discuss how physiological and biochemical systems interact to maintain the stability of the internal environment; Explain how regulation of internal physiological parameters is related to changes in the external environment; Analyse, synthesise and summarise information and to present a critical review thereof.

To provide an in-depth understanding and conceptual basis to nutrition and nutritional requirements throughout the human life cycle from foetal life to old age.

This module aims to: To introduce students to the principles of epidemiology and the field of nutritional epidemiology and the concepts and principles used in health promotion; To provide students with appropriate tools to plan and carry out community based research in an appropriate manner; Enable students to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of community nutrition and health and integrate knowledge and understanding from a variety of sources to identify or propose solutions for nutrition education and health promotion.

This module aims to: To guide students through the processes of preparing for and delivering their final year research project; To gain an understanding of the skills and attributes required for a graduate to be successful in the employment market. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Demonstrate skills for preparation and management of projects including the application of sound scientific principles to study design; Identify and apply appropriate health and safety and ethics considerations to scientific activities; Identify and apply appropriate tools for data collection, management, processing, statistical analysis, interpretation and presentation; Employ self-reflection to identify strengths and weaknesses in their own skillset and adopt a plan to develop themselves and prepare for the employment market. This should reflect University of Greenwich Graduate Attributes.

This module aims to: To provide students with a deeper understanding of human nutritional requirements through the integration of dietary recommendations, methods of nutritional assessment, and factors that affect the bioavailability, turnover and storage of nutrients; To give students an understanding of changes that may occur in foods at key stages of the food chain, caused by specific handling, processing or storage methods; To give students a deeper understanding of the effects of dietary factors on nutrition and health.

This module aims: to provide an in-depth understanding and conceptual basis to nutrition and nutritional requirements throughout the human life cycle from foetal life to old age; to review existing knowledge and ongoing research regarding the role of nutrition in the aetiology, pathogenesis and prevention of human disease; to explain and review aspects of basic research that underpin public health nutrition; to explain and alert students to the multidisciplinary nature of human nutrition research.

The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of the significance and efficacy of nutrition in the prevention, pathogenesis and management of specific diseases within the context of current scientific recommendations. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the role of diet, foods and nutrients in the maintenance of health and in the prevention or causation of disease or dysfunction throughout the life cycle through analysis, synthesis and summary of the scientific research evidence; Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the benefits and limitations of nutritional interventions in disease and health maintenance through critical analysis of the scientific research evidence; Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of appropriate clinical nutritional assessment methods, and recognition of their strengths and limitations through analysis, synthesis and summary of the scientific research evidence.

This module aims to provide an opportunity for personal development in applying prior theoretical and practical learning to a specific project and to demonstrate the ability to carry out a sustained piece of work. On completing this course successfully, a student will be able to: Plan and cost, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work using appropriate media; critically assess research results and the work of others i.e. published material; work independently and apply knowledge and skills to the solution of a specific practical or theoretical problem; be competent in practical and manipulative skills in solving practical problems, and/or analysis of theoretical research; prepare a detailed and structured report on the project, with a business plan, critical assessment of the work done and the results achieved, and appropriate recommendations from the conclusions drawn; present clear oral presentations with appropriate and adequate use of supporting visual aid material.

This module aims to develop and improve students? knowledge and understanding of the role of food and nutrition both in the promotion of health and well-being and in the primary prevention of diet-related diseases in groups, communities and populations. At the end of the course student will be able to: critically evaluate how food and nutrition contribute to the development, prevention and management of health problems of global importance in developed and developing countries; identify major nutrition related health problems in developed and developing countries and to propose evidence-based solutions; discuss in depth the multifactorial influences on eating behaviours including personal, interpersonal, environmental and policy factors, and their role in changing eating patterns within the context of public health; critically evaluate food and nutrition policies and interventions in developed and developing countries; etc.

This module aims: to alert students to current complex issues within the field of nutrition; To foster a deeper understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of nutrition; To develop a critical and analytical approach to new research in nutrition and related fields; To further develop organisational and self-management skills and foster student led independent learning. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Critically discuss major areas of applied nutrition research; Evaluate current conceptual and methodological issues relating to nutrition research; Critically discuss issues in applied human nutrition and appraise the validity and applicability of new research in this area; Carry out literature-based research and review on current topics in the area of applied human nutrition.