Nutrition and Metabolism, Minor
Program Overview
The minor in nutrition and metabolism is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in nutrition and metabolism, equipping them with the skills necessary to optimize health, understand the evidence behind gold standards related to manage metabolic processes, and advocate for effective dietary and food intake practices.
This minor program addresses the increased need for expertise in the field of nutrition and metabolic health which can help prepare the undergraduate students for careers in medicine, all aspects of healthcare, nutrition, public health, their own well-being and professional healthcare. This program will give students a comprehensive understanding of how nutrition impacts metabolic functions, including regulation and dysregulation, and the impact on health outcomes. By completing this minor, students will be better prepared to contribute to advancements in metabolic health, addressing chronic diseases, and enhancing public health as well.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the biochemical processes involved in the digestion, absorption, transport, storage, and utilization of nutrients, and explain their relevance in health and disease.
- Summarize and critically evaluate current research in nutrition and metabolism, applying this knowledge to real-world health scenarios.
- Comprehend the metabolic functions of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, lipids, proteins, and minerals, along with their interactions and implications for health.
- Gain knowledge of methods for assessing nutritional status, including an understanding of their strengths and limitations.
- Identify factors that affect food choices, including the impact of poor diet and sedentary lifestyle on health, and discuss key dietary concerns in the United States.
- Define nutrition and essential terms such as essential nutrients, classes of nutrients, nutrient and energy density, RDA, and AI.
- Explain the roles, food sources, associated diseases, and key steps in the digestion and absorption of macronutrients and micronutrients.
- Explain energy balance and its components, and identify key nutrition concerns relevant to each stage of the life cycle.
Undergraduate Policies
For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.
Program Requirements
Nutrition majors are not eligible for this minor.
Non-Nutrition majors may only take one minor offered by the Department of Nutrition.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| NTRN 201 | Nutrition | 3 |
| NTRN 352 | Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | 3 |
| NTRN 363 | Human Nutrition I: Energy, Protein, Minerals | 3 |
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Personalized Nutrition: Genes and Diet in Health and Disease Prevention | ||
| Molecular Nutrition | ||
| Exercise Physiology and Macronutrient Metabolism | ||
| Metabolic, Health, and Nutrition Assessments | ||
| Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism: Investigative Methods | ||
| Obesity - Addressing the Epidemic through Nutrition, Drugs, and Bariatric Surgery | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |