Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism, BA

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism

Program Overview

Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism is the study of nutrients and their metabolic functions. This degree program also prepares the students for graduate studies in nutrition or metabolic research or for further training for careers in medicine, dentistry, and other allied health professions.

The BA in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism is easily combined with majors such as Psychology, Sociology, Chemistry, Biology or Communication Sciences. It will also easily accommodate the requirements of a pre-health curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define nutrition and basic terms such as essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, classes of nutrients, nutrient and energy density, Recommended Dietary Allowance and Adequate Intake.
  • Describe the metabolic roles of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, lipids/fatty acids, protein/amino acids and minerals, and the interactions among them, and identify the clinical signs and symptoms of inadequacy, deficiency and toxicity.
  • Discuss vitamins in detail, including classification, metabolic rates, functions, sources, implications of toxicity and deficiency, appropriate determination of human need, and requirements throughout the lifecycle.
  • Apply the basis for digestion of food, gut microbiota and the absorption, transport, storage, and utilization of fuels in health and disease.
  • Explain the basic and intermediate foundations of nutrition and metabolism in inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry.
  • Demonstrate basic and intermediate laboratory techniques in chemical analysis, synthesis and characterization, thermochemistry chemical kinetics, and microscale operations.
  • Discuss the science, rationale, and validity of various metabolic health and nutrition assessment tools, screens, and methodologies routinely used in clinical/research settings.
  • Compare the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of different validated (or not validated) metabolic health and nutrition assessment tools, screens, and methodologies.
  • Examine data generated from validated metabolic health and nutrition assessment tools, screens, and methodologies to determine proper application, recommendation, or significance.
  • Interpret nutrition science and utilize research outcomes to appropriately address food and nutrition problems in the clinical sector.
  • Critique original research articles and communicate research findings to both academic and lay audiences.

Didactic Program in Dietetics

Students interested in applying to dietetic internships must meet specific course requirements (Didactic Program in Dietetics) as required by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These requirements are met in the courses that comprise the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). A department advisor should be consulted in the first year to plan the dietetics coursework.

The DPD at Case Western Reserve University is currently granted Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800.877.1600. 

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.