All programmes > The Science of Nutrition and Health

The Science of Nutrition and Health (B-KUL-I0J62A)

4 ECTSEnglish23 Second termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Everaert Nadia
POC Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen

Aims

  • Insight in the central research questions on the role of nutrition and lifestyle factors in health and (chronic) disease
  • Insight in the complexity of the relationship between nutrition and health
  • Insight in the impact of the microbiota on human health
  • Insight in the methods  and the limitations of different research models on nutrition and health
  • To be able to critically judge nutrition-related health myths or facts

Previous knowledge

Knowledge of these topics is required in order to start this course:

  • Organic chemistry (Bachelor's level). 

Knowledge of these topics is an advantage:

  • Food science and nutrition 

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. The Science of Nutrition and Health (B-KUL-I0J62a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture23 Second term
Everaert Nadia
POC Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen

Content

This course studies the role of nutrition as one of the determinants of health and disease. Attention is given at the interaction between diet-microbiota-health. The different research models (epidemiological, in vitro, animal models) are described and evaluated concerning advantages and disadvantages, including the risk of extrapolation to the average human.

Students will learn to critically analyze statements on nutrition and health published in vulgarizing books, to unravel the correctness of these statements.

Course material

Powerpoint slides

Format: more information

Blended learning

20 hours of lectures are given.

The students themselves search for current nutrition and health claims that are substantiated on the basis of literature. Interactions with the teacher and fellow students are planned to further analyze the claims and deliver a critical evaluation of the claims.

Evaluation

Evaluation: The Science of Nutrition and Health (B-KUL-I2J62a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Oral, Paper/Project, Presentation
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation


  • Partial assessment: written assessment on the analysis of specific current dietary facts or myths with oral presentation: 30% of final quotation.
  • Final exam during examination period: Oral exam (theoretical part): 70% of the final quotation.

Completion of the written assessment and oral presentation is mandatory. Not fulfilling these obligations (except for very serious reasons),  will result in a score of “NA” (not attended) for the entire course unit. The results of the partial assessment (30%) can be transferred to the third exam period.

Information about retaking exams

 

During the second examination period, the 30% of the evaluation of the report on dietary facts or myths can be re-evaluated after improvement of the report without additional oral defense on this part. For the theoretical part (70%); there is a retake of the oral exam.