Human Nutrition

Core modules:

Nutritional Biochemistry

This module will provide you with an understanding of the way in which the body metabolises nutrients under a variety of different dietary circumstances and metabolic states. The chemical composition and characteristics of different classes of nutrients will be covered, with reference to their physical properties and functions in the body. Nutrients will be discussed with reference to the main dietary sources. Biochemical processes involved in the metabolism of macro and micronutrients will be covered. The complexities of metabolism will be considered using an integrated approach with the concept of energy flux through metabolic pathways as a focus. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms whereby the body can adapt metabolically to different dietary circumstances. Established functions of specific micronutrients will be discussed. Some important clinical and metabolic effects of deficiency of vitamins and minerals will be covered.

15 credits

Nutritional Epidemiology

This module is designed to i) introduce students to the basic principles of nutritional epidemiology, ii) provide students with a knowledge of epidemiological study design and the ability to interpret epidemiological research, iii) introduce students to the methods of dietary assessment and analysis options, and enable them to collect, analyse and interpret dietary information, iv) provide students with a knowledge of the socio-ecological influences on food choice and v) introduce students to the nutritional challenges of vulnerable population groups and the importance of nutrition policy.Please note: there is a number cap of 50 for this module

15 credits

Nutritional Physiology

This module will introduce the concept of homeostasis and the functions of the human body related to nutrition. The module introduces the major physiological processes occurring through life, as they relate to and are influenced by nutrition, beginning in-utero, and considering the physiological adaptations of pregnancy, lactation and ageing. Included in the module are the principles and measurement of energy balance, energy expenditure, body mass and body composition and the physiological regulation of food intake.

Please note: there is a number cap of 50 for this module

15 credits

Nutrition in the Global South

The aim of this module is to promote an interest and understanding of the nutritional issues particularly facing countries in the Global South, through considering the nutritional situation in low and middle income countries with respect to food availability and consumption at all levels. Key topics encompass malnutrition in all its forms (micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases). It will explore the relationships between deficiency states with infection and growth, food security, the trend to urbanisation and the broad range of factors that influence food intake and nutritional status, e.g. socio-cultural and physical/financial access as well as climate change and global food systems. A range of learning methods will help students to understand how nutritional status in the Global South could be improved.

15 credits

Nutrition in Health and Disease

This module is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of nutrition through the lifespan in relation to health and disease. In particular, the content of the module considers what our nutritional requirements are, how we determine nutritional status of an individual and how nutritional recommendations are adapted dependent on certain common conditions including obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Interactive sessions and case-based activities are used to demonstrate how evidence based practice is used in real world scenarios.

15 credits

Introduction to Research Methods

This module is offered across several programmes. Learning activities for the module are tailored to your individual specialist areas to provide learning that is relevant and specific to your chosen degree programme.



This module provides students with an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods; it covers all stages of the research process from planning and design and research ethics and public and patient involvement, through to data collection and analysis and dissemination stages. It is specifically designed for students who do not have prior research experience and would be suitable for students from a range of backgrounds, but is particularly relevant to those interested in applied health related research. The course also provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods.

15 credits

Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal

The unit introduces students to basic concepts and techniques such as hypothesis testing and confidence interval estimation in statistics. Students will learn some simple statistical methods and the principles behind some advanced methods such as regression. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and critically appraise statistics in research literature.The course is not aimed at 'doers' of statistics, that is, students who are going to design their own studies to collect and analyse their own data. It will not teach you how to analyse, present and report your own data.

15 credits

Dissertation

This module is offered across several programmes. Learning activities for the module are tailored to your individual specialist areas to provide learning that is relevant and specific to your chosen degree programme.



The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding and obtain practical experience of the research process and research skills required to undertake a supervised research project.

Students will be required to identify relevant information on a topic and critically review the research of others. You will be provided with the knowledge and skills required for identifying a knowledge gap, developing a research question, selecting a suitable research design, and conducting an independent piece of research to completion. You will be able to select a dissertation topic of your own interest and a research type (primary data collection,  secondary data analysis, literature review). You can also select projects offered by staff members.



The dissertation should demonstrate competence in the following areas, as applicable to your chosen specialism and dissertation topic; -Critically appraising and interpreting published literature; -Collecting and using data and information to answer a nutrition or clinical research question; .

60 credits

Optional modules:

Health Promotion

The module seeks to elaborate on the theoretical background of health promotion with the aim of developing a critical awareness of the key concepts, debates and methods. The module also aims to evaluate a range of health promotion strategies in different fields. Teaching will be presented through a series of lectures and workshops that will also include group discussion, case studies and examples, to develop the lecture themes, and problem-solving skills.

15 credits

Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers

The unit covers fundamental statistical concepts, and both simple statistical methods and the more widely used advanced methods of multiple regression, survival analysis and generalised linear models. It will be a practical module, including the teaching of the statistical software SPSS, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and analyse a study to answer specific research questions; to understand and critically appraise the literature; and to present research findings in a suitable fashion.

15 credits

Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques

To familiarise students with principles of systematic reviews and critical appraisal and the acquisition of skills necessary to undertake such work. The unit includes an introduction to information systems; principles of systematic literature reviews and critical appraisal; search strategies; computer-assisted search methods; practicalities of writing up the results of a systematic review; introduction to Meta- analysis; and dissemination of findings.

15 credits

Qualitative Research Design and Analysis

On completing the module students will be expected to be able to: understand a range of qualitative research approaches, data collection methods and forms of analysis; plan and undertake a simple analysis of student-generated qualitative data; critically appraise the methods and results of qualitative research.

15 credits