This course provides a general background introducing the history of food, food preparation and food storage/preservation. Basic knowledge about food chemistry will be presented with respect to human energy balance and metabolism, macro- and micro-nutrient needs and food group functions, and the diseases of nutrient deficiency and excess intake. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of diet in metabolic syndrome, the obesity epidemic in some societies, and the political and geophysical causes of famine in other contexts.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Describe the components of a healthy diet required for optimal health through various life stages.
2. Identify the major functions and food sources of each macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein, lipids) and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals).
3. Discuss the relationship between diet and chronic disease with a focus on the role of diet in the metabolic syndrome.
4. Compare the types of studies conducted in nutrition research.
5. Assess the quality of nutrition information presented in the media.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

• Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Nutrition
• Week 2: Unit 2 – Nutrition and and Healthy Diet
• Week 3: Unit 3 – Macronutrients: Carbohydrates
• Week 4: Unit 4 – Macronutrients: Lipids and Proteins
• Week 5: Unit 5 – Mastering Essential Balance: Water and Electrolyte
• Week 6: Unit 6 – Micronutrients: Vitamins, Major Minerals, Trace Minerals, and Energy Balance
• Week 7: Unit 7 – Nutrition through the Life Cycle
• Week 8: Unit 8 – Nutrition Information Literacy: Research and Media Representation
• Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Nutrition

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Make entries to the Assignment Activity
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Nutrition and Healthy Diet

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to two of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Macronutrients: Carbohydrates

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment.Make entries to the
• Assignment Activity.
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz.

Unit 4: Macronutrients: Lipids and Proteins

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to two of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Make entries to the Assignment Activity
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz/Graded Quiz

Unit 5: Mastering Essential Balance: Water and Electrolyte

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to two of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Micronutrients: Vitamins, Major Minerals, Trace Minerals, and Energy Balance

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Make entries to the Assignment Activity
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 7: Nutrition through the Life Cycle

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to two of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Make entries to the Assignment Activity
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Nutrition Information Literacy: Research and Media Representation

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment 
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to two of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Take and submit the Self-Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor