Master of Science in Applied Nutrition Dietetics Focus

This course will examine human anatomy and physiology from an integrative and applied perspective. Students will develop an understanding of the functions and structures of the human body, and explore how cells, tissues, and organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis within the human body, with a focus on human nutrition and metabolism. Functional and regulatory roles of macro and micronutrients will be examined. The course lays the foundation for understanding diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the nutrition care setting.

Using human nutrition as a model, this biochemistry focused course will explore metabolic pathways to which macro and micronutrients play a significant regulatory role, as well as the interaction between nutrients within these pathways. The course is guided by exploration of recent scientific literature in areas of nutrition and biochemistry and ways one informs the other. Topics include energetics of metabolism; structure and metabolism of macro and micronutrients; and the integration of metabolic systems. Students will examine signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency as well as excess, and understand nutrition status with respect to disease prevention and therapy through an emphasis on biochemical mechanisms of nutrition and metabolism.

This course provides students with an overview of food, food selection, and food service. Students will evaluate the criteria from which people select foods and how that relates to food production and service. Students will examine the nutrients provided from food; their impact on health; and steps to regulate certain nutrients with recipe modification without sacrificing flavor, texture, color, etc… Students will identify steps to ensure food safety; learn techniques in the preservation of nutrients and quality in selection, production, and storage of foods; and examine the role of government agencies in ensuring food security, safety, and quality.

Current trends and issues relating to nutrition, food, and food products are examined. The course will contain a review of key concepts related to the digestive system, metabolism, energy balance, nutrition and disease and the Nutrition Care Plan. Current issues related to these topics will be explored. Students will review, analyze and synthesize professional literature. Students will apply course concepts to their practice and/or area of study and expertise.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

Nutrition requirements and metabolism from preconception through older adulthood are examined. The impacts and effects of culture, environment, economy and mental and physical health on nutrition status across the life cycle are explored. Metabolism of macronutrients, nutrition assessment methodologies, and specific concerns for each life cycle stage are emphasized.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

Research methods and research design commonly used in nutrition research are examined. Topics include defining research questions, developing hypotheses, writing research goals and objectives, reviewing and interpreting literature, choosing appropriate research designs and understanding and summarizing relevant data. Professional presentation of research findings is emphasized.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

The normal and disordered metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and water, and the physiological actions of these nutrients are examined. Topics include macronutrient and micronutrient absorption, transport, and excretion, the regulation of biochemical and enzymatic pathways, variability in the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals, and the impacts of nutrient toxicity and deficiency in human and animal models.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

Health behavior theories and practices utilized to facilitate healthful behavior change in a variety of nutrition education, counseling, and clinical settings are examined. Topics include motivational interviewing, practice of professional and engaged verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, practitioner directed goal setting and group counseling. The design and evaluation of nutrition counseling practices are explored.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

Nutrition behavior, public health implications of nutrition status, nutrition education initiatives and leadership in the nutrition and wellness fields will be examined. Development of educational materials and programs for a range of settings will be explored and dissemination of professional education materials for a variety of audiences will be emphasized.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

Nutrition principles, clinical nutrition assessment, the development, use, and monitoring of therapeutic diets, and nutrition support in the treatment and prevention of disease will be examined. Topics include lifestyle strategies and nutrition and therapeutic based interventions to correct nutrition insufficiencies, promote optimal health, and prevent, manage or correct medical problems.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

This course examines the role of micronutrients and micronutrient metabolism in human health and nutrition, specifically the digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion of vitamins and minerals. Homeostatic mechanisms and micronutrient interactions with dietary, organic and inorganic compounds will be explored. Topics will include micronutrients and medical nutrition therapy, micronutrient toxicity and deficiency, bioavailability of micronutrients and clinical implications of micronutrient status.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

This course examines the application of management principles to foodservice operations and nutrition services including leadership, finance, quality control, human resources, negotiation, and factors affecting foodservice design and equipment selection. Students will learn how to convert human, material, facility, and operational inputs into outputs of meals, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and financial accountability. In addition, students will evaluate various food preparation methods, food presentation and food sanitation in practice.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

This course will emphasize the Nutrition Focused Physical Exam approach to nutrition assessment in the clinical setting. Advanced assessment of dietary, biochemical, and body size and body composition will be included in this course. Students will apply computer skills and use health informatics in the Nutrition Care Process. In addition, the course will examine the impact of complementary and integrative nutrition on drugs, disease, health and wellness.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

Current nutrition and wellness literature will be critically reviewed and evaluated. Development and presentation of nutrition related research will be performed. Quantitative and/or qualitative research methods including research design and methodology, data collection and analysis and interpretation of findings will be employed. Topics include appropriate use of statistical software, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes, research design, implementation and evaluation methods for a variety of nutrition research initiatives, and professional presentation of research findings. This course requires Departmental Permission for Registration. If you would like to register for this course, please contact MSAN Student Support Specialist Stacy Mears at smears@une.edu

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.

The latest theories, research, policy, and practices relating to a variety of nutrition concepts, controversies and practice will be applied to a relevant area of the students choice and approved by the instructor. This capstone course will culminate in a paper or project such as: a proposal of and explanation for new research, a research investigation of an educational or clinical question or practice, a proposal to modify current policy or practice, or a proposal to research, develop and/or implement new approaches to the management and treatment of a nutrition or wellness concern.

This course requires departmental permission for registration. If you would like to register for this course, please contact MSAN Student Support Specialist Stacy Mears at smears@une.edu.

In the dietetics focus lab series, MSAN students in the dietetics focus will conduct Supervised Experiential Learning (SEL) hours. In the lab series, Faculty and Preceptors will assess competencies. Students will work to demonstrate professional skills and values in all interactions with their site preceptors, CPS faculty and staff, their peers and community members. Through reflective writing exercises, students will self-assess their skills, behaviors and attitudes. Topics such as clinical skills, communication skills, leadership and management skills, professionalism, conflict resolution, teamwork and integrity will be explored. Cases and real-world examples will be used to facilitate discussions. Students are responsible for working with the Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Applied Nutrition to arrange acceptable Preceptors and SEL sites before signing up for the course.