HNE-24309 Methodology Nutrition Research

Course

Credits 9.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

- Basic knowledge of Nutrition and Applied Nutrition (knowledge should cover at least 80% of chapters from handbook: Geissler C, Powers H. Human Nutrition, 11th edition, Livingstone. ISBN 13: 9780443073564.
- Basic knowledge of Statistics (e.g. MAT-14303)

Contents:

Deepening and extension of methodological aspects related to nutritional research: the research cycle; common designs in nutritional research; research approach (cell, animal, individual, population); methods on collecting food consumption data, energy expenditure data, physical activity data, body composition data, and data on biochemical parameters as indicators of nutritional status and food intake; basic molecular techniques laboratory quality control; ethical issues in nutritional research.

Learning outcomes:

After this course unit, the student is expected to be able to:
- critically to discuss research methods related to body composition, physical activity, nitrogen balance, intake assessment and biomarkers dietary;
- to discuss the factors that determine the choice for the research approach (ie cell, animal, individual, population);
- to discuss the choice for common designs and methods of nutrition research;
- to assess, elaborate upon, interpret and evaluate indicators of food consumption and nutritional status.

Activities:

The student will follow theoretical lectures on methodological aspects related to nutritional research (see content). In practicals and tutorials this knowledge will be illustrated and practiced.

Examination:

Tutorials and practicals are mandatory. The exam consists of 5-6 open questions (open book exam).

Literature:

The course reader, including the course guide, practical manuals and literature, will be available at the WUR-shop. The books used in this course are: Geissler CA, Powers HJ. Human nutrition. 11 ed: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone, 2005, ISBN 13: 9780443073564 and Willett W. Nutritional epidemiology. 2 ed: Oxford University Press, 1998, ISBN 13: 9780195122978.