HNE-39306 Pharmacological Aspects of Nutrition

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Pharmacology and Nutrition (HNE-23306), Human and Animal Biology (EZO-10306 and HAP-20306)

Continuation courses:

Thesis Nutrition and Pharmacology

Contents:

This course will build on the course Nutrition and Pharmacology and will provide a more in-depth understanding of potential pharmacological properties of food products, including food-supplements. At the molecular level we will deal with mechanisms and regulatory systems that are (or may be-) used as targets for pharmacological or nutritional intervention. At the individual and population level we will address the role of nutrition and pharmacotherapy from a clinical and public health perspective. In addition, attention will be paid to non-regular and complementary drugs and foods, potential benefits and risks, and their position in health care. The course includes a practical training in which we will look at methods and techniques in pharmacological research with relevance for nutrition research.

Learning outcomes:

After this course the student is expected:
- to have an in-depth understanding of important biological systems and pathways involved in nutritional pharmacology;
- to understand and to have some experience with basic pharmacological techniques;
- to understand and evaluate pharmacological effects of foods;
- to have an elementary knowledge of some important forms of complementary nutritional and medicinal therapies, their position in society, and possible criteria for evaluation;
- to be able to form an opinion on a food supplement or dietary intervention strategy with a health claim, and to evaluate its role in the prevention or treatment of a disease from a nutritional and pharmacological point of view;
- to be able to critically read and interpret scientific papers regarding the subject.

Activities:

- lectures and tutorials;
- practical: cell culture, pharmacological techniques;
- search and extract relevant knowledge from scientifically papers.

Examination:

Evaluation will be based on a written examination, report and presentation.

Literature:

As this is a new course, literature is to be announced.