HNE-39306 Pharmacological Aspects of Nutrition

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

HNE-23306 Pharmacology and Nutrition; EZO-20306 Biology of Invertebrates and Lower Plants.

Continuation courses:

Thesis Nutrition and Pharmacology.

Contents:

NOTE: This course will be taught for the last time in the 2018/2019 academic year.
See Academic Year.(http://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for Courses.
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 (72.5%);
- report(25%);
- presentation (2.5%).

Literature:

Book:
Rang & Dale's Pharmacology. 6th or 7th ed. ISBN: 9780702034718