Nutrition and Nutrigenomics

Master of Science in Nutrition and Nutrigenomics - Curriculum

Competency Based Education

The MSNGx program is a Future Education Model competency-based education (CBE) program. This program is focused on student mastery of the competencies and performance indicators set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND states that “One of the advantages of CBE is that it fosters work readiness. In the Future Education Model Accreditation Standards, the curriculum is guided with the competencies and their respective performance indicators, which are clearly defined based on the desired behaviors and job skills targeted.” Competency based programs focus on students progress toward achieving required competencies rather than hours as in traditional time-based programs. CBE encourages students to drive their education progression. Faculty therefore become facilitators of student-led learning.

Year 1

NUTR 505 - Lifecycle Nutrition & Disease | 3 credits
Discusses the changing nutritional requirements throughout the lifecycle and the impact nutrition has on health and disease states. Topics include pregnancy, lactation, infant, toddler, adolescent, adult, older adult nutrition, and disordered eating. Personal nutrition beliefs are examined, and cultural norms explored. Prerequisites: none
NUTR 510 - Nutrition Assessment | 3 credits
Discusses techniques to select and utilize validated nutrition screening and assessment tools to evaluate nutritional status and develop nutrition interventions. Topics include: dietary intake assessment, body composition, patient interview, nutrition focused physical exam and assessment, medications, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and nutrition diagnoses. Students will practice assessments in simulations and with partners. Prerequisites: none
NUTR 515 - Nutrition Informatics | 3 credits
An introduction to standards, processes, and technology used to manage nutrition data necessary to provide efficient, high quality nutrition care. Topics discussed include: electronic health records, consumer health and nutrition applications, telehealth, nutrition databases, recipe analysis and conversion, learning management systems, identify credible resources, and privacy and confidentiality of health information. Prerequisites: none
NUTR 520 - Community Nutrition | 3 credits
Discusses current issues related to community and global nutrition. Topics include: epidemiology as it relates to diet and health, malnutrition, sustainability, food waste, sourcing and access to food, agriculture, cultural competence, and nutrition education. Prerequisites: none
NUTN 576 - Supervised Experiential Learning Seminar | 1 credit
Provides web-based modules and assignments to prepare the student to enter the supervised experiential learning (SEL) rotations in the summer semester. Seminar and didactic discussion topics to be covered include Orientation to the SEL Student Handbook and CORE ELMS, student requirements for participation in SEL, identification of optimal SEL sites, professionalism in communication and conduct. All SEL Sites must be identified and in the affiliation agreement process at the conclusion of this course.

NUTR 521 - Human Genetics | 4 credits
In this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of how genes influence human traits, diseases, and behaviors, including how non-genetic factors interact with genetic factors to produce observable phenotypes. Human inheritance patterns, genome organization, linkage, and medical applications of genetics in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease will be explored. Techniques used in the field of human genetics will be integrated with principles and concepts presented in didactic sessions. Prerequisites: none
NUTR 525 - Food Systems Management | 3 credits
Discusses skills for leadership, management and sanitation in food and nutrition systems. Topics include: change management, conflict resolution, foodservice software, food quality and safety, food spoilage, menu development and menu cycling, safe workplace, supply chain, sustainability, staffing, inventory, and cost control. Prerequisites: none
NUTR 535 - Medical Nutrition Therapy 1 | 3 credits
Discusses the role of nutrient metabolism as it relates to nutritional status and development or progression of diseases. Students learn utilization of the Nutrition Care Process to determine appropriate nutrition diagnoses and interventions. Virtual case studies and simulations are utilized providing clinical experiences. Topics cover various nutrition related conditions including but not limited to overweight, obesity, gastrointestinal tract disorders, endocrine disorders, diabetes, liver and pancreatic disorders. Prerequisites: NUTR 505, NUTR 510
NUTR 540 - Nutrition Counseling & Ethics | 2 credits
Discusses counseling techniques and behavior change therapies utilized in individual and group settings to promote health and disease prevention. Students learn skills to identify contraindications, indications, risks, benefits, and limitations of the techniques and therapies. Cultural diversity of foods, eating patterns, food trends, correlation between mental health and nutrition, disordered eating, values, and beliefs are explored. The Code of Ethics for nutrition and dietetics professionals serves as the foundation for this course. During the semester, students spend one day per week at a clinical site shadowing to gain familiarity with all aspects of dietetics practice in various clinical settings. Prerequisites: NUTR505, NUTR 510, NUTR 515

Year 2

Visit the registrar's website for more information and deadlines.

Manchester University

Master of Science in Nutrition and Nutrigenomics - Curriculum

Competency Based Education

Year 1

Year 2