Nutrition

The choices we make regarding food and nutrition significantly impact our health and wellness throughout our lives. This course explores the factors that influence our dietary choices, from cultural influences to personal preferences. We'll explore macronutrients, micronutrients, government dietary guidelines, and practical assessment tools to design nutrition plans that enhance well-being and promote weight management. 

Food Science lives at the intersection of culture, health, and innovation. By understanding the composition of foods, we can determine the best methods for their preparation, and how different cooking and preservation techniques affect food quality, safety, and nutritional value. Learn about food categories, such as the role of lactose and casein in dairy, and the science behind various preparation methods.

Food Economics isn't just about numbers—it's about people. Inequalities in our global food system often mirror the broader disparities in society. By understanding these systems, we can bring about transformative change. This course tackles the essentials: preventing foodborne illnesses, mastering procurement, and ensuring production quality. You'll learn the real-world calculations behind food costs and discover how food systems can save lives. 

From preconception to adolescence, nutrition shapes our health trajectories. This course explores how early choices, like breastfeeding or formula feeding, impact a child's development milestones and potential food allergies. As children grow, we'll examine how dietary needs and relationships with food evolve, especially during adolescence. Learn about the pivotal role of nutrition during early life and how it can mold health and self-perception. 

In adulthood, nutritional habits solidify. We'll explore how early adulthood sets foundational food choices, and middle adulthood introduces complexities with work, family, and the onset of chronic diseases. Lastly, we'll explore the challenges faced in geriatric nutrition, including the impacts of polypharmacy. Throughout, a recurring theme will be weight management, emphasizing its role in promoting sustained health and activity. 

Through this course, students will gain insights into how medical and social histories play a crucial role in accurate nutrition diagnoses. The course also highlights various counseling techniques and introduces therapeutic diets tailored to address specific health challenges. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring and evaluating outcomes, this course prepares students for effective and informed interventions.