Human Nutrition MSc — 2027 entry

This module is designed to equip students with the core knowledge of energy and the nutrients as a foundation to further nutrition modules within the MSc Nutrition programme.  It will also develop key academic skills for learning, research and communication at an advanced level. 

  This module is designed to give students exposure to the practical methods of dietary and nutritional status assessment.  Many of these techniques are used in clinical nutrition, nutrition research, surveys and individual and population monitoring.    By the end of this module students will be able to critically evaluate the use and appropriateness of assessment methods in a variety of settings

This module examines the critical role of energy balance in the control of body weight, with focus on physiological mechanisms of appetite regulation, energy intake and expenditure in relation to weight gain and obesity. It evaluates the links between excess body fat and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and explains how these links result from adverse changes in lipid metabolism and the molecular physiology of adipose tissue. These topics are then addressed within the context of how diet and lifestyle can promote and protect against the development of CVD, with critical appraisal of the evidence for the specific impacts of weight-loss and dietary macronutrients.  

The module provides an overview of Nutrition Research Methodology with a specific focus on the examination of the various types of research designs used in nutrition research including observational, experimental and systematic reviews & meta-analyses. The main purpose of this module is to equip students with the tools needed to confidently undertake their own research, including research design, recruitment, power, analysis and ethical issues.   By the end of this module all students will produce an original research protocol suitable to undertake as their own research project in MHUM009 following ethical approval (if applicable). 

The module develops the students’ understanding as to the translation of nutrition science into population health, policy and guidelines.¿ It gives a global perspective on nutrition related public health issues of current concern, and aims to develop critical thinking and application.¿ The module is taught by a combination of internal and guest lecturers providing insight from a national and international perspective  

This module explores the molecular and genetic basis of nutrients in health and disease.  Taught by a collective expertise within the University’s School of Biosciences, students will be well equipped with the fundamentals of molecular biology and how this is applied to current research and understanding in nutrition.  By the end of the module, students will be able to critically appraise topical research in this area and evaluate how new knowledge helps underpin current understanding of disease. 

This module focuses on the application of nutrition to sports and exercise.  The module begins with an introduction to exercise physiology both theoretical and practical before exploring the role of energy and nutrients during exercise. Content is taught using a collection of in-house and external speakers.  By the end of the module students will be confident in how to apply nutrition principles in a sport and exercise setting. 

This module focuses on developing the relationship between knowledge, professional skills and the practical application of working within a nutritionally related environment. The module will run over a period of four weeks, and the student is expected to attend the teaching and interactive sessions throughout the four week period. Students will be working together within teams and key communication skills and professionalism are key areas of development. This module is supported by a combination of direct teaching, as well as guided and independent learning. Students will be expected to liaise regularly with their peers and to contribute to group workshops equally. This module contains core Competency requirements to meet AfN requirements membership.

This module allows the student to engage in an in-depth major project in an area relevant for nutritional science in the 21st Century. Projects may involve direct data collection, analysis of pre-existing datasets or “big-data”, systematic reviews/meta-analysis or involve writing a research grant application to answer a pertinent nutritional question. Students may be attached to NHS units, to staff or research teams within the Department of Nutritional Sciences, but also in other areas in the wider University, including psychology. Students will be guided to undertake a project in an area of interest or in an area proposed by a University supervisor(s).