What will I learn on this module?
This module is designed to further an understanding of the principles of dietary intervention and how nutrition is related to disease. You will learn about the biochemical basis of a range of disorders that are seen in the clinic. This module expands on basic nutritional concepts but with more focus on scientific literature and evidence.
You will learn about how to assess nutritional status using anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data and how these relate to case studies and nutrition-related disease. You will learn how each clinical or metabolic disorder influences nutritional status, and the underlying metabolic complications that causes these conditions.
You will learn about the principles of dietetics, dietary management and control in the clinical environment. You will learn how clinical conditions can influence nutritional status and how these conditions are treated through adequate nutrition.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, tutorials and independent learning. The lectures will provide the knowledge required for you to understand the theoretical aspects of the specialist subjects that will enable you to put into practice these concepts during the assessments. Tutorials will provide a more interactive approach to the topic through discussion and dissection of relevant case studies.
Directed learning will support the material delivered during taught sessions and will allow you to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and support your transition to independent learning and critical analysis.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The module tutor will provide you with academic material to support taught sessions on the respective module sites using the eLP. Material to support lectures will be uploaded in advance of lectures and the module tutor is able to provide you with guidance about the module content. You will also have the opportunity to attend revision sessions to receive guidance on the assessments.
In terms of wider university support, the library has a comprehensive portfolio of short courses, structured help, and leaflets to help you with issues such as, the English language, academic writing, basic mathematics, software programmes such as Microsoft Excel, statistics, critical thinking, laboratory report writing, and more general information such as “how to find a book or journal”, or “how to order an Inter-Library loan”. These can be accessed at the help desk in the library itself or online (www.northumbria.ac.uk/skillsplus).
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Appraise current views of the biochemical basis, nutritional aspects and dietary treatment of given clinical disorders
2. Plan suitable care strategies for given clinical disorders by applying the principles of dietetics .
3. Evaluate the significance of genetic and behavioural factors in determining eating behaviour and the risk of degenerative disease
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Interpret clinical laboratory data for a given clinical disorder and discuss the relevance in determining the appropriate care strategy.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Develop professional and ethical skills as required for a role as a health professional
How will I be assessed?
The assessment will be split between a coursework essay of 2500 words (50%), and a presentation of a study topic (50%) The study topic will be individual and will be allocated to you.
MLOs assessed for essay: KU1, KU3.
MLOs assessed for presentation: KU1-3, IPSA1, PVA1.
Written feedback provided on coursework. Mark sheet provided for presentation.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
‘Advanced Human Nutrition’ is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles of nutritional assessment and dietary management in the context of clinical disorders that influence nutritional status. The module will also further an understanding of the biochemical basis and related nutritional aspects of given clinical disorders (e.g. metabolic disease such as T2DM). It will develop critical and evaluative skills through the use of case studies from primary literature sources and will develop investigative skills related to the determination of nutritional status.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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