FBMNUT-Nutrition Concepts

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Jeremy Spencer
Email: j.p.e.spencer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces and expands fundamental concepts of nutrition, including – but not limited to – macro- and micronutrients, water, alcohol, anti-nutrients and bioactives, the development of dietary reference values and recommendations and techniques used in nutrition research. It will also introduce current research topics in the area of nutrition and health.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to provide a thorough understanding of nutritional concepts including metabolism and how nutrition can affect human health. A further aim of the module is to become familiar with current research and research methodology in nutrition. Students will have an understanding of major issues of nutrition during the life cycle and have an appreciation of the scientific base of nutritional recommendations and controversial topics in nutrition research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Explain and interpret  nutritional concepts, nutritional metabolism, including the development of dietary reference values and recommendations, and methods used in nutritional research


• Investigate how diet can affect health and how nutritional research can influence recommendations and policy


• Critical appraisal and evaluation of research from publications and seminars

Additional outcomes:

Students will become familiar with current nutritional research, including respective strengths and limitations.

Outline content:

The module will introduce the fundamental concepts of nutrition and their relationship to health in the first part of autumn term. This will include macro- and micronutrients, water, alcohol and antinutrients, but also a special focus on various bioactives. It will also incorporate the role of macronutrient in sensory perception. In the second part of autumn term, the module will focus on emerging results from current research in nutritional sciences.

Global context:

The impact of malnutrition, and in particular deficiencies, will be discussed in a global context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	30
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Wider reading (directed)	30
Preparation for seminars	30
Revision and preparation	10
Carry-out research project	10
Essay preparation	30
Reflection	10
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	20
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam worth 70%

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Diet and Health Report (20%)

Oral presentation on vitamins (10%).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% in each assessment

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 28 September 2023