Human NutritionMSc

Advanced Metabolic Nutrition

This module focuses on the fundamental concepts of nutrition science and human metabolism. It addresses the functional roles of energy and macro- and micronutrients (and non-nutrients) and explores the physiological influences on energy and nutrient demands across the lifespan and in altered nutritional states.

This module aims to provide a conceptual framework for the study of human nutrition science and to enhance an understanding of the concepts of nutritional balance and turnover; nutritional supply and demand; the essential roles of energy, nitrogen and macro- and micronutrients. It also explores the interrelationships between food, nutrients, diet and lifestyle with physiology and human health.

Assessment: Practical report (50%) (2000 words)
Written exam (50%) (1.5 hours)

Learners must obtain at least 50% to pass this module.

Advanced Research Skills

This module develops the student skills in conducting research in food & nutritional sciences with experience in critical evaluation of literature, study design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.
The content of this module will focus upon the key tools available for research relevant to human nutrition and food science giving the students an appreciation of the key skills required to participate in research. It will consolidate prior broad knowledge of statistical techniques to develop a deeper understanding of statistics and allow the student to enhance their critical and reflective approaches to research. This will be addressed in a wider context of ethics and professionalism.

Assessment of Nutritional Status

This module provides students with an understanding of the methods available for assessing nutritional status of individuals, groups and populations. It aims to enhance student’s critical evaluation of the assessment of nutritional status at a population level using available published data. The module examines the derivation of nutrient reference values, their strengths and limitations. UK’s nutritional surveillance systems are analysed and evaluated. This will be approached within a context of applying statistical analysis to investigate the dietary and nutrient patterns of the UK population and subgroups. The methods applied to gather surveillance data will be critically scrutinised.

Concepts in Nutrition Epidemiology

This module focuses on the critical evaluation of dietary assessment methodologies and their use for individuals and specified population groups. There is also a critical evaluation of DRVs (dietary recommended values), food composition databases and laboratory analysis of nutrient intake. The module also involves the critical appraisal of nutrition epidemiological studies and how to interpret and evaluate the evidence for diet-disease relationships, particularly for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer to inform public health policy.

Nutrition and Food Policy

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the rationale for and the formulation, implementation and limitations of food, nutrition and obesity policies, in local, national and international contexts. The content of this module will draw upon prior knowledge and practical experience in basic food and nutrition science.
This module will focus on the food and nutrition issues at the population level and how they relate to chronic disease prevention and wellbeing. It will draw upon the epidemiology of nutrition-related morbidity to examine how local, UK, European, international and global food, nutrition and obesity policies and strategies are formulated, implemented and evaluated. This will be approached within a context of the wider food and public health systems and policies and the political environment. Surveillance will be examined ranging from global to local systems, with special reference to the National Child Measurement Programme. The obesogenic environment (with particular reference to the role of the food industry) will be addressed. Health promotion theory, historical and current activities including Change4Life. Fiscal policies to address the obesity epidemic will be evaluated.

Public Health Nutrition

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the application and limitations of nutritional public health initiatives, in a national and international context. You will develop knowledge of the major national and international public health bodies and their aim(s), field(s) of influence, terms of reference and sources of funding. Students will also develop practical skills in communication to enable them to design and present nutritionally balanced diets to meet the needs of individuals, propose epidemiological studies and evaluate nutrition initiatives in public health. The module focuses on the factors which affect the nutritional needs of individuals and communities. The effects of the social determinants on health inequity are examined. Overnutrition, food insecurity and the association of deprivation on health are explored in detail. The impact religious practices, cultural beliefs on accessing healthcare, and their impact on dietary intake is investigated. The theories of behaviour change and their application is considered and scrutinised in relation to improving nutrition. The module offers training on the role of the UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Outcomes Framework, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and the Health and Wellbeing Strategies. Public health initiatives to reduce inequalities in health are examined and critically evaluated. Experts in the nutrition arena from governmental, non-governmental organisations, charities, the food industry and The Association of Nutrition are also invited as external speakers.

Research Dissertation

The aims of this module are to allow the learner to undertake a detailed piece of original research either by the empirical collection of data or an original secondary analysis of existing data.

To build upon experience at undergraduate level and understanding of the research methodologies relevant to human nutrition and/or food science and/or dietetics and to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills developed through their prior study in the respective degrees. This module also aims to provide an opportunity for critical reflection of the research topic and self-reflection of learning, studying and research skills and knowledge.

This module is designed for learners to undertake a substantial piece of research in the nutrition and/or food science and/or dietetics. The research project is intended to build upon the taught modules of the relevant award. The dissertation is designed to demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and skills developed throughout the award. As the largest piece of assessed work undertaken on the award, the dissertation will carry great significance with the assessment board as it will be seen as the clearest expression of the learners’ ability at postgraduate level.

Assessment: Will comprise of project proposal (750 words), Dissertation (8000 words) and a viva voce of 20 minutes where learners will defend their research submission.
To pass the module an aggregate mark of at least 50% must be obtained.