270036 Thematic Course: Human Nutrition

Details
Responsible DepartmentDepartment of Human Nutrition

Earliest Possible YearMSc. 1 year to MSc. 2 year
DurationOne block
 
Credits15 (ECTS)
 
Level of CourseMSc
 
ExaminationFinal Examination

oral examination


All aids allowed

Description of Examination: The examination is oral and each student is examined individually. The student presents the section of the group report for which they are separately responsible and defends the entire report. Each student is evaluated individually.

Weight: Oral defence 100%



7-point scale, external examiner
 
Organisation of TeachingIndependent group-based project work assisted by tools, which have been taught during the lectures, and minor exercises as well as the project guidance.
 
Block PlacementBlock 3
Week Structure: A

Block 3
Week Structure: B
 
Language of InstructionEnglish
 
Optional Prerequisites270080 
270081 Evidence, Diet and Health
or similar courses.
 
RestrictionsNone.
 
Course Content
The study into different scientific methodologies is based on self-selected topics from the human nutrition field (natural science aspects). The course starts with some lectures and practicals covering some basic aspects of the nutrition research field and introduction to literature research to support the later group work. There is focus on understanding the main principles of nutrition research and training in an independent evaluation of evidence from published papers. The project work is finalized by a written report following standard principles for academic writing which is then defended at an oral examination. The interactive group work requires good skills in oral and written English.
 
Teaching and learning Methods
Group work with a series of supporting lectures. The project report is produced under the guidance of a scientific supervisor with some process guidance from course lecturers.
 
Learning Outcome
Knowledge
. Knowledge about different types of studies (i.e. nutrition epidemiology, intervention studies, animal and cell studies) and the level of evidence they provide
. Knowledge about the scientific literature which relates to the hypothesis of the project

Skills
. Identify and describe a well-defined hypothesis related to nutritional science
. Provide an analysis of the determination factors and the consequences related to the hypothesis
. Identify studies providing different levels of evidence to support the hypothesis (i.e. nutrition epidemiology, intervention studies, animal and cell studies)
. Compare the scientific evidence provided by the identified studies and provide a literature review related to the hypothesis
. Oral and written communication of the results of the group work to scientists

Competences
. Be able to use and evaluate different scientific methodologies in studies (i.e. study design, analytical methods) in relation to the hypothesis
. Be able to apply a critical approach when discussing the results of the project and its relation to nutritional science
. Be able to discuss the nutritional significance and implications of the scientific results for the general population
. Be able to provide justified suggestions for future research in the area (i.e. study type, methodology)
 
Course Coordinator
Per Torp Sangild, psa@life.ku.dk, Department of Human Nutrition/Clinical Nutrition, Phone: 353-32698
Tine Tholstrup, tth@life.ku.dk, Department of Human Nutrition/Preventive Nutrition, Phone: 353-32486
 
Study Board
Study Committee LSN
 
Work Load
lectures21.5
theoretical exercises12
project work400
examination12

445.5