Nutritional Sciences
Departmental Website: Nutritional Sciences
07-08
Department Head: Professor Sung I. Koo
Professors: Clark, Fernandez, Ferris, Freake, and Perez-Escamilla,
Associate Professors: McGrane and Rodriguez
Assistant Professors: Bruno and Davis
The degrees of Master of Science (Plan A thesis and Plan B non-thesis options) and Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Nutritional Science are offered.
Admission to Degree Programs. In addition to the standard requirements of the Graduate School, applicants also should submit scores from the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE). Prior study in the biological sciences and nutrition is required, however, some prerequisites may be taken after matriculation in the program. More detailed information can be obtained from the department.
Program of Study. There are three major areas of expertise within the Department: molecular nutrition, nutritional biochemistry and metabolism, and community nutrition and health. Molecular nutrition is based on laboratory studies utilizing molecular biological techniques to examine mechanisms of nutrient action and metabolism in the cell, tissue, and whole animal. Nutritional biochemistry and metabolism involves human and animal studies to examine nutrient metabolism in health and disease. Community nutrition and health focuses on public health areas of nutrition including community-level nutrition assessment, education and intervention programs. These areas are interdisciplinary in approach and are supported by other departments as well as by collaborative arrangements with other institutions. Opportunities for interdisciplinary research and study exist. All programs require a thesis, dissertation, or expanded paper, in addition to the successful completion of the appropriate graduate courses and examinations.
COURSES OF STUDY
Courses designated by the dagger symbol (†) are approved
for Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U) grading.
NUSC 300. Macronutrient Metabolism
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: MCB 301.
The function and metabolic pathways of energy, carbohydrates, protein and lipids; their interrelationships and factors controlling their metabolism. Methodologies for studying metabolism and assessing nutrient requirements in man and animals.
†NUSC 301. Concepts of Nutrition
2 credits. Lecture.
An introduction to the broad field of nutrition. Intended for entering graduate students, the course provides a conceptual framework for research and study in the nutritional sciences.
NUSC 312. Assessment of Nutritional Status
3 credits. Lecture/Laboratory. Prerequisite: NUSC 300.
This course is designed to discuss and critique the methodologies of nutritional status assessment, namely dietary, anthropometric and biochemical. Analysis of human blood and urine samples provides exposure to laboratory techniques and equipment used in nutritional assessment.
NUSC 313. Nutrition and Gene Expression
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: MCB 301.
Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression by specific nutrients, hormones, and metabolites. Transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational mechanisms.
NUSC 314. Nutrition for Healthy Communities
3 credits. Lecture.
Development of knowledge and and skill in public nutrition, including community assessment, development of program policies, and program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
NUSC 315. Lipid Metabolism in Health and Disease
3 credits. Lecture.
Comprehensive study of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Influence of diet, drugs, exercise and obesity. Overview of relationship between genetics, lifestyle factors and chronic disease.
NUSC 317. Nutritional Epidemiology
3 credits. Lecture.
Principles and applications of nutritional epidemiology with emphasis on research design.
NUSC 332. Vitamins and Minerals
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: MCB 301.
Comprehensive study of vitamins, trace elements, and selected macrominerals, including biochemical function(s), metabolic pathways, interactions, and toxicities.
NUSC 342. Special Topics in Nutrition
1-6 credits. Lecture.
Advanced study in a given area of nutritional science.
NUSC 365. Advanced Clinical Nutrition
3 credits. Lecture. Prerequisite: NUSC 300.
A study of topics of current clinical interest. Lectures, readings, reports and discussion.
NUSC 370. Field Work on Community Nutrition
1-6 credits. Practicum.
Supervised field studies of community nutrition problems and visits with community agencies and families. Readings, conferences and reports required.
NUSC 380. Independent Study in Nutritional Science
1-6 credits. Independent Study.
Research problems or critical review of literature in any area of nutrition.
NUSC 390. Seminar
1 credit. Seminar. Prerequisite: NUSC 301.
Students develop the skills required for the analysis and presentation of current literature and research problems.
†GRAD 395. Master’s Thesis Research
1 - 9 credits.
†GRAD 396. Full-Time Master’s Research
3 credits.
†GRAD 397. Full-Time Directed Studies (Master’s Level)
3 credits.
GRAD 398. Special Readings (Master’s)
Non-credit.
GRAD 399. Thesis Preparation
Non-credit.
†GRAD 495. Doctoral Dissertation Research
1 - 9 credits.
†GRAD 496. Full-Time Doctoral Research
3 credits.
†GRAD 497. Full-Time Directed Studies (Doctoral Level)
3 credits.
GRAD 498. Special Readings (Doctoral)
Non-credit.
GRAD 499. Dissertation Preparation
Non-credit.