Principles of Human Nutrition

Course Syllabus

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Provide an overview of the major macro and micronutrients relevant to human health
Discuss the scientific rationale for defining nutritional requirements in healthy individuals and populations, with reference to specific conditions such as pregnancy, lactation, and older age
Present current evidence for the role of key nutrients in the prevention of chronic diseases
Discuss major nutrition-related diseases in a global context

Course Description

Provides an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of protein, energy, and the major vitamins and minerals that are determinants of health and disease. Topics include dietary sources, intake levels, and biological determinants of nutrient requirements; assessment of nutrient status in individuals and populations; the role of nutrition in growth and health through the life cycle; the rationale for the development of dietary guidelines and of nutrition policies in different countries; and the role of diet on the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.

Course Topics

This course covers the following topics (see the Outline section for more detail):

Lecture 1: Introduction
Lecture 2: Energy Homeostasis in Humans
Lecture 3: Proteins and Amino Acids
Lecture 4: Lipids
Lecture 5: Obesity
Lecture 6: Protein-Energy Malnutrition
Lecture 7: Vitamins A, E, Carotenoids
Lecture 8: Antioxidant Nutrients
Lecture 9: Iron and Other Hematopoietic Nutrients
Lecture 10: Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D
Lecture 11: Iodine
Lecture 12: Dietary Supplements and Fortified Foods
Lecture 13: Maternal Nutrition
Lecture 14: Growth and Nutrition During Infancy
Lecture 15: Diet and Health

Course Format

The content of this course is divided into three modules, or thematic areas:

Module 1: Energy, Metabolism, and Macronutrients
Module 2: Micronutrients
Module 3: Maternal and Infant Nutrition

Within each module is a series of lectures and each lecture is then subdivided into three or four smaller sections. The course is designed to provide you with flexible access to the lectures. While all of the lectures will be available on the start date of its module, the lectures are presented sequentially and should be completed in order.

Course Materials

Required Reading:

Mann, J., Truswell, S. (2007). Essentials of human nutrition. Oxford University Press. New or used copies of the textbook can be ordered through Amazon.com.

Recommended Reading:

The following texts are recommended:

Caballero, B., Allen, L., & Prentice, A. (2005). Encyclopedia of human nutrition, 2nd edition. Academic Press
Shils, M., Shike, M., Ross, C., Caballero, B., Cousins, R. (2005). Modern nutrition in health and disease, 10th edition. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins.

Contact Information

Benjamin Caballero: Instructor
email: bcaballe@jhsph.edu
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Division of Human Nutrition
615 North Wolfe Street, Room E2547
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 614-4070
(410) 955-0196 (Fax)

Monica Mispireta: TA
email: mmispire@jhsph.edu
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 North Wolfe Street, Room W2513
Baltimore, MD 21205

Seung Hee Lee: TA
e-mail: seulee@jhsph.edu

Help

Concerns

Contact

Concerns about course topics and assignments

Class e-mail tool

Technical concerns about the functionality and operation of course Web pages (before emailing, please make sure that you can replicate the problem)

DEHelp, the central help system for all tech support inquiries related to DED courses

Technical help on weekends

JHSPH User Support: 410-955-3781

Concerns about your Internet connection

Your Internet service provider (e.g., AT&T, Erols, etc.)

Concerns about your personal software

Your software vendor

Course Grades and Evaluation

Grades will be allocated on the basis of the following distributions:

40% of grade: Final exam (open book)
40% of grade: Quizzes 1 and 2 (20% each)
20% of grade: Assignments 1 and 2 (10% each)

Note: In order to complete integrative exercises one and two, you will be required to consult material outside the class textbook.

Quizzes 1 and 2 consist of 20 multiple-choice questions. There is only ONE correct answer for each question and each question is worth one point each. You have 90 minutes to complete each quiz.

You will need to consult material outside the class textbook to answer these questions. You can use any material necessary (book, journal, or website), but please do not discuss the answers with fellow students.

The final exam will be web-based and timed. No proctored final exams will be offered.

Ethical Conduct

The academic ethics code, as discussed in the Policy and Procedure Memorandum for Students, March 31, 2002, will be adhered to in this class.

Disability Support Services

If you are a student with a documented disability who requires an academic accommodation, please contact Betty H. Addison in the Office of Career Services and Disability Support: dss@jhsph.edu, 410-955-3034, or Room E-1140.

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Copyright to this collective work of materials is owned by The Johns Hopkins University.
Copyright to individual contributions may be retained by contributing authors.