MAERN4100 Energy and Nutrients Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian

In this course, the students will learn about the metabolism of energy and nutrients. It deals with the sources and functions of important macro and micronutrients, with emphasis on the background for recommending intake of nutrients, in addition to food groups and their content of nutrients. Students will also learn to calculate the content of nutrients in an example diet using an appropriate tool.

The course builds on human biology corresponding to knowledge acquired from a bachelor’s degree in health sciences.

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as healthcare personnel.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can discuss energy metabolism and its regulation mechanisms
• can explain the function and conversion of and the need for macro and micronutrients
• can discuss common nutritional challenges in various groups of the society
• can discuss advantages and disadvantages within dietary assessment methods

Skills

The student

• can assess the nutritional content of food products and compare different food groups’ contribution to the overall diet
• can calculate and assess the content of nutrients and energy in relation to needs using appropriate tools

General competence

• The student can assess and present problems, reasoning and conclusions related to the conversion of energy and nutrients

The course will be mainly online, except for one seminar on campus during the start of the course. The online course will involve presentations, seminars and supervision. The course will use varied, student-active working methods, individually and in groups. The student is responsible to be up-to-date on activities and academic content in the learning platforms.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the examination:

• A multiple choice test with a minimum of 80% correct answers by the given deadline.

An individual home examination over 48 hours in the form of a case assignment - written report based on a given template. Scope: 2,000 words (+/- 10%).

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

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