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.

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 analyse current theories, examination methods and exercise/rehabilitation measures intended to improve/maintain health and physical function
• can assess relevant exercise principles and theories related to components, frequency, intensity, type and duration
• can describe the body’s structure and function considering the preconditions for physical activity and exercise
• can assess which factors can impede or promote physical activity and exercise
• can analyse and assess theory, concepts and problems related to the advisory role in physical activity and exercise
• can interpret basic scientific methodology and critically assess the use of sources

Skills

The student

• can assess and test physical condition and functioning using relevant assessment methods
• can identify persons with clinical conditions who require special consideration when exercising and being tested
• can adapt different exercise programmes individually and in groups for persons with various levels of functioning and health condition, based on the user’s wishes and needs, current research/guidelines and own clinical experience (evidence-based practice)
• can critically assess and implement research-based and experience-based knowledge considering contextual factors and individual preferences

General competence

The student

• can integrate knowledge and skills from relevant disciplines and professions in a common perspective on physical activity, exercise and rehabilitation

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:

• An individual written report based on a given template, in the form of a case assignment. Scope: 1,000 words (+/- 10%), mutual assessment.

Individual home examination - multiple choice test , 2 hours.

All aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F.

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences.

The course will use varied, student-active work methods. Work methods include flipped classroom, seminars with group work that will include round-table discussions, presentations and discussions. Lectures will be in both traditional and digital form. The course assumes a high degree of self-study and supervision on assignments. Skills training also forms part of the course, where the students will be taught how to determine the dosing of exercise.