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.

After completing this course the student should have the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student understands:

• basic terms and concepts related to digital technology and society
• the role of technological innovation with regards to consumption, economic growth and sustainable development
• the democratic principles behind inclusion and a universally designed society
• the basic ideas behind of algorithms, and how their use may constrain or enable work processes and other aspects of everyday life

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• use basic terms and concepts from the curriculum to discuss problems arising at the intersect of technology and society.
• collaborate on problem-solving and complete self-directed student activities in groups
• evaluate and discuss technological and societal aspects of a case in a specific domain
• describe and discuss ethical challenges at the intersection of technology and society, including issues of integration and participation
• identify, respond to and limit the negative impact of unethical and harmful online behaviour

General Competence

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• be a valuable contributor to the design, planning and implementation of new technology
• be a positive agent of change in their own profession and field of study with regards to leveraging the potential of technology
• participate in innovative processes involving new and emerging technologies and build skills in anticipating and adapting to technological change
• reflect on technology use both within their field and from an interdisciplinary perspective

The course will utilise 'blended learning', with a combination of in-person teaching or guidance, and use of online material. The students will be working on interdisciplinary cases focused on critical reflection.

2 group submissions

Individual multiple choice home exam over 24 hours.

The exam is only given in English.

All support materials are allowed for the final exam

One internal examiner will be used. External examiners may be used at the discretion of the course instructor.