Course description
There are three energy-yielding macronutrients that our bodies need to consume on a daily basis to maintain important functions such as growth and energy production. These are carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. This human nutrition course online discusses these nutrients that provide the essential components for our bodies.
The human digestive system plays a complex and wonderful bodily function which will be covered in this human nutrition online course. You will also learn the various groups of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins including their metabolic pathways and functions. The lessons will also cover the three main types of amino acids, the roles and the eicosanoid compounds derived from fatty acids, the various vitamins and minerals, and the structure and functions of antioxidants.
This Diploma course is rich with insights on human nutrition and the roles macronutrients and micronutrients play in maintaining good health. It will benefit health-conscious individuals and healthcare professionals who would like to learn more about how to live a healthier life. They say that you are what you eat, so take charge of your wellbeing today with this nutrition and human health online course.
Upcoming start dates
Training content
Introduction to Human Nutrition
Description: In this module, you will learn about different terms associated with nutrition. You will be introduced to different types of nutrients and how food energy is measured. You will also discover various non-nutritive compounds that provide health benefits.
- Learning Outcomes
- The Basics of Human Nutrition
- Calories and Food Energy
- Phytochemicals, Zoochemicals and Functional Foods
- Lesson Summary
Nutrition and Science Research
Description: This module will teach you about the various methods of nutrition research and about how research results are analysed, published and interpreted.
- Learning Outcomes
- Epidemiology
- In Vitro and Animal Studies
- Clinical Trials
- Nutrition Research Statistics and Publishing
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Human Nutrition - First Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: Diploma in Human Nutrition - First Assessment
Introduction to the Human Digestive System
Description: In this module, you will learn about the human digestive system and the processes involved in digestion.The three main food types will be explained to you: Carbohydrates, Lipids and Protein. You will also learn about vitamins.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to the Human Digestive System
- The Energy Cycle
- Food
- Vitamins
- Ingestion
- Swallowing
- Temporary Storage
- Lesson Summary
Digestion, Absorption, Elimination and Protection
Description: In this module, you will learn about how food is processed in the body through Digestion, Absorption, Elimination and Protection You will learn how waste materials are eliminated from the human body. You will also learn about the protection mechanisms of the digestive system.
- Learning Outcomes
- Digestion
- Absorption
- Elimination
- The Reticuloendothelial System
- The Mammary Gland
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Human Nutrition - Second Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: Module 6: Diploma in Human Nutrition - Second Assessment
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Description: In this module, you will learn about carbohydrates. You will be shown the formulas associated with carbohydrates and you will discover the different types of carbohydrates. Finally, you will be taught about alternative sweeteners and complex carbohydrates.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Carbohydrates
- Simple Carbohydrates
- Alternative Sweeteners
- Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides
- Lesson Summary
Introduction to Proteins
Description: In this module, you will learn about proteins, amino acids and their structures. You will learn about the process of protein synthesis.and about levels of protein structure and various protein functions.
- Learning Outcomes
- Amino Acids
- Protein Synthesis, Structure and Functions
- Protein Quality and Protein-Energy Malnutrition
- Lesson Summary
Introduction to Lipids
Description: This module will teach you all about lipids. You will be introduced to different fatty acids and the naming systems for fatty acids. You will learn about the food sources of fatty acids and about essential fatty acids and eicosanoids.
- Learning Outcomes
- Lipids and Fatty Acids
- Fatty Acid Naming and Food Sources
- Essential Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids
- Phospholipids and Triglycerides
- Sterols
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Human Nutrition - Third Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: Diploma in Human Nutrition - Third Assessment
Introduction to Macronutrient Metabolism
Description: In this module you will learn about metabolism, in specific the anabolic and catabolic processes and how they relate to metabolism. You will learn about oxidation and reduction and the two common co-factors and their functions.
- Learning Outcomes
- Metabolism Basics
- Cofactors
- Lesson Summary
Carbohydrate Metabolism Pathways
Description: In this module, you will learn about monosaccharide metabolism and the processes glycogenesis and glycogenolysis. You will learn about glycolysis and the transition reaction. This module will also discuss the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain. Anaerobic respiration is also covered.
- Learning Outcomes
- Monosaccharide Metabolism
- Glycogenesis and Glycogenolysis
- Glycolysis
- Transition Reaction
- The Citric Acid Cycle
- Electron Transport Chain
- Aerobic Glucose Metabolism Totals and Anaerobic Respiration
- Lesson Summary
Lipid Metabolism Pathways
Description: In this module, you will learn about lipolysis. You will learn about the process of fatty acid oxidation. This module also focuses on fatty acid synthesis, ketone synthesis and cholesterol synthesis.
- Learning Outcomes
- Lipolysis
- Fatty Acid Oxidation
- Fatty Acid Synthesis, Ketone Body Synthesis and Cholesterol Synthesis
- Lesson Summary
Protein Metabolism Pathways
Description: In this module, you will learn about different protein metabolism pathways. Transamination, deamination, gluconeogenesis and protein degradation are key processes that will be discussed.
- Learning Outcomes
- Transamination and Deamination
- Gluconeogenesis
- Protein Turnover/Degradation
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Human Nutrition - Fourth Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: Diploma in Human Nutrition - Fourth Assessment
Introduction to Vitamins and Minerals
Description: In this module, you will learn about vitamins and minerals. You will learn about different categories of minerals such as fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.You will also learn about the two schools of thought on how to cover vitamins and minerals in nutrition classes.
- Learning Outcomes
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Lesson Summary
Antioxidants
Description: In this module, you will learn about antioxidant minerals and vitamins. You will learn about free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. You will learn about the components of antioxidant enzymes and the antioxidant network. You will also learn whether too much antioxidants can cause harm.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Antioxidants
- Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
- What is an Antioxidant?
- Meaningful Antioxidants
- Too Much Antioxidants A Good Thing?
- Lesson Summary
Vitamin E
Description: In this module, you will learn about different forms of vitamin E. You will learn about vitamin E absorption, metabolism and excretion.Discover the food sources of vitamin E and vitamin E deficiency and toxicity. You will also learn about the dietary reference intake decisions and international units.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Vitamin E
- Alpha-Tocopherol - Natural vs. Synthetic
- Vitamin E Absorption, Metabolism and Excretion
- Dietary Vitamin E, Vitamin E Deficiency and Toxicity
- Vitamin E DRI & IUs
- Lesson Summary
Vitamin C
Description: In this module, you will learn about vitamin C absorption, transport, recycling and tissue accumulation. You will learn about the enzymatic functions of vitamin C and about vitamin C deficiency and toxicity. Linus Pauling's work relating to vitamin C will also be examined.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Vitamin C
- Vitamin C Absorption and Tissue Accumulation
- Enzymatic Functions
- Vitamin C Deficiency, Toxicity, Linus Pauling and the Common Cold
- Lesson Summary
Selenium
Description: In this module, you will learn about different categories of selenium. You will learn about selenoproteins and their functions and about selenium absorption and excretion. You will also learn about selenium toxicity and selenium's questionable deficiency.
- Learning Outcomes
- Selenium
- Selenoproteins
- Selenium Absorption, Excretion and Toxicity
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Human Nutrition - Fifth Assessment
Description: You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.
- Assessment: Diploma in Human Nutrition - Fifth Assessment
Course assessment
- Assessment: Diploma in Human Nutrition - Final Assessment
Certification / Credits
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss the various nutrients that provide the essential components for our bodies
- Explain the functions of the human digestive system
- Discuss in detail the various groups of carbohydrates
- Outline three main types of amino acids
- Describe the process of protein synthesis, the levels of protein structure and the various protein functions
- Discuss the roles fatty acids play as well as the eicosanoid compounds derived from fatty acids
- Explain the various carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism pathways
- List and describe various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium
- Describe the structure and functions of antioxidants
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