Nutrition and Dietetics 304
NUTR 304: Research Methods in Nutrition and Dietetics
Prerequisites: BIOL 322, NUTR 316, CHEM 101 or CHEM 120, and junior standing
Credit Hours: (3)
A comprehensive overview of the research process including problem statements, literature review, research design, data collection, and interpretation of results. The course emphasizes knowledge and skills that are essential for critical evaluation of evidence based dietetic practice.
Note(s): Students cannot receive credit for both NUTR 404 and NUTR 304.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
NUTR 304 is a study of research and design and methods in Human Foods and Nutrition. It will involve all aspects of Foods and Nutrition research including theory, design, implementation, analysis, and presentation of experiments performed throughout the course.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will encompass standard lecture format, use of computer programs, and hands-on laboratory techniques and methods. Class demonstrations, videos, and active discussions will also be incorporated into the learning experience as well as guest lecturers.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The course will prepare the student to:
- Understand the basics of research design as it pertains to topics in Human Nutrition and Foods.
- Learn how to review current literature pertaining to nutrition and foods research, critique it, and determine its relevance in the field of Human Nutrition and Foods.
- Conduct laboratory experiments related to foods and nutrition.
- Understand the principles of quality control and quality assurance when performing laboratory experiments.
- Recruit subjects for laboratory experiments and ensure that it is approved by the Human Subjects board at Radford University.
- Collect laboratory data and perform statistical analysis on the data
- Interpret laboratory parameters relating to nutrition.
- Present a poster session to peers and faculty on an assigned laboratory experiment performed in class.
Assessment Measures
Grades will be computed based on exams, written literature review and oral presentation, poster session, homework assignments, participation, lab performance and attendance.
Other Course Information
This course, in part, fulfills the requirements for the Didactic Program in Dietetics approved by the American Dietetic Association.
Review and Approval
September 2001 Updated Anne Alexander, Chair
Revised 3/6/09
September 28, 2012 Revised