Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) Science and Forestry Division Cumberland, Maryland

Fundamentals of Nutrition

Biology 114

Biology 114 Web Class

Welcome

Welcome to your nutrition class. This is an introductory course offered as a non-lab general education science elective. There are no prerequisites. Nutrition is a young science, with scientific study beginning in the late 19th century and continuing today. This is one reason there are so many conflicting opinions about 'what to eat' or 'what not to eat'. Scientific research is still happening right now. This course will introduce you to the most current thinking in this field. Armed with this information you should be able to apply it in your daily life to promote a healthier you.

Course Description

This course is a study of the fundamentals of nutrition and the relationship of nutrition and health throughout all stages of the life cycle.

Prerequisites - None

Required Materials

1. Basic calculator

2. Understanding Nutrition , Whitney and Rolfes, 10th edition, Wadsworth Publishing, 2005*

3. Code for access to the Diet Analysis Plus Software or CD of the Diet Analysis Software. *

4. Nutrition Explorer Software*

* All of the three above should be shrink wrapped together with your textbook

Some Learning Objectives

• To acquire and apply basic nutritional terminology.

• To understand the basic nutrients in food and their role in attaining a healthy nutritional status.

• To learn the principles of the scientific method and the means by which science gathers information to solve problems.

• To learn practical application of nutrition knowledge to promote a society of healthy Americans.

Requirements at a Glance

To finish this course you must successfully complete:

• 4 hourly exams taken in a testing center at one of the ACM campuses (Cumberland / Bedford / Somerset).

• Dietary Analysis project that involves keeping a record of everything you eat and drink during a 3-day period. You will then enter the information into the computer using the Diet Analysis software. A paper will be written analyzing your strengths and weaknesses and how your diet can be improved.

• Homework assignments

Tentative Course Content

Nutrient Overview

History, Health Objectives, Research Methods

Nutrient Standards, Menu Planning Tools, Labels

Digestive System

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins

Energy Balance and Weight Control

Eating Disorders

Water Soluble and Fat Soluble Vitamins

Water and Minerals

Nutrition in the Life Cycles

How the course is conducted:

Since there will be no face-to-face class lecture, it is imperative that you are conscientious, motivated and self-disciplined. While the course is very flexible in terms of when you put in the time, you can expect to average about the same amount of study time as a normal lecture course—three to five hours total a week per credit. This comes out to about 9 -15 hours per week. Note also that the course is NOT self-paced. Assignments are due by specific dates. You may work ahead if you like, but you may not “work behind”.

For each chapter you may be required to submit homework electronically, take on-line quizzes and/or post to the discussion board on Blackboard. You will be required to take four tests in a supervised testing center on specific dates and times.

You will have opportunities to interact with other students enrolled in the course. You are encouraged to communicate with other students in the course by email, by use of the discussion board, or by phone. Interacting with other students in the course will enhance your learning experience.

You are expected to check the 'announcements' on Blackboard regularly.

Course Policy

This is an online distance leaning course. You will work sequentially through the course content online. You must complete all course requirements on time by the dates specified. Ten percent will be deducted for every 24 hours late. The final grade will be issued at the end of the semester on the date required by the College. All rules and academic regulations are applicable to distant learners.

Communication Policy

Instructor email

pandrews@allegany.edu (this is the quickest way to reach me)

Voice mail

I can be reached at 301-784-5248 (my office) or 301-784-5255 (secretary) or a message can be left for me at either number

Student Responsibility

I expect every student to email me when you have registered for this course. In the subject line of the email you must put ‘114 Web’. In the body of the email give me your name, contact information, and email address. I will respond with course information.

Technical Requirements

If you have never taken an online course before, this course will be different for you. Our primary means of communication will be through the Internet; therefore, you should be comfortable with using the Internet and email. You must have a reliable Internet access (you must provide your own ISP), an email account, and a browser (Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher or Netscape 3.0 or higher). If you are using a modem, 28.8bps or higher is strongly recommended.

You are expected to have basic computer and Internet literacy skills. This includes the ability to work comfortable in a browser, send and receive email with attachments, use search engine, and create and modify documents in MS Word. This course will be delivered via the Web using Blackboard software (provided). You will need to access the homepage on Blackboard for all course information.

A more detailed syllabus will be available once you have registered for the course.