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Introduction to Nutrition
NUTRI101 | 3 Credits
Introduction to Nutrition covers the essential nutrients the body needs and how to assess those to determine individual nutrient needs. You’ll learn classes of nutrients, the physiology of the digestive system, and the roles of macro and micronutrients.
Professor: Dr. Rachel Schitchl
About This Course
What You’ll Learn
Our Introduction to Nutrition course lays the foundation for understanding nutrition, ideal for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of how nutrients impact health. It covers the classes of nutrients, the physiology of the digestive system, and the roles of macro and micronutrients.
- Describe the characteristics of essential nutrients and explain the scientific research process in determining nutrient needs.
- Explain the various factors that make a healthy diet and design menus using MyPlate.
- List the major parts of the human digestive system and summarize the relationship between nutrition and the functions of each part of the digestive system.
- Explain the functions of carbohydrates in nutrition, along with their digestion and absorption.
- Classify lipids in different groups and explain their nutritional role in the human body.
- Outline the functions of proteins and discuss the effects of deficiency and excess intake.
- Summarize the nutritional role and symptoms of deficiency for each vitamin.
- Describe the importance of water and minerals to the human body.
- Explain the physiological changes in pregnancy with consequent changes in dietary requirements.
- Describe the nutritional needs of infants, preschoolers, school-age children, and teenagers for normal growth and development.
- Describe the importance of various aspects of fitness and weight control.
- Identify common food safety hazards, and explain the challenges and strategies for improving global nutrition.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
In this online nutrition class, students will explore nutrition during pregnancy, the changing nutritional needs from infancy to adulthood, and the principles of fitness and weight control. This course provides a comprehensive overview, preparing students for further studies in nutrition and health sciences.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0034
Flexible Schedule
29-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 7,100 times
$7,800,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Introduction to Nutrition.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Betts, J. G., et al. Introduction to Nutrition (2nd ed.), OpenStax. 2022.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Introduction to Nutrition
- Checkpoint Overview: Introduction to Nutrition
- Major Classes of Nutrients
- Nutrition and Changing Lifestyle
- Math Concept in the Study of Nutrition
- The Scientific Method
- Case Study: Development and Updating of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
- Components of a Healthy Diet
- Nutrition Assessment
- Case Study: Managing Multiple Dietary Restrictions
- Diet Plans: My Plate Planner
- The Labels on Your Food
- Take and Try: Nutritional Label Analysis and Comparison
- Checkpoint 1 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 1 Practice
Checkpoint 2: The Physiology of the Digestive System
- Checkpoint Overview: The Physiology of the Digestive System
- Anatomy of the Digestive System
- Processes of the Digestive System
- Checkpoint 2 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 2 Practice
Checkpoint 3: Carbohydrates
- Checkpoint Overview: Carbohydrates
- Types of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates in Foods
- Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates
- Health Concerns Related to Carbohydrate Intake
- Case Study: Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Individuals with Diabetes Through Dietary Modifications
- Checkpoint 3 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 3 Practice
Checkpoint 4: Lipids
- Checkpoint Overview: Lipids
- The Functions of Lipids in the Body
- Nonessential and Essential Fatty Acids
- Digestion and Absorption of Lipids
- Health Concerns Related to Lipid INtake
- Case Study: Dietary Fat's Role in Managing Heart Disease Risk
- Checkpoint 4 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 4 Practice
Checkpoint 5: Protein
- Checkpoint Overview: Protein
- The Building Blocks of Proteins: Amino Acids
- The Many Different Types of Proteins
- Proteins in Food Digestion and Absorption of Proteins
- Protein's Functions in the Body
- Case Study: Exploring Protein Needs in Individuals Recovering from Surgery or Injury
- Checkpoint 5 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 5 Practice
Checkpoint 6: Vitamins
- Checkpoint Overview: Vitamins
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamin K Functions and Health Benefits
- Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Antioxidants
- Checkpoint 6 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 6 Practice
Checkpoint 7: Water and Minerals
- Checkpoint Overview: Water and Minerals
- Overview of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Water's Importance to Vitality
- Case Study: Hydration Strategies for Athletes and Patients with Dehydration-Related Illnesses
- Electrolytes Important for Fluid Balance
- Calcium
- Case Study: Calcium and Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women
- Phosphorous
- Case Study: Phosphorus Balance in Kidney Disease
- Sulfur
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Iodine
- Chromium, Manganese, Molybdenum
- Take and Try: Reflective Journal Assignment
- Checkpoint 7 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 7 Practice
Checkpoint 8: Nutrition in Pregnancy
- Checkpoint Overview: Nutrition in Pregnancy
- Weight Gain and and Weight Loss During Pregnancy
- Nutritional Requirements of Mother
- Case STudy: Dietary Recommendations for Pregnant Women to Prevent Gestational Diabetes and Neural Tube Defects
- Checkpoint 8 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 8 Practice
Checkpoint 9: Nutrition - Infancy to Adulthood
- Checkpoint Overview: Infancy to Adulthood
- Macronutrients and Micronutrients Needed for Infants
- Breastfeeding
- Introducing Solid Foods
- Nutritional Requirements of Toddlers
- Early Childhood Caries
- Children and Malnutrition
- Nutritional Requirements of Adolescence
- Case Study: Addressing Childhood Obesity and Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
- Nutritional Requirements of Late Adolescence
- Nutrition in Young Adulthood and Middle Age
- Nutrition in Older Adulthood
- Checkpoint 9 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 9 Practice
Checkpoint 10: Fitness and Weight Management
- Checkpoint Overview: Fitness and Weight Management
- Unit of Energy
- Balancing Energy Input with Energy Output
- The Essential Elements of Physical Fitness
- Case Study: Analyzing Weight and Fitness in Real-Life Scenarios
- Weight Management
- Nutrition Needs for Athletes
- Common Nutrient Deficiencies for Athletes
- Checkpoint 10 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 10 Practice
Checkpoint 11: Food Safety and Global Nutrition
- Checkpoint Overview: Food Safety and Global Nutrition
- The Major Types of Foodborne Illness
- The Causes of Food Contamination
- Case Study: Foodborne Illness Outbreaks and Prevention Strategies
- Food Preservation and Food Processing
- Undernutrition, Overnutrition, and Malnutrition
- Case Study: Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies in Underprivileged Populations
- Food Insecurity and Threats to Health
- Checkpoint 11 Conclusion
- Checkpoint 11 Practice
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 11 Checkpoints
- 2 Capstones
- 4 Benchmarks
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- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
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Course Professor
Dr. Rachel Schitchl
PhD, RDN, CFCS, FAND
Rachel Schichtl (PhD, RDN, LD, FAND) is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian and holds a PhD from Texas Tech University. She has been teaching online nutrition courses since 2013. She does a great job making nutrition relevant for all students and enjoys helping students understand nutrition on a personal level. Her research has primarily been related to childhood obesity prevention, food insecurity, and access to healthy foods.
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Students who enrolled also took:
Personal Fitness & Wellness
1st attempt pass rate: 98%
Avg Days to Complete: 30
3 credits
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Your Journey to a Career in Healthcare
Whether you’re working as a nurse, dietitian, medical assistant, or another health professional, Introduction to Nutrition will give you a strong grasp of how nutrients affect the body so you can support patient wellness and help them make better decisions.
Why it matters:
- Get a job in one of the fastest-growing industries — healthcare is expected to add 1.8 million new jobs between 2022–2032.
- Good nutrition is the foundation of good health! Learn the building blocks that will make you successful in your field.
In-demand careers in this field include:
Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Radiologic Technologist, Surgical Technologist, Paramedic/EMT
How this course sets you up for success:
This course is a prerequisite for many healthcare programs. You’ll gain the core knowledge that you need to excel in clinical practice and certification tests. Begin your career in healthcare by understanding the vital role nutrition plays in patient wellness.
Course included in Unlimited Plans
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