The subject gives a detailed introduction both theoretically and practically to the digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion of nutrients energy nutrition, with emphasis on the function and biochemistry of nutrition.

The students will learn about the principals of the methods used in nutrition, and they will get a short introduction to the principals of testing, build up and quality assurance. In addition, the students will learn about common methods used in chemical and biochemical laboratories, both routine laboratories like Laboratory for clinical biochemistry (Haukeland University Hospital) and research laboratories.

The subject gives an introduction to both the theoretical and practical basis for nutrition related analysis methods. In addition, the diet¿s influence on normal development and health is emphasized; some of the most present diet related health problems and how they are related to living conditions and lifestyle. The focus will be on the sources of and need for the different nutrients, nutrition recommendations and how recommendations like these should be interpreted.

The subject will give a detailed overview on principals of development, justification and estimation of recommendations for nutrients and none-nutrients (e.g. dietary fiber, alcohol) both nationally and internationally.

Knowledge

After finishing the subject, the student should be able to:

• explain the function of macro nutrients in humans
• describe digestion, absorption, metabolism, storage, excretion and the molecular biology function of the nutrients
• describe the difference between needs and recommendations, explaining where recommendations are stored and justified
• explain the mechanisms for the regulation of the different nutrients and how disturbances in nutrient homeostasis can affect different diseases
• describe the basic principals of the methods that are used in nutrition
• explain analysis methods that are used in research and routines (patients)

Skills

After finishing the subject, the student should be able to:

• master the terminology of the biochemistry of nutrients
• read and interpret scientific texts, such as peer-reviewed papers on nutrition
• show insight into the metabolism of nutrients in the body, which biochemical mechanisms they are part of and why too much or too little of the nutrients can make you ill
• interpret data related to statistics and biological variation
• implement a critical evaluation of analysis answers (blood/serum/plasma/urine/feces)

Competence

After finishing the subject, the student should be able to:

• utilize the knowledge about the basic biochemistry of nutrients in other areas of nutrition
• be capable of asking critical questions and discuss nutrition research with fellow students

Participation in the laboratory course is mandatory, aprox. 12 hours in total. Submission of a journal after each laboratory course. The journals must be approved prior to the exam.

Mandatory participation in group taks with presentation.