Course Descriptions

HNUT 510 Modern Nutrition (3 QH)
This course provides an in-depth overview of human nutrition including the processes of digestion, absorption, transportation, and excretion of food and nutrients; the structure, function, metabolism, requirements, deficiencies, and toxicities of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and ultra-trace minerals; and the fundamental principles of energy metabolism and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. This course must be taken first unless the department approves otherwise. Students then complete the following three courses in any order.

HLSM 500 Chronic Preventable Disease and Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine (3 QH)
This course provides the student with a framework from which to build a practice of lifestyle medicine. An introduction and overview to lifestyle medicine as an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating and reversing diseases. Discussion of the effects of chronic diseases on individuals and looking at the cost and burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiac disease, hypertension and metabolic disorder. The concepts of how to provoke behavioral change will be explored.

HLSM 501 Strategies to Manage Mental and Emotional Health and Avoiding Risky Substances (3 QH)
This course will focus on how mental and emotional health are negatively impacted by stress. In addition, the positive aspects of stress will be addressed. We will examine the latest research on stress- reduction techniques such as relaxation, mindfulness and meditation on health and well- being. Proper sleep is a necessity for optimal functioning of the human body. A review of the basics of sleep and sleep cycles, how sleep affects the body’s functioning. Finally, the effect of risky behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol and drug use can be detrimental to the health and wellness of individuals. The use of motivational interviewing and smoking cessation will be explored. Given the opioid crisis in the US, we will look at the opioid crisis and discuss addictive behaviors and possible solutions.

HLSM 600 Concepts of Population Health and Personal Health (3 QH)
This course will introduce the student to concepts of population health. Topics of social determinants of health, health disparities, diversity, equity and inclusion in relation to access to health care, health care policy and health literacy will be examined. The student will explore their own personal health and wellness and understand that healthcare providers must lead by example.