Nutrition
(Department name effective July 1, 2012)
207 Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2125
Dr. Harris, Chairperson
Professors
Jeffrey E. Harris, Dr.P.H., Loma Linda University
Janet M. Lacey, Dr. P.H., University of North Carolina
Associate Professors
Mary Beth Gilboy, Ph.D., Temple University
Sandra Walz, Ph.D., Kansas State University
Assistant Professors
Joanne Christaldi, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Patricia G. Davidson, D.C.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Lynn Monahan-Couch, D.C.N, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Gina Pazzaglia, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Instructors
Christine Karpinski, Ph.D., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Regina Subach, B.S., Immaculata University
Program of Study [top]
The Department of Health offers a master of public health degree with a nutrition concentration. See the Department of Health for a description of the M.P.H., nutrition concentration, on page 61.
Communication with the Department
All inquiries and other communications regarding the M.P.H. nutrition track should be addressed to the track coordinator, Dr. Mary Beth Gilboy. Students also may call for information at 610-738-0559, fax at 610-436-2860, or e-mail mgilboy@wcupa.edu.
Course Descriptions [top]
Nutrition
Symbol: NTD
501 Nutrition Concepts and Controversies (3) The course examines food and nutrition concepts and controversies. Practical, consumer-oriented nutrition principles that complement personal needs, preference, and lifestyles are discussed. Emphasis is placed on methods of evaluating nutrition-related literature and claims, and interpretation of data and scientific studies relevant to nutrition.
502 Vegetarian Nutrition and Cuisine (3) This course is an evidenced-based, interactive approach to the health-promoting aspects of vegetarianism and concerns about nutritional adequacy at all stages of the life cycle. Students will critically evaluate a number of vegetarian dietary approaches, with case-studies, presentations, and meal plan reviews. Students will participate in plant-based recipe modifications and take part in cooking demonstrations/taste-testing. No prerequisite required.
503 Human Nutrition (3) This course is an advanced study of macronutrient and selected micronutrient metabolism in humans and their impact on nutritional well-being. A thorough understanding of the metabolism of key nutrients will allow the student to use current, evidence-based research in critically evaluating nutrition public health messages and recommendations. PREREQ: A grade of C or better in a previous introductory nutrition course, one year of anatomy/physiology, and organic and biochemistry.
504 Nutrition Education K through 12 (3) This course provides an understanding of the optimal nutritional needs and nutrition education principles for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Topics include evidence-based principles of healthy eating for children and adolescents, examination of food choices, and barriers to healthy food, with an emphasis on behaviorally focused nutrition education relating to critical school nutrition issues.
515 Public Health Nutrition (3) This course provides students with a practice-based approach to public health nutrition processes through readings, discussions, and active participation. Topics include public health nutrition concepts, guidelines, and key nutrition issues for particular populations. Students will be introduced to the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations and evidence-based nutrition programs.
520 Perspectives on Obesity (3) This course is a rigorous, evidence-based exploration of the issue of obesity. Through process-oriented assignments and discussions, students formulate their own perspectives on origins, prevention, and treatment of obesity.
522 Nutrition for Health Fitness and Performance (3) The study of nutrition as it relates to health, fitness, and performance. Attention will be given to nutritional guidelines for optimal health and physical performance.
581 Nutrition Workshop (3) Special workshops on contemporary nutrition, foods, and foodservice-related problems and issues. Topics announced at time of offering.
600 Maternal and Child Nutrition (3) This course introduces students to maternal and child nutrition with primarily a domestic focus. Emphasis is on understanding the role of research, policies, and programmatic issues on nutritional health for pregnant and lactating women, infant children, and adolescents. Students will gain an understanding of key issues within the social, educational, political, and environmental influences and their impact on nutrition status within vulnerable maternal/child populations. PREREQ: NTD 503 or permission of instructor.
610 Nutrition Assessment (3) The course provides students with practice and application of anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary methods for assessing nutritional status with a focus of public health application. Exercises include the measurement of body composition, use of food composition tables, and classification of nutritional status. PREREQ: NTD 503 or permission of instructor.
625 Nutrition Policy and Programs (3) Introduction to program and policy approaches for improving nutritional status of populations. Rationale for nutrition policy introduced. Topics include legislative advocacy and analysis of current nutrition programs at local, state, and federal levels. PREREQ: NTD 515 or permission of instructor.
