Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism II

HHNS 6710 - WINTER 2009

Class Meeting: Friday 8:30 – 11:30 am
Location: ANNU 002

Course Co-ordinators

Dr. T. E. Graham, Office: ANNU 353, ext. 56168, Email: terrygra@uoguelph.ca

Dr L.E. Robinson, Office: ANNU 336B. ext 52297, Email: lrobinso@uoguelph.ca

I. MAJOR COURSE THEMES OR CONCEPTS

This course will examine the triad of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in detail. We will consider the global impact of the ill health issues and will explore the metabolic roots of the triad. The roles of the gut, liver, adipose tissue and muscle will be examined. This course will also address the impact of exercise and nutritional factors during key times including fetal development, childhood, and adolescence.

Course objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to discuss issues essential to understanding the interface between nutrition, exercise, and metabolism as they apply to the obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease triad. Information from the molecular level (and genetic factors) to the whole animal (in some cases to the population level) will be presented with a common focus being to understand the interaction of nutrition and exercise in human health. Emphasis will be placed on the development and testing of experimental hypotheses in these areas of research.

This course will address the University's learning objectives for graduate courses by not only addressing the role of metabolism in nutrition and exercise in considerable depth, but also by integrating the disciplines of nutrition and physiology. Furthermore the course requires a detailed appreciation of the integration between the body's key metabolic tissues, predominantly active and resting skeletal muscle, the blood, the liver and adipose tissue.

II. CONTENT OF LECTURES

There will be no formal lectures in this course. The classes will follow a seminar format and student participation and interaction will be encouraged and expected. Typically, classes will involve students critically reviewing and integrating several research papers that will be used to generate class discussion focused on key course concepts.

III. REQUIRED READINGS

Copies of the readings will be provided in PDF on the course website. Review papers will provide background reading. Students are expected to have read the papers PRIOR TO class. Students in the class will be divided into groups and each group will be assigned key papers that they are responsible to review, integrate and report to the class on a regular basis. The assigned papers will form the foundation for class discussion of key course concepts and all students will be expected to participate in these discussions.

IV. METHODS OF EVALUATION

There are 2 assignments for this course. Assignment 1 is worth 40% and Assignment 2 is worth 60%.

Assignment 1 – 40%

Select a topic that has received media attention (such as epigenetics and type 2 diabetes, new diet ‘fads’, products that are designed to promote weight loss, etc). Research the scientific basis of this and come to an evaluation of the merit of the selected topic. You will present an oral summary (10 min, worth 10%)) to the class, distribute copies of one key research paper and submit a written summary (5-7 pages plus references, worth 30%). Both are due on Feb 13, 2009.

Assignment 2 – 60%

Select an issue such as a) a specific, purported nutraceutical/functional food product, b) a nutritional issue, c) a lifestyle factor and/or d) an exercise aspect. This must be different from, but directly applicable to, the topics covered in the course. The assignment is to (1) research the science that would support why such an issue might be useful, ‘healthy’ or important, (2) address the questions: is the product/nutritional/exercise change effective, under what circumstances, and what are the health benefits and (3) are there any health concerns with the product or issue? You will submit a written report (approximately 10-15 pages, worth 40%). There should also be an abstract that will be distributed to the class as well as 1 key paper on the topic. NOTE: these are to be separate from the report itself in order that they can be distributed to your peers. An oral presentation (approximately 15 min in length, worth 20% ) to the class will take place at the end of the semester outside of class time. The written report will be due the same day as the oral presentations.

Note: The topic for each assignment must be approved and "registered" with Dr. Graham or Robinson. Only one student can register for a given topic.

Note: for both assignments only one student can select a given topic. Also for each oral presentation it is expected that your peers will provide Dr. Graham and Robinson with constructive criticisms of your oral presentation. They will summarize these and provide you with this feedback together with their own comments.