752-6201-00L  Research Methodology in Nutrition

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersI. Herter-Aeberli
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThe lectures cover different methodologies applied in the field of nutrition research including methods to assess mineral/vitamin status, body composition, immunochemical techniques, animal studies, and food sensory science and with a speical focus on theoretical and practical knowledge of dietary assessment studies. The challenge of ethical issues in human studies is illustrated and discussed.
Learning objectiveThe following aims should be achieved during this course:
1) Students get insights into different methodologies applied in nutritional research and get an idea of when to use them.
2) Students get to know different dietary assessment methods and learn to use them and analyzed the collected information.
3) Students are able to create their own research question and choose the most appropriate methodology.
ContentThe methodologies include stable isotope techniques, balance studies, body composition assessment, immunochemical techniques, animal studies and food sensory science. The challenge of ethical issues in human studies will be illustrated and discussed.
The theoretical and practical knowledge of dietary assessment methods will be imparted including a practical assessment of nutrient intake. The dietary assessments will be evaluated using a nutrient software.
Students design their own study by defining a study question as well as the most appropriate study design/methods. The studies must consist of a dietary assessment part as well as at least two of the other methodologies introduced during the course.