Dietetics professionals are engaged in multiple arenas that demand familiarity with community food access, public health, food system challenges and health care practices. Resources and strategies to identify reliable sources of information, critical thinking skills, professional development and professional standards of behavior will be considered throughout the course. Simulation and extensive practicum-based training are critical components of this course as students prepare for extensive practicum placements in food service, community and clinical care settings. Prereq: Must be an MSDI student.

Pre-professional work experiences with continued examination and application of theory and practice in the dietetic profession. Concepts include foodservice management topics such as facility and human resources management, translation of nutrition into foods/menus, procurement, distribution and service within delivery systems, and food safety and sanitation. Community nutrition topics include nutrition screening and assessment, nutrition counseling and education, food security and sustainability, program development and evaluation, as well as exploration of health promotion and disease prevention theory and application. Assignments and supplemental reading reinforce practicum experiences. Practicum experience (500-600 hours) is integrated into the course design. Prereq: Permission and NUTR 829 and/or NUTR 831.

Digestion, absorption, transport, and utilization of food nutrients. Role of macro- and micro-nutrients as substrates and catalyst for metabolic pathways, and the role of these pathways in maintaining human health at the cellular, organ and whole-body levels. Prereq: two semesters anatomy and physiology; one semester biochemistry; or equivalents.

Combination of lecture and supervised practical experience in medical nutrition therapy in a New England hospital. Emphasizes nutritional counseling, assessment, and instruction of patients with nutrition-related disorders.