The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Nutrition
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Faculty
Overview
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Dietetic Internship
Requirements for the Master of Science in Nutrition
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition
NTR Nutrition Courses
Faculty
Professors
Deborah E. Kipp, Ph.D., R.D.
Effects of nutritional and hormonal imbalances, particularly iron and prolactin, on bone formation (Chair of Department).
Wei Jia, Ph.D.
Chemical and metabolic profiling of bioactive food components.
George Loo, Ph.D.
Nutritional biochemistry, atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism, cellular and molecular functions of phytochemicals and other natural products.
Cheryl A. Lovelady, Ph.D., R.D.
Nutrition and women’s health with emphasis on nutrient needs during lactation and exercise, assessment of energy intake and expenditure.
Michael K. McIntosh, Ph.D., R.D.
Regulation of adipocyte growth and metabolism, energy metabolism, obesity, diabetes.
Laura S. Sims, Ph.D.
Domestic nutrition policy and its implications, nutrition education, hunger and food assistance.
Rosemary C. Wander, Ph.D.
Impact of dietary fat, including omega-3 fatty acids, on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease.
Adjunct Professors
Harvey W. Gruchow, Ph.D.
Epidemiology of heart disease and hypertension focusing on nutrition, infant mortality and adolescent pregnancy prevention.
Vincent C. Henrich, Ph.D.
Gene expression, regulation of steroid production and response, nuclear hormone receptors.
Associate Professor
Keith Erikson, Ph.D.
Micronutrients and brain development, function, and neurotoxicity.
Lauren Haldeman, Ph.D.
Design of theory-based nutrition interventions for low-income audiences, effects of food insecurity and psychosocial correlates (health beliefs, attitudes, and barriers) on eating behaviors and dietary quality.
Ron F. Morrison, Ph.D.
Transcriptional control of adipocyte differentiation and gene expression, obesity, diabetes, cellular and molecular mechanisms coupling growth arrest and cell differentiation, cell cycle, cancer.
Martha L. Taylor, Ph.D., R.D.
Nutritional status of older adults, health promotion/disease prevention in the community, nutrition education (Director of Graduate Study and Director of Dietetic Internship Program).
Adjunct Associate Professor
Karen S. Katula, Ph.D.
Control of cell division, regulation of human cyclin B gene transcription, antioxidant regulation of gene expression and cell cycle.
Assistant Professors
Lynda M. Brown, Ph.D.
Effects of increased visceral fat on central insulin and leptin sensitivity in middle-aged rats, develop a rat model of menopause to explore the roles of aging, estrogen levels, and visceral obesity on central insulin, leptin sensitivity as rats enter reproductive senescence.
Margaret Savoca, Ph.D.
Influence of beliefs about health and family and environmental factors on food choices of those with or at risk for chronic diseases, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Overview
The Department of Nutrition offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in nutrition. Both degrees offer specializations in community nutrition and nutrition education, human/clinical nutrition, and cellular and molecular nutrition. Background courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, mammalian physiology, and general nutrition are required for all degree programs. Upon entry, a Plan of Study is developed by students and their advisors or Advisory Committees. This Plan develops strengths in the area of interest the student has chosen.
The Master of Science has both a thesis and non-thesis option. The thesis option is research-based and designed to prepare students for research, administration and practitioner positions in nutrition, or for progression to the Ph.D. program. A written thesis is required for graduation. The non-thesis option is designed to prepare students for consulting, administrative, and practitioner positions in nutrition. A comprehensive examination must be passed. The registered dietitian (R.D.) credential must be obtained for a career in dietetics.
The focus of the doctoral program is the development of critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and organizational skills and the application of these skills to a nutrition-related research problem. The research goal of the department is to optimize human health. This is done through a wide variety of research approaches. Program strengths include nutritional assessment and intervention, nutritional biochemistry, molecular roles of nutrients, nutrition and disease, community nutrition, nutrition education, and life-span nutrition. Graduates of the doctoral program are prepared for careers in research, teaching at the college or university level, consulting, and management.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Dietetic Internship
The Dietetic Internship at UNCG is currently granted accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association. CADE is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. The address and phone number of CADE are: 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-4876.
Policy on Professional Impairment
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Dietetic Internship
The Department of Nutrition offers a 15 semester hour program of study leading to a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Dietetic Internship. Courses fulfilling the certificate program may be used to meet the requirements in a degree program in accordance with the policies of The Graduate School.
Required Courses (15 hours)
NTR 602 Introduction to Clinical Dietetics (3)
NTR 693 Advanced Medical Dietetics (3)
NTR 602 and NTR 693 must be completed with a grade of B or better prior to enrollment in following:
NTR 606A Practicum in Clinical Dietetics: Management (3)
NTR 606B Practicum in Clinical Dietetics: Clinical (3)
NTR 606C Practicum in Clinical Dietetics: Community (3)
Additional Information
Students will receive a certificate from The Graduate School upon completion of the required course of study and are eligible to take the national certification examination for the credential of Registered Dietitian.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Nutrition
The Department of Nutrition offers a graduate program of study leading to a Master of Science degree. This degree offers two options: a thesis option (37 hours minimum) and a non-thesis option (40 hours minimum).
Thesis Option (37 hours minimum)
At least 26 hours must be in 600-level courses. The minimum requirements include:
Required Core (15 hours minimum)
NTR 609 Seminar in Nutrition (4)
NTR 625 Gene Expression and Protein Metabolism (2)
NTR 626 Energy, Carbohydrate, Lipid Metabolism (2)
NTR 627 Antioxidants and Bioactive Food Components (2)
NTR 628 Vitamins and Minerals (2)
and one of the following options:
STA 571 Statistical Methods for Research I (3)
STA 661 Advanced Statistics in the Behavioral and Biological Sciences I (3)
STA 580 Biostatistical Methods (3)
ERM 517 Statistical Methods in Education (3)
ERM 680 Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education (3)
HEA 604 Public Health Statistics (3)
Research Techniques (9 hours minimum)
NTR 673 Nutrition Research Methodology (3)
At least 6 hours in one or more of the following research courses:
NTR 601 Directed Study in Nutrition
NTR 623 Current Trends in Nutrition
NTR 653 Problems in Food and Nutrition
NTR 670 Research Skill Development
Electives (6 hours minimum)
With approval of the Graduate Advisory committee, a student will select one 3-hour course from other NTR courses at the 500 or 600 level and at least 3 additional hours in either NTR or other science courses at the 500 or 600 level.
Thesis (6 hours)(Capstone Experience)
NTR 699 Thesis (6)
Non-thesis Option (40 hours minimum)
At least 26 hours must be in 600-level courses. The minimum requirements include:
Required Core (14 hours minimum)
NTR 609 Seminar in Nutrition (3)
NTR 625 Gene Expression and Protein Metabolism (2)
NTR 626 Energy, Carbohydrate, Lipid Metabolism (2)
NTR 627 Antioxidants and Bioactive Food Components (2)
NTR 628 Vitamins and Minerals (2)
and one of the following options:
STA 571 Statistical Methods for Research I (3)
STA 661 Advanced Statistics in the Behavioral and Biological Sciences I (3)
STA 580 Biostatistical Methods (3)
ERM 517 Statistical Methods in Education (3)
ERM 680 Intermediate Statistical Methods in Education (3)
HEA 604 Public Health Statistics (3)
Research Techniques (6 hours minimum)
NTR 673 Nutrition Research Methodology (3)
At least 3 hours in one or more of the following research courses:
NTR 601 Directed Study in Nutrition
NTR 623 Current Trends in Nutrition
NTR 653 Problems in Food and Nutrition
NTR 670 Research Skill Development
Electives (19 hours minimum)
The student will select at least 19 hours from other 500- or 600-level courses in NTR, other science courses, HEA, or CED, as approved by the student’s advisory committee.
For those students who are completing the Dietetic Internship requirements as part of their graduate program of study, 15 elective hours will come from the DI course requirements:
NTR 602 Introduction to Clinical Dietetics (3)
NTR 693 Advanced Medical Dietetics (3)
Nine elective hours will be designated from the Supervised Practice component requirement:
NTR 606a Practicum in Clinical Dietetics: Management (3)
NTR 606b Practicum in Clinical Dietetics: Clinical (3)
NTR 606c Practicum in Clinical Dietetics: Community (3)
Successful completion of these courses is required for the student to be eligible to take The American Dietetic Association’s national examination to become a registered dietitian (R.D.).
Comprehensive Examination
The written examination is offered at specific times each year. Please consult with the Director of Graduate Study for the dates.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition
The Department of Nutrition offers a graduate program of study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree (63 hours minimum). At least 75% of all course work, exclusive of dissertation hours, must be at the 600 or 700 level. Students entering the Ph.D. program with a Master of Science degree may be granted a waiver for some requirements if they have successfully completed equivalent course work. This decision will be made after evaluation by the student’s major advisor and the doctoral Advisory/Dissertation Committee.
Required Core Courses (16 hours)
NTR 609 Seminar in Nutrition (8)
NTR 625 Gene Expression and Protein Metabolism (2)
NTR 626 Energy, Carbohydrate, Lipid Metabolism (2)
NTR 627 Antioxidants and Bioactive Food Components (2)
NTR 628 Vitamins and Minerals (2)
Research Techniques (21 hours minimum)
With approval of the Advisory/Dissertation Committee, a student will select a minimum of one statistics course (3-4 hours), NTR 673 (Nutrition Research Methodology - 3 hours), and two or three additional courses for developing technical competency to enhance research skills and competitiveness (8 hours minimum). Students will also take at least 6 hours in one or more of the following research courses:
NTR 601 Directed Study in Nutrition
NTR 623 Current Trends in Nutrition
NTR 653 Problems in Food and Nutrition
NTR 670 Research Skill Development
Electives (8 hours minimum)
With approval of the Advisory/Dissertation Committee, a student will select 6 hours from other NTR courses at the 500-700 level and an additional 2 hours minimum in NTR or a supporting program at the 500-700 level.
Comprehensive Examination
The student will consult with his/her Advisory/Dissertation Committee about the specific format of the written and oral sections of this examination.
Research and Dissertation (18 hours minimum)
NTR 790 Doctoral Research (6)
NTR 799 Dissertation Problem (12)
For Students Who Completed their M.S. at UNCG
Students who have completed their MS degree in the Department of Nutrition at UNCG will have already completed the majority of the Required Core Courses, Nutrition Research Methodology, and at least one statistics course. Therefore, their program of study will include primarily Research Techniques credits and Research and Dissertation credit hours. Credit received for courses taken as part of the M.S. degree cannot be counted towards the Ph.D. degree. The majority of credit hours must be at the 600-700 level. Their minimal course work is shown below.
Required Core Courses (6 hours)
NTR 609 Seminar in Nutrition (6)
Research Techniques (14 hours minimum)
NTR 601 Directed Study in Nutrition
NTR 623 Current Trends in Nutrition
NTR 653 Problems in Food and Nutrition
NTR 670 Research Skill Development
Statistics courses
Electives (8 hours minimum)
With the approval of the Advisory/Dissertation Committee, a student will select 6 hours from other NTR courses at the 500-700 level and an additional 2 hours minimum in NTR or a supporting program at the 500-700 level.
Research and Disseration (18 hours minimum)
NTR 790 Doctoral Research (6)
NTR 799 Dissertation Problem (12)
NTR Nutrition Courses
Students must earn a “C” or better in prerequisite courses for NTR 531, 560, and 573 in order to enroll in these classes.
| 500 | Supervised Professional Experience (1-4:0:3-12) |
| Supervised professional experience in selected commercial or industrial organizations, public or private agencies in accordance with the major course of study of the student. | |
| 531 | Nutrition and Human Metabolism (4:4) |
| Pr. grade of C or better in 413, BIO 277, and the following CHE courses: 103 or 111, 104 or 114, 110 or 112, 205 or 351, and 206 or 354; or their equivalents as determined by instructor
Structure, function, and metabolism of nutrients and related compounds; integration of nutrient metabolism at the cellular level with total body function; practical application of basic principles of nutrient metabolism. | |
| 534 | Nutrition and Human Metabolism Laboratory (2:1:3) |
| Pr. general chemistry and organic chemistry with labs; 531 (may be taken concurrently) Analytical procedures, their rationale and interpretations, applicable to the study of human metabolism. | |
| 543 | Maternal and Infant Nutrition (3:3) |
| Pr. 213 or equivalent, and BIO 277 or equivalent Nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women and infants, methods of evaluating nutritional status of these groups; effects of nutrition on pregnancy outcome and infant development. | |
| 550 | Nutrition Assessment (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 213, 313, 413, BIO 277 Assessment of nutritional status of healthy and ill persons before initiation of medical nutrition therapy. | |
| 553 | Child and Adolescent Nutrition (3:3) |
| Pr. 213 or equivalent, and BIO 277 or equivalent Nutritional needs of children and adolescents; methods of evaluating nutritional status of these groups; effects of nutrition on development. | |
| 560 | Advanced Nutrition (4:4) |
| Pr. grade of C or better in 213, 313, 531, and BIO 277, or equivalents as determined by the instructor Biochemical and physiological aspects of nutrient metabolism and utilization. Nutrient requirements for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, lactation, work and aging. | |
| 573 | Medical Nutrition Therapy (4:3:2) |
| Pr. grade of C or better in 313, 413, 531, 550, 560, and BIO 277 Clinical aspects of nutrition. Development and use of therapeutic diets to combat nutritional diseases and physiological disorders. | |
| 576 | Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3:3) |
| Pr. 213, 413, BIO 277, or equivalents; ESS 375 or ESS 575 recommended Metabolism during exercise, ergogenic aids, nutrients’ effects on performance, and body composition alterations during training. Gender and age-specific needs and responses to exercise and dietary intake. (Same as ESS 576) | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 601 | Directed Study in Nutrition (1-6) |
| Pr. permission of graduate faculty member May be repeated for credit. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 602 | Introduction to Clinical Dietetics (3:2:2) |
| Pr. admission into the DI program or 573 and 560 Preparation for clinical supervised practice experiences in dietetics; helping relationships skills, human resource management, marketing strategies for revenue generating services in dietetics, appropriate professional conduct in patient care. (Fall) | |
| 606a,b,c | Practicum in Clinical Dietetics (3-6), (3-6), (3-6) |
| For Dietetic Internship students only. Practical experience in the professional areas of dietetics: management, clinical, and community. Required for Dietetic Internship students. Combination of credit not to exceed 9 s.h. | |
| 607 | Nutrition Education (3:3) |
| Pr. 550 or equivalent or permission of instructor Philosophy, principles, methods, and materials involved in nutrition education. Emphasis on development of nutrition education curriculum and programs in school and community. | |
| 609a,b | Seminar in Nutrition (1)(2) |
| Review, analysis and presentation of recent research findings and issues in food and nutrition. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. Enrollment for two credits requires presentation of seminar. (NTR 609a, 1 hour credit, graded S-U; NTR 609b, 2 hours credit, graded by letter grade) | |
| 619 | Nutrition Consultation Methods (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 573, 560 or permission of instructor Exploration of techniques and constraints for interviewing and eliciting change through nutritional consultation. | |
| 623 | Current Trends in Nutrition (3:3) |
| Pr. senior- or graduate-level nutrition course or permission of instructor Emphasis on current trends in nutrition research/education from a molecular, cellular and/or human perspective. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. | |
| 625 | Gene Expression and Protein Metabolism (2:4) |
| Pr. previous course in general nutrition, biochemistry and mammalian physiology and unconditional admission to the graduate program in Nutrition or other life sciences, or permission of
instructor Integration of cell biology and protein metabolism in relation to gene expression and regulation of enzyme activity in mammalian cells. Critical analysis of recent literature. (Fall) | |
| 626 | Energy, Carbohydrate, Lipid Metabolism (2:4) |
| Pr. 625, previous course in general nutrition, biochemistry and mammalian physiology, and unconditional admission to the graduate program in Nutrition or other life sciences; or
permission of instructor Analysis of energy intake and metabolism; carbohydrate and lipid absorption, transport, and tissue-specific utilization. Clinical applications. Critical analysis of recent literature. | |
| 627 | Antioxidants and Bioactive Food Components (2:4) |
| Pr. 625, previous course in general nutrition, biochemistry and mammalian physiology, and unconditional admission to the graduate program in Nutrition or other life sciences; or
permission of instructor Metabolism and function of selected bioactive food components, such as flavonoids, stanols and sterols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenolics, indole-3-carbinol. Clinical applications. Critical analysis of recent literature. | |
| 628 | Vitamins and Minerals (2:4) |
| Pr. 625, previous course in general nutrition, biochemistry and mammalian physiology, and unconditional admission to the graduate program in Nutrition or other life sciences; or
permission of instructor Metabolism functions of selected vitamins. Regulation of selected trace metals emphasizing nutrient-gene interactions. Clinical applications. Critical analysis of recent literature. | |
| 643 | Nutrition and Aging (3:3) |
| Pr. 213, BIO 277 or equivalent, or permission of instructor Explore the nutritional issues associated with aging and the older adult (65 years+). Theories of aging; aging and chronic diseases; effects of aging on nutrient requirements; nutrition programs and services. | |
| 645 | Teaching Practicum in Nutrition (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to the graduate program in food, nutrition, and food service management or permission of instructor. Provides a supervised, structured learning experience in teaching for graduate students in the Department of Nutrition. Professors provide guidance for graduate students during the experience. |
|
| 653 | Problems in Food and Nutrition (2-4) |
| Pr. permission of instructor Individual student problems related to food and nutrition. May be repeated for credit. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 670 | Research Skill Development (2-6) |
| May be repeated for credit. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 673 | Nutrition Research Methodology (3:3) |
| Pr. 531 or equivalent as determined by the Department Diverse research techniques used in cellular, small animal, and human experimental studies in nutritional sciences. Orientation to research methodologies, grant proposal writing, ethical use of human (IRB) and animal (IACUC) models, and policy in nutrition. | |
| 676 | Nutrition and Physical Performance (3:3) |
| Pr. course work in biochemistry and physiology required, 531, 560 or equivalent courses, BIO 277 Effects of nutrition on physical performance, alternations in nutrient metabolism from increased activity, interaction of diet and exercise on aging and disease processes, training and competition diets examined. | |
| 693 | Advanced Medical Dietetics (3:3) |
| Pr. 573 or equivalent Development of nutritional therapies for certain disease conditions. Evaluation of the physiological and biochemical bases for such therapies. (Fall) | |
| 695 | Nutritional Genomics (3:3) |
| Pr. permission of instructor Comprehensive evaluation of principles and applicability of methodologies used to evaluate the regulation of gene expression in the field of nutrition science. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 696 | Nutritional Proteomics (3:3) |
| Pr. permission of instructor Comprehensive evaluation of principles and applicability of methodologies used to evaluate protein expression and function in the field of nutrition science. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 699 | Thesis (1-6) |
| Required of all candidates for the Master of Science degree. Credit may be divided over two or more semesters. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 711 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 790 | Doctoral Research (1-6) |
| Pr. approval of graduate faculty member Individual work on problems related to student’s primary area(s) of specialization. Empirical research or critical reviews and integrations of literature. May be repeated for credit. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 799 | Dissertation Problem (1-12) |
| Pr. completion of oral and written comprehensive examinations Required of all candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. May be repeated for credit. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 801 | Thesis Extension (1-3) |
| 802 | Dissertation Extension (1-3) |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |