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Introduction to Nutritional Science
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:36
Abstract
This course introduces basic concepts of micro- and macronutrient nutrition. Micronutrients studied include fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Macronutrients include proteins, fat and carbohydrates. Special attention is given to nutrient digestion, bioavailability, metabolism and excretion with some focus on energy metabolism.
Objective
To introduce the students to the both macro- and micronutrients in relation to food and metabolism.
Content
The course is devided into two parts. The lectutres on micronutrients are given by Prof. Zimmermann and the lectures on macronutrients are given by Prof. Wolfrum. Prof. Zimmermann discusses the micronutrients, including fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Prof. Wolfrum introduces basic nutritional aspects of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and energy metabolism. The nutrients are described in relation to digestion, absorption and metabolism. Special aspects of homeostasis and homeorhesis are emphasized.
Resources
Lecture Notes
There is no script. Powerpoint presentations will be made available.
Literature
Elmadfa I & Leitzmann C: Ernährung des Menschen UTB Ulmer, Stuttgart, 4. überarb. Ausgabe 2004 ISBN-10: 3825280365; ISBN-13: 978-3825280369 Garrow JS and James WPT: Human Nutrition and Dietetics Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 11th rev. ed. 2005 ISBN-10: 0443056277; ISBN-13: 978-0443056277
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- keine
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Introduction to Nutritional Science
Course is taught in English (M. Zimmermann) and German (Ch. Wolfrum)
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Environmental Sciences Bachelor (Students can choose between one Bachelor thesis of 10KP or two Bachelor theses of 5KP each. In principle, all professors and lecturers involved in the teaching of the Environmental Sciences degree programme are entitled to supervise a Bachelor's thesis (BA). BA in the area of social sciences and humanities can only be supervised by lecturers who teach in this area. The same applies to BA in the field of natural sciences and technology. If the thesis is supervised by a person who does not teach in the Environmental Sciences degree programme or who does not have ETH lecturer status, then the student has to fill in the "Form for supervisors of a Bachelor thesis who do not teach in the Environmental Sciences degree programme" Link)
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