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752-6201-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-HEST

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Research Methodology in Nutrition

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Isabelle Herter-Aeberli

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:19

Abstract

The 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.

Objective

The 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.

Content

The 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.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Each student will design his/her own research project for the performance assessment. The aim will be to define a research question and justify this by a short literature overview. This will be followed by the description of the study design and the methods, which will need to include a dietary assessment part as well as at least two of the other methods introduced during the course. The dietary assessment tool will be designed and pre-tested in a small group of people.The project will be presented in the form of a protocol as well as a poster. All posters will be displayed in a poster exhibition at the end of the semester.In the early phase of the work, each student will peer review the project idea of another student and give feedback.

Course Components