Introduction to the Nutrition Research Process

Abstract

This course provides students interested in nutrition with fundamental tools and concepts in human nutrition research, including topics such as study design, statistical analysis, scientific writing and communicating results. Preparation of a research proposal will consolidate student learning.

Objective

This course will familiarise students with the fundamental concepts, methodologies and terminology that apply to human nutrition research. The course features both didactic presentations and in-class practical exercises including topics such as study design, statistics, scientific writing and communicating results. Students will have the opportunity to consolidate their learning by preparing a research protocol to study a nutrition-related health problem, which will be submitted for grading and presented in an end-of-semester graded poster presentation. On completion of this course, students will have improved: • Understanding of experimental study design in basic and clinical research • Familiarity with the research process and methods used in human nutrition • Understanding of basic statistics and analytical skills used in preparing and reporting research, including in tables and graphs • Ability to report scientific results in writing and orally • Skills in scientific writing and an understanding of the publication process • Proficiency in retrieval and interpretation of scientific literature

Resources