NUTRITION RESEARCH METHODOLOGY - 2021/2

Module Overview

The module examines the various different research designs used in nutrition research and how methods of nutritional assessment can be applied in a research setting.  The module also introduces new and emerging molecular and metabolic techniques currently applied in original nutrition research. 

The main purpose of this module is to equip students with the tools needed to confidently undertake their own research, including research design and data analysis.   By the end of this unit all students will produce an original research protocol suitable to undertake as their own research project in MHUM009 (MSc students only), following ethical approval (if applicable). 

Module provider

School of Biosciences and Medicine

Module Leader

AHMADI Kourosh (Biosc & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Previous attendance of MHUM002 and MHUM003

Module content

  





Introduction to Research Methods




Epidemiology and Types of Epidemiological Study




Cross Sectional Studies




Cohort and Case Control Studies




Intervention Studies




Introduction to Study Design




Key Study Design Concepts




Assessment of Dietary Intake




Assessment of Physical Activity




National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS)




Statistical Analysis Practical: Analysis of Data




Assessment of Body Composition




Use of Stable Isotopes




Omic Technologies




Mortality and Morbidity Statistics




Nutritional Epidemiology




Introduction to Research Methods




Epidemiology and Types of Epidemiological Study




Cross Sectional Studies




Cohort and Case Control Studies





 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Re-assessments will be a reworking of the original coursework using the same data (or if required, provided class data). 

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate an analytical and critical way of thinking in designing a novel protocol to test a new hypothesis based on a set question. Moreover, the assessments will need to student to interact in groups, delegate and be able to communicate scientifically both orally and in written format.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• An oral presentation as part of a group of a novel protocol designed to test a new hypothesis


• An individually written scientific protocol (3 pages max including references) to test a new hypothesis

Module aims

• To provide a thorough review of current methods employed in experimental nutrition.
• To gain a full understanding of key statistical issues including analysis, sampling, study size and statistical power.
• To provide bases for selection of appropriate experimental methods.
• To provide an understanding of the term nutritional epidemiology, introduce the important scientific concepts in study design, research protocol development and calibration of methods of investigation.
• To introduce the important design strategies and interpretation of nutritional epidemiological studies and other relevant data and databases. together with an understanding of key statistical issues including sampling, study size and statistical power.
• To provide a framework to understanding the important concepts in the design and implementation of intervention projects and the methods required for monitoring and evaluating effectiveness and efficiency.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: Fully engage the students in the basic and advanced concepts of designing and implementing a novel project including: Devising a question, conceptualisation of a new and testable hypothesis, formulation of a rational protocol to test the hypothesis – using an appropriate study design – undertake power calculations and devise a sound risk management strategy.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Traditional lectures, critical discussion groups, group work, tutorials and use of online resources. 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MHUM005

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.