Master of Science in Nutrition for Human Performance

NHP701 - Chemistry of Nutrition

This is an integrated lecture/lab course presenting the principles of food chemistry. Lectures focus on the fundamental and relevant chemistry and functionality of major and minor food constituents including water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Laboratories provide the opportunity to study improve applied science skills in the area of food chemistry.

NHP702 - Nutrition Assessment

This course will educate the student on nutritional assessment to include health, diet and lifestyle history, anthropometric measurements, computerized dietary intake analysis, and biochemical measures The course will integrate use of these measurements in the design of an appropriate nutritional protocol for the client. The student will also learn effective client management and follow-up.

NHP710 - Dietary Supplements & Human Health

This course explores the use, evidence, and adverse effects of the most commonly used dietary and performance supplements This course will help students gain the knowledge necessary to critically appraise supplements using peer-reviewed research and national guidelines and recommendations in order to evaluate the validity and efficacy of supplements. Students will also learn how to manage an encounter with a client taking supplements.

NHP711 - Advanced Nutrition & Metabolism

Nutritional biochemistry and physiology as it relates to establishment of nutrient requirements and Dietary Reference intakes. Digestion, absorption, metabolism, storage, and excretion of nutrients and other markers of nutritional adequacy or excess will be addressed with emphasis on micronutrients. Course content will include functions of nutrients, in bone, muscle, blood, growth and development, and communication. Pre-requisite - NHHP701

NHP712 - Nutri Counseling Strat & Behavior Change

Examines the principles of design and presentation of nutrition education for individuals and groups including developing goals and objectives, communication style selection, selection of components including activities, visual aids, and specifications of evaluation processes. Students will also explore principles of communication, written and oral, in presenting nutrition education including learning styles, cultural competence, literacy levels, including, working with the media.

NHP713 - Current Topics in Nutrition for Health

This course will explore current nutrition topics that take center stage in mainstream media outlets and become conversation topics among consumers interested in food choice as it relates to optimal health and physical performance. Critical evaluation of the popular media claims will be the focus in developing evidence-based recommendations for clients.

RSCI708 - Applied Nutrition Across the Lifespan

This course provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary issues nutrition for active individuals across the life span. Course topics will include: nutrition timing, caloric expenditure, performance enhancement dietary supplements, dietary lipids and heart disease, dietary fiber and health, and influence of life +style factors on nutrition. Controversies in nutrition, ergogenic aids and cultural aspects of food are also discussed. In addition, the course covers energy and nutrient needs for physical and athletic activities. Common myths and fallacies concerning diet and athletic performance as well as appropriate dietary approaches for specific activities and active people will be addressed.

RSCI716 - Ethical Issues in Healthcare Professions

This course is a study of the application of ethical principles, which includes the legal factors and professional behavior, which impact patient management and the rights of the consumer in the provision of medical and rehabilitation services. Ethical issues explored include: human value development, decision making, basic principles of health care, the nature of rights, confidentiality and management of health care information, professional gate keeping as a function of role fidelity, autonomy and paternalism, and justice and the allocation of scarce resources.

RSCI780 - Quantitative & Qualitative Research

This course provides an overview of foundations of research design and the uses and interpretation of results. Content includes: reviewing the literature, developing research problems/questions; hypothesis testing, experimental, quasi-experimental and other research designs; and evaluating research studies as they relate to evidence-based practice in the health professions. The intended outcome is to familiarize students with the evidence-based guidelines associated to clinical outcomes and evidence-based practice.

RSCI781 - Capstone

Through the completion of a research project, on a topic within the field, this course serves as an essential outcome component to augment the professional development and new learning that occurs in didactic course work and demonstrates the ability of the graduate to make significant contributions to their professions. Pre-requisite: RSCI780

RSCI712 - Field Experience

This course is designed for students interested in completing a field experience in their area of study. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 150 hours of supervised experience in an approved setting. For students in New England, the department will facilitate the placements at an approved affiliated site. For students outside of New England, the department chair must approve the field experience site prior to enrolling in the course.

RSCI713 - Pharmacology

This course serves as a foundation to general pharmacology, focusing on categories of medications and their interaction with body systems. At the completion of this course, students will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles of pharmacology and patient assessment finds to formulate an impression and implement a pharmacologic management plan.

RSCI715 - Advanced Pathophysiology

This course involves an in-depth evaluation of disease and injury processes across the lifespan and their relevance to therapeutic rehabilitation are presented. Attention is given to all major physiological systems and their significance in the rehabilitation sciences.

RSCI717 - Healthcare Leadership & Decision Making

This course is intended to prepare students for the leadership decisions and actions that are inherent in performance enhancement management and fitness practice. Professional and personal growth will be discussed. Principles and applications of leadership will be explored, including persuasiveness, leading and directing teams, leading within organizations, and leadership opportunities in shaping fitness policy. Techniques for managing change and empowering others are included in this course. Topics related to effective leadership are issues of power, motivation, delegation, team building, persuasion and negotiation, and total quality improvement. Topics related to business management include management theory, financial management, personnel management, record keeping, risk management and technology issues.