Are you questioning your food choices and seeking clarity on healthy eating? Do you wonder if you truly are what you eat and how to decipher food labels? It doesn’t have to be complicated to adopt a healthier eating pattern.
This comprehensive and free online course, The Science of Nutrition and Healthy Eating, is designed to answer these very questions and more. Dive into the fascinating science of nutrition, exploring biology, chemistry, and physics to gain a deeper understanding of healthier eating habits. You’ll learn practical skills like reading food labels effectively, making informed food choices, understanding proper hydration, and even exploring the science behind our sense of taste. Furthermore, the course will broaden your perspective by investigating the diverse approaches to healthy eating around the globe.
The biology component of this course delves into the intricacies of the digestive system, revealing how your body utilizes nutrients from food for optimal function. Understanding macronutrients and micronutrients is crucial, and you’ll discover how your body processes these essential elements. The course also acknowledges diverse dietary needs, including food restrictions due to personal choice or religious practices. Importantly, it addresses malnutrition in all its forms – from undernutrition to overnutrition – and explores instances where food components can be detrimental, necessitating specialized diets.
Upon completing this enriching course, you’ll be empowered to critically evaluate your current eating habits and make informed, positive changes based on your newfound knowledge.
This OpenLearn science course is generously supported by Dangoor Education, the educational initiative of The Exilarch’s Foundation.
This course holds accreditation from the prestigious CPD Standards Office, recognizing its value for Continuing Professional Development. Successful completion earns you 24 CPD points, with evidence provided through a free Statement of Participation. You can also demonstrate your course enrollment by sharing your Activity Record from your OpenLearn Profile.
Enrolling in this course offers the unique opportunity to earn an Open University digital badge. While these badges are not formally accredited by The Open University, they serve as excellent indicators of your dedication to professional growth and your interest in nutrition. Manage your badges and download your OpenLearn statement of participation, which also showcases your Open University badge, conveniently online.
The Open University values your input! Participate in the optional start-of-course survey to share your expectations and help us improve. Similarly, your feedback in the optional end-of-course survey after completion is highly appreciated. Rest assured, your responses are confidential.
Earn your free Open University digital badge by completing this course! Showcase your achievement by displaying, sharing, and downloading this badge, awarded upon course completion and quiz success.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the processes of food digestion and nutrient utilization within the body.
- Apply your nutritional knowledge to interpret healthy eating guidelines and recognize global variations.
- Confidently interpret food labels and perform basic energy calculations for food.
- Describe and understand food allergies and intolerances.
- Discuss and comprehend the potential factors contributing to the current obesity epidemic.
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First Published: 25/01/2018
Updated: 15/04/2020
