Food & Nutrition Course Overview

Introduction to the science of food and human nutrition. Current sustainable dietary recommendations and applications for maximizing well-being and minimizing risk of chronic disease throughout the life cycle. An overview of the nutrients, emphasizing the importance of energy and fluid balance, and optimal functioning of the digestive system. Understanding factors that influence food intake in different cultures. Methods for evaluating credibility of nutrition claims, a focus on modern food safety and technology practices, and a worldview of nutrition are included. Emphasis is on personal dietary behavior change for a holistic life of wellness. Prerequisites: None.

Overview and discussion of career opportunities in the fields of food, nutrition, and dietetics. Includes information about history, ethics, standards of practice, communication and counseling skills. Emphasis on how to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or a Dietetic Technician Registered. Prerequisites: None.

Exploration and Application of Scientific Principles of Food; experiences with ingredient functionality and application in cooking techniques. Prerequisites: None.

Understanding diet in the context of culture. Historical, religious, and sociocultural influences on the development of cuisine, meal patterns, eating customs, cooking methods, and nutritional status of various ethnic groups. Traditional and contemporary food habits. Health and social impact of changes in diet. Preparation of cultural foods. Prerequisites: None. Note: FON143 may be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours.

Principles of nutrition applied to fitness, exercise, and sports. Dietary guidelines as applied to body metabolism, fuel utilization, hydration, and other unique needs for exercise and sports. Includes dietary guidelines for weight or endurance training, glycogen loading, the pre-game meal, and glycogen recovery with an emphasis on maximizing fitness, performance, and safety. Discussion of supplements and their effects on performance enhancement. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in FON100 or FON241.

Scientific principles of human nutrition. Emphasis on scientific literacy and the study of nutrients for disease prevention. Includes macronutrients and micronutrients, human nutrient metabolism and nutrition's role in the health of the human body throughout the life cycle. Addresses nutrition principles for prevention of nutrition-related health conditions. Prerequisites: None. Note: General Education Designation: Natural Sciences - [NSI] in combination with FON241LL; General Education Designation: Natural Sciences (General) - [SG] in combination with FON241LL.

Self-evaluative laboratory experience to complement FON241, Principles of Human Nutrition using anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary analysis. Includes the use of qualitative and quantitative methodology to determine nutritional status and evaluate methodological applications. Note: General Education Designation: Natural Sciences - [NSI] in combination with FON241LL; General Education Designation: Natural Sciences (General) - [SG] in combination with FON241LL. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in FON241 or Corequisites: FON241.

Classroom preparation and training, under the instruction and supervision of a registered dietitian. Application of principles, knowledge, and skills required in the delivery of nutrition services for food service management including food service operations, quantity food production, procurement, organizing and management principles, facility design and equipment, financial management, food safety and sanitation, menu planning, and marketing. Note: Students must be in compliance with the Maricopa Community Colleges Allied Health Program Student Policies. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (FON125, FON142AB, FON207, and FON242) and permission of Program Director. Corequisites: FON244AB.

Practicum experience under the supervision of a registered dietitian. Application of principles, knowledge, and skills required in the delivery of nutrition services for food service management including food service operations, quantity food production, procurement, organizing and management principles, facility design and equipment, financial management, food safety and sanitation, menu planning, and marketing. Note: Students must be in compliance with the Maricopa Community Colleges Allied Health Program Student Policies. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (FON125, FON142AB, FON207, and FON242) and permission of Program Director. Corequisites: FON244AA.

Classroom preparation and training, under the instruction and supervision of a registered dietitian. Understanding of principles, knowledge, and skills required for the delivery of medical nutrition therapy. Comprehension of nutritional screening, assessment, monitoring, and evaluation for common and complex medical conditions, medical documentation, patient interviewing and counseling, and education in health promotion and disease prevention. Note: Students must be in compliance with the Maricopa Community Colleges Allied Health Program Student Policies. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (FON125, FON242, and HCC145AA) and (MAT092, or equivalent, or satisfactory district placement) and permission of Program Director. Corequisites: FON245AB.

Practicum experience under the supervision of a registered dietitian. Application of principles, knowledge, and skills required for the delivery of medical nutrition therapy. Perform nutritional screening, assessment, monitoring, and evaluation for common and complex medical conditions, medical documentation, patient interviewing and counseling, and education in health promotion and disease prevention. Note: Students must be in compliance with the Maricopa Community Colleges Allied Health Program Student Policies. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (FON125, FON242, and HCC145AA) and (MAT092, or equivalent, or satisfactory district placement) and permission of Program Director. Corequisites: FON245AA.

This course is intended to prepare dietetic students for the national exam for the nutrition and dietetic technician, registered (NDTR) credential. An emphasis in food service and medical nutrition therapy will be reviewed to prepare students for national exam content. In addition, nutrition science principles and community nutrition will be covered. The current NDTR study guide will be used to guide exam preparation. Note: " Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director.