NAT160 - Natural Science: Nutrition

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2020-02-20 10:54:05.136
Last review date 2020-02-20 10:54:05.137


Subject Title
Natural Science: Nutrition

Subject Description
This subject introduces students to the science of nutrition, making connections between the food we eat, the nutrients we need, and the roles they play in maintaining optimal health. Students will learn how to evaluate food labels and how to achieve adequate nutrient intake, while considering various diets and dietary restrictions.They will gain insight into the ways our food choices can increase or decrease the risk of illness and chronic disease.  Food additives, nutritional claims, trends and controversies will also be explored and critically evaluated.

Credit Status
Credit Status
One General Education elective credit in the Sciences and Social Sciences category.

Due to similar content covered in other general education courses and academic programs, the following students will not be able to take NAT160 as a General Education credit:

  • Students enrolled in the Esthetician program
  • Students enrolled in the Fitness and Health Promotion program
  • Students who have taken NAT112, NAT150, or NAT280 as a General Education credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the functions of the components of the digestive system to explain how the body converts food into nutrients it can use.
  2. Explain the roles of the major food nutrients in relation to the production of energy, maintenance of body tissues, regulation of body processes, and the prevention of illness.
  3. Discuss the concepts of energy balance, obesity, overweight and underweight to identify strategies for weight management and optimal health.
  4. Compare the calorie and nutrient content of different foods to develop a balanced diet with adequate nutrient intake.
Evaluate food labels, nutritional claims, trends, and controversies to make informed dietary choices

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)

Note:  If you have taken a health and body, fitness or nutrition-based class and have prior knowledge, you will not receive a credit for this course.  Students in the Fitness and Health Promotion program are not permitted to take NAT160 for credit.  Students who have taken NAT112 or NAT280 as a general education elective cannot take NAT160.

Topic Outline

  • What is the science of nutrition and how are investigations conducted to obtain useful information about food nutrients?
  • The digestive system; how it processes food to extract and absorb a variety of nutrients.
  • Carbohydrates; their various types and dietary value.
  • Fats; their various types and requirements in normal nutrition.
  • Proteins; various sources of and need in the maintenance of health.
  • Vitamins and minerals in foods and food supplements.  Reasons for their needs in a balanced diet and dangers associated with their abuse.
  • Weight control and its regulation by food intake, social, cultural and psychological factors.
  • Disease and their control through diet modification (i.e. cancer, hypertension and diabetes).
  • Nutrition for a growing world population (additives, pesticides in food production).
  • Food allergies and lactose intolerance.

Mode of Instruction

This course is a hybrid (mixed mode online) course. 

As specified by the professor, some weeks will be solely online, whereas other weeks will be traditional classroom sessions.  

In-class
Your professor will use a variety of appropriate teaching modes and techniques, such as the following:  lecture, question and answer, tutorials, classroom discussion, group work, individual and/or group presentation, computer-aided instruction, consultation, etc.
 
On-line
The term work will comprise of tests and assignments.  If you are registered in the online version of NAT160, the term work will also be comprised of weekly online discussions and activities.


Attendance and Participation

In-class Version
Consistent attendance is important for success in this course.  If you are absent from class, you are still responsible for the material and assignments.
 
Considerate classroom conduct, adequate class preparation, and participation will enhance your academic experience and that of your colleagues.  In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible and collaborative. 
 
On-line Version
This is a mixed mode course therefore your professor will be regularly posting announcements, required readings, assignments, and other material in our course site in My Seneca.  As well, your professor will post your grades on an ongoing basis in Gradebook.  Students are expected to check the NAT160 course site in My.Seneca at least every other day.  You will be expected to spend approximately 6 hours per week working on the course materials in order to be successful.  Be sure that you can commit to this time if you register in the online version of NAT160.

Prescribed Texts
Please see professor’s addendum for specific texts.

Reference Material
All references and bibliographic entries must be cited in APA format, although MLA format will also be accepted.

Required Supplies

All students must maintain an active license of their online subscription in order to access the online component (labs, quiz, tests, videos etc.) of this hybrid course.

Only the soft cover package (including Connect) or the E-book version with the Connect card access are acceptable for this course.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

To be successful in this course you must achieve a final grade of 50% or higher.
 
Exams for Online Courses
The final exam for this course will be held at Newnham campus. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make the necessary arrangements to write the final exam at Newnham. Should you happen to have another final exam that conflicts with your exam for this course, please inform your professor as soon as possible.

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).

Modes of Evaluation
Term work                   70%
Final Exam                  30%
 
Evaluation of Work
Evaluation is based on correct language usage, organization and mastery of the subject at a post-secondary level.  Students are expected to learn professional standards of performance in the subject areas, and tests and assignments will be graded on that basis.  In recognition of the significance of exceptional communication skills in the work place, marks are deducted for language errors on all tests and exams. 

Academic Support and Expectations
Missed Tests / Presentations / In-Class Assignments
Students who miss scheduled tests, presentations, or in-class or online assignments will receive a grade of zero.  If there are valid reasons for missing the test, presentation, or in-class assignment, the student MUST:
a)         Contact the professor or student advisor by email prior to the start time of the test, presentation, or in-class or online assignment, and
b)         Provide documentation where appropriate.
At the professor’s discretion, a make-up test/in-class assignment or new date for the presentation may be granted or the value of the test may be added to a subsequent test or final exam. 
 
 
Participation in Online Courses
Consistent online access is important for success in this subject. You are responsible for all online material and assignments; in addition, you need to be checking your Seneca e-mail on a daily basis for updates and other related information. While weekly updates and related e-mails will be provided, it is your responsibility to keep up with the content and maintain an active online presence.
Considerate online conduct, adequate preparation, and constructive online participation will be expected from each student and will enhance your academic experience and that of your fellow students. In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible, and collaborative, where relevant.
 
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre offers academic support to all Seneca students in the form of one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and workshops and can be located at either the Newnham, Markham, York, or King campus.  Students can visit The Learning Centre in person to book an appointment or watch a tutorial on booking a tutoring appointment online at www.senecapolytechnic.ca/learningcentres.  
 
Dropping a Subject
There are two deadlines for dropping this subject.  If you drop by Day 10 of the semester, the subject will not appear on your transcript.  If you drop by the last drop date, the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of DNC.  To drop, please notify your professor, complete a “Timetable Change Form,” and return it to Registration by the deadline.  Discuss any possible negative consequences of dropping the subject with your academic coordinator or student advisor.

Approved by: Amanda Nowensky