Fundamentals of Human Nutrition

Credit bearing module

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Key facts

Course code

NUTR7001

Start dates

September 2025 / September 2026

Application deadline

20 August (for a September start)

Location

Headington

Academic level

7

Academic credits

20

This course is not available to students classed as International for fees purposes.

Overview

This module will help you understand the basic principles of biochemistry and physiology and why they are essential in the study of nutrition. For this reason, the underlying biochemistry and physiology form the backbone of this module. The main emphasis is on nutrients required by humans, their sources in food in the UK and worldwide. Other aspects covered include the critical assessment of dietary reference values and nutrient intake. 

The aims of the module are to:

  • provide a detailed examination of the different nutrients required by humans and their sources in food in the UK and worldwide
  • critically evaluate methods used to assess nutrient intake at an individual and population level
  • understand the relationship between lifestyle and body composition.
     
Plate of healthy food

How to apply

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Application process

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
CPD Home (UK) part time
£1,000 per module if taken as a standalone module or £1,155 per module if taken as part of an award bearing course

CPD Home (UK) part time
£1,000 per module if taken as a standalone module or £1,210 per module if taken as part of an award bearing course

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

Tuition fees

2024 / 25
CPD Home (UK) part time
£1,000 per module if taken as a standalone module or £1,155 per module if taken as part of an award bearing course

2025 / 26
CPD Home (UK) part time
£1,000 per module if taken as a standalone module or £1,210 per module if taken as part of an award bearing course

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods, please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds, please visit our Refund policy page

Financial support and scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Learning and assessment

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Understand comprehensively the physiological functions of the body including the cardiovascular, neuro-endocrine, musculoskeletal and haematological systems, immunity and thermoregulation, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • Describe and communicate effectively what nutrients consist of and understand how foods, nutrients and non-nutrients are digested, absorbed, metabolised and stored in the body.
  • Exhibit a critical understanding of the biochemical function of nutrients (including alcohol) and non-nutrients and their distribution in food systems.
  • Critically evaluate energy balance and calculate energy requirements using indirect calorimetry and other methods.
  • Think logically and analytically with regard to nutrient requirements, food types and nutritional data in order to improve human health.
students taking notes

Learning and teaching

This module is presented in the form of one 3-hour session per week. Class contact utilises a number of teaching and learning techniques embedded within a series of lectures and practicals. There is a strong emphasis on student-centred learning; class contact account for 36 hours and students are therefore expected to contribute a minimum of 72 hours self-managed private study (for example, background reading, further reading, research). 


 

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

Assessment will be in the form of two (2) pieces of coursework:

  • a set-exercise comprising a timed class test of knowledge-based questions on the biochemical, metabolic and nutritional aspects taught within the module
  • a written individual assignment comprising a scientific report based on the module practical on substrate utilisation under various diets. 

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.