Overview of Course

This introductory course offers an exciting exploration of important nutrition principles and how they apply to both personal health and global well-being. You’ll build a strong foundation by studying how we digest and process our food, and how essential nutrients—such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals—are absorbed and utilized to regulate bodily functions that promote overall health. We will engage in thought-provoking discussions about the role of nutrition in health across the lifespan, focusing on how individual nutrient needs vary and how cultural food practices influence health outcomes. You’ll also evaluate the effectiveness of various dietary and exercise approaches for maintaining long-term health. Beyond the basics, global nutritional issues, nutrition for sports performance, and use and misuse of dietary supplements will be discussed. Students will gain critical skills in using scientific evidence to assess the nutrition information found in popular media—websites, magazines, and more—so you can separate fact from fiction when it comes to nutrition advice. Our academic voyage offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural origins of foods and analyze their nutritional benefits as we disembark in our ports of call in Asia, Africa, and Europe. This is your opportunity to connect food with culture, health, and the science of nutrition in ways that are both meaningful and practical.