Evidence on nutrition and health NUTR-204
The course deepens the students' knowledge of study designs and the evaluation of the scientific evidence between human nutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCD). The roles of diet, other lifestyle factors, psychosocial factors and genes in the prevention of NCDs will be discussed.
Advanced literature examination NUTR-205
The examination includes reading the latest literature on the subject related to both nutritional physiology and public health nutrition. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate the overall knowledge acquired during the Master’s programme.
See also
Nutritional Physiology and Molecular Nutrition focuses on the functions and interactions of nutrients in the body, the systemic and molecular mechanisms by which diets and nutrients affect the development of chronic diseases, and the experimental study designs in nutrition science.
Advanced nutritional physiology NUTR-211
The course focuses on the physiological regulation of food intake, digestion and absorption of macro- and micronutrients as well as their transport, metabolism and storage, and functions at the molecular and physiological levels. In addition, short- and long-term mechanisms involved in metabolic regulation will be covered.
Diet related molecular mechanisms of chronic diseases NUTR-212
The course deals with the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and sheds light on how diet, nutrients, stress, sleep, and gut microbiota influence the development of these diseases.
Experimental nutrition research NUTR-213
The course aims to provide students with theoretical understanding of the methods and experimental designs (human interventions, animal experiments, cell culture studies) used to study the effects of nutrition on physiological and molecular pathways in health and disease.
Public Health Nutrition provides insight into the nutritional factors affecting the health of a population and population groups and the use of this insight to promote health. It also addresses nutritional questions related to food services and integrates social and behavioural aspects of food and eating.
This module offers a choice of four different courses, each worth 5 ECTS. To complete the module, you need three courses. However, you may very well choose all four courses in this module (15 ECTS in your elective module + 5 ECTS additionally).
Nutrition and society NUTR-221
The students learn the basics of how to plan, execute and evaluate a health promotion program. Issues related to the interactions between human nutrition science and the society, such as global views on chronic diseases, the impact of the diet on environmental issues, and steering of food consumption on a population level, are also discussed.
Nutritional epidemiology NUTR-223
Nutritional epidemiology focuses on the relationships between dietary factors and health outcomes in order to prevent diseases and promote health. The course introduces the principles of epidemiological research with a focus on emphasizing assessment of dietary exposures, methodological considerations, and statistical issues such as energy adjustment. The course covers key statistical methods and practical exercises performed with a statistical software, such as R or SPSS.
Health promotion through food services NUTR-225
This course examines how public and private food service settings shape dietary habits and sustainability. Students learn to develop strategies that improve diet quality and promote healthier choices across diverse food service contexts. Emphasis is placed on understanding food services as part of the broader food environment influencing what people eat.
Food systems and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries NUTR-226
The course focuses on the characteristics and determinants of food security and nutrition status in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Different forms of malnutrition as outcomes of the food systems, their system-level causes and consequences and approaches to improve the situation by different interventions are discussed.
The kaleidoscope of human nutrition studies NUTR-201
This introductory course to the NUTR studies gives a broad look into the world of human nutrition, from research methods to career paths. Students will practice using statistical tool, plan their studies, and begin writing their Master’s portfolio. One important aim of the course is to help students to know each other and build a sense of community within the programme
Dietary assessment methods NUTR-202
The course deepens understanding of measuring food consumption in populations: validity and sources of errors related to main dietary assessment methods, portion size assessment, and food composition databases. Furthermore, the course discusses digital tools used in assessing dietary intake, and ethical and cultural aspects related to dietary assessment. The course includes practice in using the main methods, analysis and interpretation of data, and presentation of results.
Nutritional status assessment NUTR-203
The course aims to provide the students theoretical and practical understanding of the physiological and biochemical methods used to assess nutritional status, body composition, physical activity and energy expenditure and gives examples on the application of the methods.
Here the students complete one methodological course, such as:
Experimental nutrition research NUTR-213
Nutritional epidemiology NUTR-223
or select from methodological courses (e.g. health promotion, statistics, qualitative methods, laboratory skills) from other programmes.
Optional studies offer students a wide range of possibilities. For example, they can choose courses to reinforce the essential knowledge required for advanced studies. Optional studies also enable students to focus their studies by selecting theoretical and methodological courses from other degree programmes at UH or other universities. Courses completed during a period of student exchange may also count towards optional studies. Courses from the NUTR programme that do not belong to a student's advanced study module may also be included.
Examples of optional studies offered by the NUTR programme:
Development of Scientific expertise in Nutritional Physiology NUTR-241
Development of Scientific expertise in Public Health Nutrition NUTR-242
These two courses are completed through individual work on a given topic, following an agreement between the student and the teacher. The work consists of a literature review, based on scientific literature. The course can be completed either by an oral presentation and discussion or by a written report.
Changing theme course in Nutrition Science NUTR-9000 / NUTR-9001
These codes can be used to organize courses, which are announced separately.
Food and nutrition in the media NUTR-243
The course explores the various forms of expert communication in the field of food and nutrition, including journal articles, news reports, blog posts, opinion pieces, and policy briefs. Students will learn to produce and evaluate different types of communication while emphasizing responsible communication.
Optional studies can also be chosen from other educational programmes. Assistance in finding courses is available, for example, at study counselling meetings at the beginning of the studies. One can also find ideas in the lists of optional study modules offered by the different faculties at the University of Helsinki.
The studies include between 5 and 10 ECTS of work-related studies. Often, this means practical training in a suitable company, municipality, research group, NGO, or governmental organisation. However, it is also possible to take courses related to, for example, entrepreneurship or innovation.
Career skills courses offered by the NUTR programme:
Traineeship NUTR-251
Students arrange a traineeship position, which provides practical work experience in a professional setting, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge, develop skills, and build networks in the field of nutrition science.
Research group internship NUTR-252
Students actively participate in a research group’s scientific project and related analyses, work full-time for an agreed period, and prepare a written report.
Service-Learning NUTR-253
This project includes preparation and needs assessment with a civil society actor, service work in the field, project evaluation, and a reflective report that links practice to academic learning.
Other discipline-related activities NUTR-254
Credits can be earned through various activities related to the field of study, such as peer teaching, participating in research trial as a subject, or organizing professional events.
Portfolio NUTR-255
The portfolio is built throughout the master’s studies to reflect on academic development and helps students practice showcasing their skills and knowledge in a professional context.