WCSU Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 : SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Health Promotion & Exercise Sciences

HPX 505 Metabolism I 4 SH

This course introduces students to the advanced function of food in the human body, with particular focus on the four macronutrients of diet composition. The course employs the description of macronutrients through the chemical lens, identifying the various pathways each macronutrient is digested, absorbed, and utilized by the body. Emphasis is placed on the biochemical processes in which organic matter is absorbed and the enzymatic reactions involved in the digestion and absorption of the organic compounds of each macronutrient. Students will receive the foundational knowledge in nutrition science appropriate to continue to higher level, nutrition-focused coursework.

HPX 506 Metabolism II: Micronutrients 4 SH

This course introduces students to the advanced function of food in the human body, with particular focus on the most common micronutrients in diet composition. The course employs the description of micronutrients through the chemical lens, identifying the various pathways each micronutrient is digested, absorbed, and utilized by the body. Emphasis is placed on the biochemical processes in which organic or inorganic matter is facilitated and the enzymatic reactions involved in the digestion and/or absorption of these compounds of each micronutrient. Students will receive the foundational knowledge in nutrition science appropriate to continue on to higher level, nutrition-focused coursework.

HPX 530 Nutrition & Disease I 4 SH

This course introduces students to the biochemical and physiological nature of established chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, bone diseases, and cancer as well as various acute diseases related specifically to micronutrient deficiency. An emphasis is placed on the pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, and diagnosis related to disease classification. Principles and theories are discussed related to the treatment and management of these diseases through dietary modification with nutritional intervention and/or treatment as well as the interactions with various pharmaceutical interventions. Students will receive the foundational knowledge related to nutritional care for the disease state to prepare them for the advanced course work in the development of nutritional interventions.

HPX 531 Nutrition Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation 4 SH

This course introduces students to the formal nutrition care process and the role of medical nutrition therapy in the treatment and management of established chronic diseases. Through the course, students will learn the steps of assessing nutrition status to develop an appropriate nutrition diagnosis. Based on the nutrition diagnosis, the student will learn to develop an effective intervention with an emphasis on the biochemical and physiological rationale for dietary modification and the appropriate evaluation needed to address the diagnosis. Students will receive the foundational knowledge in the development of the patient nutrition care plan to improve individual nutrition status.

HPX 532 Nutrition and Disease II       4 SH

This course examines the biochemical and physiological nature of established chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus, bone diseases, immune disorders, and cancer as well as various acute diseases related specifically to micronutrient deficiency. An emphasis is placed on the pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, and diagnosis related to disease classification. Principles and theories are discussed related to the treatment and management of these diseases through dietary modification with nutritional intervention and/or treatment as well as the interactions with various pharmaceutical interventions. Students will receive the foundational knowledge related to nutritional care for the disease state to prepare them for the advanced course work in the development of nutritional interventions.

HPX 582 Micronutrients for Dietary Supplementation & Treatment 3 SH

This course introduces students to the current trends in dietary supplementation. Students will explore common dietary supplements prescribed in the field of nutrition and their use in daily wellness, disease treatment and/or management, and weight management. This course will provide an overview of supplement composition, common interactions with various pharmaceuticals, and the indications or contraindications in supplement prescription. With this course, students will receive the foundational knowledge in supplement science to apply to their work as a nutrition professional in the field.

HPX 584 Research Methods in Nutrition 3 SH

This course provides students with an overview of the research process including developing the problem, using the literature to prepare a research plan, and the facilitation and completion of a research project. Through the course, the students will be introduced to the various statistical and measurement issues in research including statistical descriptions, approaches to research, various research designs, and the dissemination process within the field of nutrition. With this course, students will have the foundational knowledge and resources needed for nutrition-related research planning and analysis.

HPX 586 Community Nutrition in Action  3 SH
This course advances the practice in public health promotion for the student with a specific focus in community nutrition and the influence that public health policies, innovation and the environment can have on the health of a population as well as opportunities available for nutrition leaders. The course covers the role of epidemiology, cultural competence, local health data collection, community needs assessments and advocacy for local, state, and federal policies for the development of community health programing to promote better adherence to proper nutrition. Students will obtain advanced knowledge of current State and Federal Public Health Programs that impact the health of children and families including Women, Infant and Children (WIC), Child and Adult Care Program (CACFP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Students will apply course learnings and incorporate health behavior change theories in designing a culturally relevant nutrition intervention program for their selected target population group.
HPX 590 Independent Study in Exploratory Research and Clinical Review 2 SH

This is a 2-credit course in advanced professional development as the student progresses through the degree. Through the course, the students will meet regularly to discuss current trends in the field of nutrition, analyze and discuss current research in the field, project their own research agendas/projects and future career plan, as well as engage in scientifically-based critical thinking with their fellow peers. In addition to this, students will engage in rigorous review of clinical case studies with a focus in medical nutrition therapy and nutrition care process.

HPX 591 Faculty-Developed Independent Study and Thesis Seminar 1 SH

This course focuses on advanced professional development as the student progresses through the degree. Through the course, the students will meet regularly to discuss current trends in the field of nutrition, analyze and discuss current research in the field, project their own research agendas/projects and future career plan, as well as engage in scientifically-based critical thinking with their fellow peers.

HPX 599 Student-Developed Study 1-6 SH

This vehicle is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop his/her own learning experience. A student will design a project and secure a faculty sponsor. The vehicle may be utilized more than once. Prerequisite: written permission of the faculty sponsor and department. Registration through the Office of Graduate Admissions is required.