222.630.81
Nutrition, Infection and Immunity

Prerequisite:

Introduction to Online Learning is required prior to participating in any of the School's Internet-based courses. Basic knowledge of immunology, microbiology and nutrition is desirable.

Description:

Knowledge of the interactions between nutrition and immune function is fundamental to understanding risk of both infectious and chronic diseases.

Provides an overview of the relationships between nutrition, infection, and immunity, with a focus on established and emerging public health problems. Discusses the impact of the immune response on nutrient metabolism, nutritional status, and interpretation of biomarkers. Examines the deleterious effects of malnutrition on host barrier defenses and innate, humoral, cell-mediated immunity, and mucosal immunity. Presents case studies on the synergistic and antagonistic interactions between nutrition and immune function--ranging from infectious diseases to immune-mediated and metabolic diseases.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the interplay between the human immune response and nutritional status
2. Explain the general effects of malnutrition on host immune function
3. Discuss the implications for nutritional interventions and disease control in low- and middle-income countries

Methods of Assessment:

This course is evaluated as follows:

• 40% Group Presentation
• 20% Discussion Forum activities
• 10% Livetalk participation
• 30% Quizzes

Instructor Consent:

No consent required

Special Comments:

For students with a limited background in immunology, microbiology, and/or nutrition, self-study materials are provided.