N&D 554 01: Nutrigenomics

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ND 554 - Nutrigenomics

2023 Summer Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 5746

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Times and Location

Does Not Meet in UND Online
T 5pm-7pm in UND Online

We will meet on Tuesday May 23rd and July 11th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Central Time. We will meet via Zoom.

Instructor Information

Anne Bodensteiner, Ph.D., RDN, LRD, NBC-HWC

Email: Anne.bodensteiner@und.edu

Office: Online! I am a distance faculty member who loves to connect with you through video chats and phone calls

Office Phone: 701-777-3752

Email – preferred method of communication

About the Professor

I am the graduate program director and teach many of our graduate courses at UND. In my previous work I have coached people 1:1 on their genetics associated with nutrition and I am excited to share this knowledge with you. My life exists online as I am a distance faculty member. I prefer to be called Anne, Dr. Bodensteiner, or Dr. Anne. 

  • Check out the “About me video” in week 1 materials.  

Course Description

This course explores to the interactions between nutritional factors, genomics, and health. The course also explores the potential roles of the nutrition professional in developing personalize dietary prescriptions to optimize health, reduce disease risk, or improve management of chronic disease.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in biochemistry or advanced nutrition and human physiology. 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, you should be able to: 

  • Define basic genetic terms 

  • Explain the possible roles nutrients play in modifying genetic expression 

  • Apply knowledge of diet-gene interactions to current research in the role of nutrition to optimize development or prevent and manage disease (cancer, obesity, etc.) 

  • Explore current research examining personalized dietary intervention based on genetic biomarkers to reduce disease risk or improve disease management 

  • Describe research gaps and opportunities for nutrigenomics 

Course Materials

Required Texts 

Caterina, R., Martinez, J., & Kohlmeier, M (Eds.). (2020). Principles of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics: Fundamentals for individualized nutrition. Academic Press.  

Supplementary Readings

Additional readings will be assigned throughout the semester and posted to Blackboard. 

Technical Requirements/Assistance

You will use Microsoft Word to complete assignments (files created using Pages in Apple can be saved as a Word file before submitting). Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources. 

Minimum Technical Skills Needed

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to: 

  • Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions 

  • Download and open electronic documents 

  • Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents 

  • Send, receive, and manage email 

  • Have a camera and microphone on your computer to participate in class and create presentations 

Course Logistics

​Access and Log in Information 

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website. 

Course Overview  

This course is organized into 12 weeks. Each week will have a folder in Blackboard under “Weekly Content and Assignments” and will contain a variety of links to the required readings, videos, lectures, and assignments. Class meetings, quizzes, and other assignments will be used to assess your comprehension and completion of the course objectives. New content will be posted at least one week in advance of any assignment or quiz that is due. 

To get the most from your experience, I recommend that you consider the following: 

  • Review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard 

  • Organize your schedule and make note of important due dates 

  • Create a habit for your learning. Online courses require higher levels of self-direction and creating a schedule can be helpful for students.  

  • Email Anne with questions or concerns as they come up 

  • Participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from your peers and instructor 

Resources 

Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course. 

Course Requirements/Expectations 

Students and faculty members each have a role in learning. Outlined here are the things you can expect from me as your instructor and things I expect from you.  

Students 

Students are expected to: 

  • Log in regularly to the class site in Blackboard 
  • Use respectful language when communicating with the instructor 
  • Submit assignments on time (see policy on late assignments) 
  • Ask questions about materials/information that is not clear 
  • Listen to all lectures and read assigned materials 
  • Attend class sessions and actively participate 
  • Know the due dates for assignments and dates for class sessions (see schedule) 
  • Use UND email and check it regularly 

Faculty  

The instructor is expected to: 

  • Use respectful language when communicating with students 
  • Respond to questions/emails/phone calls within 48 hours on the weekday/business days 
  • Provide multiple methods/modes of learning and assessment 
  • Review feedback from course evaluations to make changes/improvements to the course 
  • Provide resources as needed to support your individual learning needs 
  • Provide meaningful and useful feedback to improve your learning in graduate school 
  • Provide feedback on assignments within 1-2 weeks of submission (1 week for shorter work and allow 2 weeks for final projects/papers) 

Communication

Announcements 

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters. 

Email 

I welcome your questions with phone calls or email and we can set up a scheduled time to talk as well! I will respond back to you within 48 hours during the week and may not respond on the weekend/Holidays until the next business day. 

Course Etiquette 

When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates at all times even if you disagree with their ideas. 

Assessments & Grading

This course is made up of a series of assignments and assessments to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes. Each week you will work on a combination of assignments, activities, discussions, readings, research, etc. 

Late Work 

You are expected to complete assignments at the designated due dates and times. If you are unable to complete the assignments at the time indicated on the syllabus, you must contact the instructor prior to the due date and provide a new due date that fits your needs. The instructor will respond and agree or offer a different date for submission. If you do not connect prior to the due date with the instructor, 15% will be taken off the assignment everyday it is late. Students are responsible for due dates listed in the syllabus. 

Assignment Format and Submission:  

All assignments, citations, references, papers format, and submission need to follow APA format style.  

All assignments must be submitted via Blackboard unless approved otherwise. Assignments will be due on Thursday’s before midnight. See schedule for exact due dates. For consistency all times referred in this course will be central time zone. 

Assessments 

In this course your learning will be assessed in the following ways: quizzes, short writing assignments, presentations with discussion board, class participation, and the final project. 

Class Prep (10 points) 

Our class time is precious and it is important to come prepared for the discussion and be able to participate with your classmates. There will be two synchronous classes held and the preparation requirements will be posted in Blackboard at least one week in advance of our class time.  

Visual Dictionary (20 points) 

To assist you in learning basic genetic terms, you will be creating a visual list of terms and their definitions representing the terms from the first few weeks of the course.  

Quizzes (90 points) 

Six quizzes will be given throughout the course to assess basic understanding of the concepts covered in class. The purpose of the quizzes is to keep genetic terms and specific genes at the front of your mind and be able to recall where to find the information in the future.  

Lecture Comments (60 points) 

We will be using VoiceThread in this course for you to interact with the lectures and test your knowledge of the content from the lecture. The purpose of these comments is to help you analyze the content and keep up to date on the course. 

Partner Discussions (90 points) 

Your classmates are a wealth of information and have a broad range of experiences. In graduate school it is important to hear from and interact with others. You will utilize Zoom to meet with your partner/group and together discuss the required content and submit (as a team) a copy of your prep work, the recap of your discussion, and the mini-assignment. 

Final Project (120 points) 

For the final project you will have three options to choose from. These projects need to encompass information learned throughout the course. There will be multiple due dates associated with the final project including deadlines for which option you have chosen, an outline with references, and final submission. You can change your project up until you submit your outline or study guide.  

Option 1: Direct to Consumer (DTC) Investigation Report 

For the direct to consumer (DTC) investigation report you will complete a DTC genetic test. This project will take you on an investigative journey of your own genetics and will require you to analyze the current literature with the report the company provide with their test. To complete this option, you will need to select a company that provides genetic results and health and complete their testing process, or you may use results from an already completed genetic testing. An additional cost is associated with doing genetic testing starting around $150+. Time goes quick – you will need to decide right away if you choose to do this option.  

Option 2: Final Exam 

If you like the traditional route and enjoy studying for exams, you’ve got it! This comprehensive, 100 point exam will cover all of the content through week 11 from the course lectures, text, and assigned readings. It will be open note/open book, but will be time limited so studying and preparing prior to the exam is essential. The exam will be open for 3 days and you will have 2 hours to complete the questions.  

Option 3: Traditional Literature Review Paper 

For the traditional students who need something straight forward or for those who want to delve into the science this route will bring you on an adventure in the library. You will be selecting a topic related to genetic biomarkers and nutrients and analyzing the research in this field.  

Option 4: Case Study

This final project is best suited for students who have or are pursing the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential. It will require you to complete elements of nutrition assessment and intervention related to the concepts covered in this course. 

Assessments

Quiz

Quizzes x 6 @ 15 points each 90

Participation

Class Prep x 2 @ 5 points each 10

Visual Dictionary 20

Group Project

Partner Discussions x 3 @ 30 points each 90

Participation

Lecture Comments x 12 @ 5 points each 60

Project

Final Project Selection/Topic 5

Final Project Outline/Study Guide 15

Final Project or Final Exam 100

Assessment Summary

Final Grade Scale

A - 90% to 100%

B - 80% to 89%

C - 70% to 79%

D - 60% to 69%

F - <60%

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s): Agenda/Topic: Due:
5/16 Introduction to course
Biological Basis of Heritability & Diversity 		Final Project Topic
Lecture Comments
5/23 Biological Basis of Heritability & Diversity cont. Visual Dictionary
Quiz #1
Lecture Comments
Class Prep
Class Meeting 5.23 5-7pm CT
5/30 Translational Nutrigenetics & Nutrigenomics Partner Discussion #1
Lecture Comments
6/6 Body Weight Genetics Quiz #2
Lecture Comments
6/13 Body Weight Genetics Lecture Comments
6/20 Macronutrients Partner Discussion #2
Quiz #3
Lecture Comments
6/27 CVD Final Project Outline
Lecture Comments
7/4 Diabetes Quiz #4
Lecture Comments
7/11 Micronutrients
Water Soluble Vitamins
Water Soluble Vitamins Cont.
Minerals, Alcohol, & Caffeine 		Class Meeting 7.11 7. 5-7pm CT
Class Prep
Lecture Comments
Partner Discussion #3
Lecture Comments
Quiz #5
Lecture Comments
Final Project/Exam
Lecture Comments
Quiz 6

Appendix

This is a place to add things like resources, rubrics, etc.

Course Policies

Course Evaluation 

I will continually ask for feedback on the course and if you have thoughts ideas for improving this course, please do not hesitate to reach out. Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation form (SELFI). Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me. I read my students’ comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it. 

  • When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively.  

  • Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback.  

  • And if you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know. 

Incompletes 

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

College/Department Policies

In addition to Course and University Policies, the Colleges and/or Departments may have some of their own.  Please edit this section to add any polices for your college or department.  This could include things like mission statements, professional standards, ethical statements, etc.

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).