222.630.81
Nutrition, Infection and Immunity

Location
Internet
Term
4th Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Amanda Palmer
Anita Shet
Contact Name
Amanda Palmer
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

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.