Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
Mindy Haar, MS, RD, CDN, Interim Chairperson
Health Professions, Behavioral and Life Sciences
Chukuka Enwemeka, Ph.D., Dean
The clinical nutrition department offers graduate programs to meet a variety of professional needs. The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition is a clinically focused program that integrates biomedical and nutrition sciences to develop a understanding of medical nutrition therapy. The program is available in a flexible format that can be accessed by students from diverse backgrounds. Students with a baccalaureate in nutrition and students at all levels of allied health and medical education can use this program to integrate nutrition into professional study. More information is available by contacting the department interim chairperson, Prof Mindy Haar at mhaar@nyit.edu or CarolynGiachetti at cgiachet@nyit.edu
New Option Fall 2007: All Coursework Can Be Completed In An Online Format
The Learning Environment
Students in the clinical nutrition program learn by didactic lectures and seminars, supplemented with laboratory work, clinical rotations and field projects. The NYIT library system, including Wisser Library and the medical library at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine have extensive library book and journal collections, on-line facilities and inter-library loan capabilities to accommodate nutrition research. Networked computer systems are equipped with a large experimental and several professional nutrient data base systems for diet analysis as well as statistical and word processing software available for nutrition student use. The 36-credit master's degree can be completed in as little as one year and two summers of full-time study. Students have two options:
Option 1: Coursework can be completed with a combination of traditional and online courses. Courses in clinical nutrition in traditional format are offered in the evening and on Saturdays. Course schedules have been designed to provide the entire M.S. program within a one-year period, thus students who must adjust their schedules will find it possible to return and complete the remaining courses expeditiously.
Option 2: For students beginning their study Fall 2007, coursework can be completed totally online. Students are expected to log on to courses at least three times per week at their convenience. The expense and time of commuting is saved while students benefit from experienced, caring faculty and who are available by phone and email.
Faculty
Students are taught by full-time faculty from the Clinical Nutrition, Behavioral Science, and Health Professions, Behavioral and Life Sciences departments as well as from the School of Management and the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Adjunct faculty with specialized skills in bionutrition research, clinical dietetics, community nutrition services, food service, and culinary arts provide expertise in targeted courses.
Admission Requirements
Minimum prerequisites for the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition include:
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A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
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An undergraduate GPA of 2.85 or above with satisfactory preparation in science courses. Students with GPAs of 2.5 or above may be accepted with conditions and upgraded to accepted status if they obtain a B or better in the first four graduate courses.
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Students with a GPA of less than 2.5 will be required to take 6 undergraduate credits with a B or better (courses to be selected by the student’s advisor) to obtain provisional admission.
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The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required for students whose preparation is marginal.
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An interview may be required. Interviews will be scheduled upon receipt of all supporting documentation. If student does not live in the New York area, the interview can be done by phone.
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Students must complete the science prerequisites listed below.
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Students may be admitted as accepted with conditions and take selected graduate courses concurrently with their science prerequisites. Upon successful completion of the follwing science prerequisites, students will be upgraded to matriculated status.
Chemistry
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One semester of inorganic (general) chemistry with laboratory
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One semester of organic chemistry with laboratory (or one semester with departmental permission)
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One semester of biochemistry
Biology/Physiology
One semester of human physiology* and one semester of human anatomy or
two semesters of combined anatomy and physiology.
*One year of biology is usually a prerequisite for human physiology.
Nutrition
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An introductory course in Clinical Nutrition Practice. NYIT offers the undergraduate course: NTSI 201-F01, Introduction to Clincal Nutrition Practice, online, during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students may take this course towards the admission requirements but it does not count as graduate credit
Credits for relevant graduate courses taken at other accredited institutions may be accepted for transfer, based on review and evaluation consistent with NYIT standards. Transfer credit is limited to six credits of graduate work and may not have been used for another degree. Courses for transfer credit must have been completed with a B or better. Students who have completed the dietetic internship at NYIT will be credited with eleven graduate credits.
Scholarships
Graduate assistantships are available to students with superior academic ability and professional potential. NYIT offers tuition remission to NYIT alumni and to graduate students with a baccalaureate cumulative GPA over 3.3. Students who are currently employed in the government and civil service sectors and students whose spouse or parents are employed in the public sector may also qualify for tuition remission awards. Please see the Financial Aid section of this catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office at 516-686-7680 for additional information.
Academic Standards
Academic Criteria
The following criteria must be met by students in the Clinical Nutrition Program.
Students must:
1. Maintain a 3.0 grade point average each semester
2. Have no grade below C in any course. Students may repeat the course one
time only to raise their grade.
Academic Probation
Academic probation is automatically imposed when:
1. The GPA falls below 3.0 in any semester
2. The cumulative GPA falls below 3.0
Dismissal/Failure
Grounds for Departmental Review and possible dismissal from the program include:
1. Academic probation in two consecutive semesters
2. Failure in any course
3. Unprofessional behaviors including cheating and plagiarism that have not
been corrected after intervention by the instructional staff.
Maintaining Matriculation and Requirements for Graduation
Students must maintain a B average in graduate courses in order to maintain matriculation. If a student’s average drops below a B, she/he may continue for one semester on probation to achieve the desired average. If circumstances require that the student not take courses for a semester, he/she must maintain matriculation by registering for CLNU 699, Maintain Matriculation.
Graduation with the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition requires the following:
successful completion of the nutrition science core, clinical core and elective courses with a B average; registration for the comprehensive examination (CLNU 799) and passing with a 75%)
Professional Certification for Dietetic Practice
Employment and practice in nutrition-related areas may require professional certification in addition to the MS.
American Dietetic Association Credentialing (Registered Dietitian-RD)
Our MS in Clinical Nutrition does not include all requirements for becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD). NYIT does not at present have a Dietetic Internship program. For more information about pathways to becoming an RD please contact the Amererican Dietetic Association located at
120 South
Riverside
Plaza, Suite2000 Chicago, Illinois 60606
Email: cade@eatright.org
Phone: 312.899.0040
Clinical Nutrition 36 credits
Option I: Online + Traditional Courses
The Nutrition Science Core 6 credits
CLNU 607 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology 3 credits -traditional
CLNU 608 Nutritional Therapy 3 credits - online
or
CLNU 610: Molecular Biology of the Nutrients I 3 credits - traditional
CLNU 680: Molecular Biology of the Nutrients II 3 credits - traditional
The Clinical Core 18 credits
CLNU 622 Nutrition Assessment Laboratory 2 credits - traditional
CLNU 640 Critical Care/Nutrition Support 2 credits - online
CLNU 650 Nutritional Pathophysiology I 3 credits - online
CLNU 670 Clinical Nutrition Assessment 2 credits - traditional
CLNU 720 Nutritional Pathophysiology II 3 credits - online
CLNU 750 Clinical Nutrition: Theory and Practice I 3 credits - online
CLNU 770 Clinical Nutrition: Theory and Practice II 3 credits - online
Elective Credits 12 credits
Elective credits may be chosen from among the following courses or from Elective
Topics Courses or Research, Practica and Thesis courses (with permission)
listed below. All elective courses are online.
CLNU 615 Topics in Applied Nutrition 3 credits
CLNU 625 Techniques in Epidemiology and Biostatistics 3 credits
CLNU 630 Critical Issues in the Food Supply 2 credits
CLNU 635 Community Nutrition
CLNU 645 Nutritional Contributions of Food 2 credits
CLNU 710 Special Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2 credits
CLNU 774 Exercise Physiology for Nutrition 3 credits
CLNU 772 Nutritional Pharmacology 3 credits
Required at completion of program: CLNU 799 Comprehensive Exam 0 credit
Elective Topics Courses
Students may elect to take two topics courses (CLNU 710) for a maximum of four
credits toward M.S. degree requirements. Topics for these courses change each
semester according to student needs and interests (e.g., chronic disease, medicinal
botanicals, cardiovascular disease, cancer, developmental, maternal and infant,
pediatrics geriatrics, eating disorders).
Research, Practica, and Thesis Experience
The following independent guided study is available with permission.
CLNU 787/8/9 Independent Study (research or clinical) 1 credit each
Option 2: All Online Option
The Nutrition Science Core 6 credits
CLNU 607 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology 3 credits
CLNU 608 Nutritional Therapy 3 credits
The Clinical Core 18 credits
CLNU 635 Community Nutrition 3 credits
CLNU 640 Critical Care/Nutrition Support 2 credits
CLNU 650 Nutritional Pathophysiology I 3 credits
CLNU 670 Clinical Nutrition Assessment 2 credits
CLNU 720 Nutritional Pathophysiology II 3 credits
CLNU 750 Clinical Nutrition: Theory and Practice I 3 credits
CLNU 770 Clinical Nutrition: Theory and Practice II 3 credits
Elective Credits 12 credits
Elective credits may be chosen from among the following courses or from Elective
Topics Courses or Research, Practica and Thesis courses (with permission)
listed below.
CLNU 615 Topics in Applied Nutrition 3 credits
CLNU 625 Techniques in Epidemiology and Biostatistics 3 credits
CLNU 630 Critical Issues in the Food Supply 2 credits
CLNU 645 Nutritional Contributions of Food 2 credits
CLNU 710 Special Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2 credits
CLNU 774 Exercise Physiology for Nutrition 3 credits
CLNU 772 Nutritional Pharmacology 3 credits
CLNU 787/8/9 Independent Study (research or clinical) 1 credit each
Required at completion of program: CLNU 799 Comprehensive Exam 0 credit
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Nutrition Science Core
CLNU 607 Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology 3 credits
Mechanisms of nutrient digestion, absorption, transport, utilization and excretion will be
reviewed with emphasis on the role of specific nutrients in maintaining biochemical and
physiologic integrity in body systems.
CLNU 608 Nutritional Therapy 3 credits
This course is an overview of the practice of clinical nutrition. The pathogenesis, altered
requirements due to disease states and/or concomitant therapeutic measures, interactions
between drugs and nutrient requirements and subsequent rationale for nutritional
management of the patient will be explored. Methods for patient feeding including
parenteral, as well as, enteral routes are discussed with respect to advantages and
disadvantages of each technique, concerns regarding the cost efficiency, and formula
composition and preparation methods. Students will learn to chart nutrition notes in
medical charts using the SOAP system.
or
CLNU 610 Molecular Biology of the Nutrients I 3 credits
(traditional format only. Saturday lectures, Fall semester)
Students will develop a basis for understanding the role of nutrients at the molecular and cellular levels and will relate nutrient function to food sources of the nutrients. the first semester will cover calorimetry and energetics; protein, carbohydrate and lipid structure, function, digestion, absorption, transport, utilization and excretion. Cellular and molecular relationships to nutrient utilization will be emphasized. Literature review is required.
CLNU 680 Molecular Biology of the Nutrients II 3 credits
(traditional format only. Saturday lectures, Spring semester)
Continuation of CLNU 610: the second semester will cover the function of the micronutrients in energy production, DNA and protein synthesis, blood formation, structure of bone and connective tissue, antioxidant protection, gene expression and cell activation and electrolyte function. Literature review is required. Prerequesite; CLNU 610 or instructors permission.
Clinical Core and Elective Courses
CLNU 615 Topics in Applied Nutrition 3 credits
This course investigates practical solutions in which socioeconomic status, cultural
preference, medical or psychological alterations or other factors may interfere with
successful nutritional compliance. Patient groups include the geriatric patient, the
handicapped adult or child, and the person with multiple nutrition problems. It will be of
value to those professionals who plan to do private consulting and home health care as well
as to those who will be working in a health care institution.
CLNU 622 Nutrition Assessment Laboratory 2 credits
Students use molecular, cell culture, immuno-histochemical, microbiological, extraction and
separation techniques to assess nutrients and food components in foods and biological
samples and to assess their bioactivity. Nutrient kinetics, including bioavailability, transport,
utilization and excretion, as well as appropriate analytical methods and sample selection are
reviewed for each nutrient/food component. Advantages and disadvantages of available
methodology are examined. Prerequisites: CLNU 610 and Departmental Permission.
CLNU 625 Techniques in Epidemiology and Biostatistics 3 credits
Epidemiologic techniques for analysis of population data from surveys, case control
retrospective and prospective studies will be reviewed. Biostatistical techniques including
cross tabulation, scatter diagrams, histograms and line plots, regression and correlation
analysis, analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, factor and spectral analysis will be
applied to clinical and experimental data to illustrate techniques available for data analysis
and interpretation. Computer statistical packages will be used to facilitate analysis.
CLNU 630 Critical Issues in the Food Supply 2 credits
The focus of this course is on understanding the wide ranging effects of the American food
system. Selected issues will include changes in food consumption patterns over the last
century; changes in nutrient profile of foods; new technologies for home and institutional
food preparation; and the effect of modern agribusiness upon the environment. Emphasis is
on the influence of cultural diversity, fast foods and other factors on the American dietary
intake.
CLNU 635 Community Nutrition 2 credits
Techniques for development, funding, assessment and evaluation of projects in community
and government resources will be studied. Current legislative issues will be discussed along
with the methodology necessary to stimulate activities on these issues. Resources for the
consumer including community action and government outreach programs will be reviewed.
CLNU 640 Nutrition Support and Critical Pathways 2 credits
Students will understand the dynamics of nutrition support delivery within the
multidisciplinary environments of acute and chronic care systems and examine the
processes through which nutrition care is restructured and refined within the outcomes
management and other model systems. Students will learn techniques of data collection and
interpretation and develop methods for continuous assessment of service and consumer
satisfaction. Lectures and discussions will be supplemented with a variety of invited
speakers from health care settings.
CLNU 645 Nutritional Contribution of Food 2 credits
The structure and physical properties of foods are examined with respect to nutrient
content and distribution in the food supply. The effects of agricultural methods, market
handling, processing and home preparation on nutrient quality are considered. The
interactions of food components in food preparation methods is discussed and factors that
influence food taste, texture and appearance are explored.
CLNU 650 Nutritional Pathophysiology I 3 credits
The relationship of pathophysiologic processes to the roles of specific nutrients in the
maintenance of cellular and tissue homeostasis is explored. The first semester course will
cover changes in systemic mechanisms with disease, including injury, inflammation,
hemodynamic derangements, alterations in the immune response and neoplastic
transformations. Literature review is required. Prerequisite: CLNU 610 or instructor’s
permission.
CLNU 670 Lectures in Nutrition Assessment 2 credits
Balance studies, body composition determinations, anthropometric measures, tests of
immune competence, hematologogic indices and use of information contained in the
medical record will be incorporated into this lecture/demonstration course. Students will
gain experience in using laboratory values to determine the nutritional status and diet
prescription in specific clinical situations. Dietary analysis and techniques for accurate
intake calculations will be explored. Prerequisite: CLNU 620 or equivalent.
CLNU 699 Maintain Matriculation 0 credits
Matriculated students who do not register for coursework in a regular semester (excluding
summer) are expected to maintain matriculation by registering for this course.
CLNU 710 Special Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2 credits
A series of lecture-discussions including case studies in areas of important current nutrition
interest. Completion of two case studies is required. Completion will require evaluation of
current research. Tests based on the material in the case studies will be given. Open as an
elective course to students in the Masters Program in Clinical Nutrition as well as to
qualified non-matriculants. Topics include Nutrition and Cancer, Nutrition and the Immune
System, and Nutrition and Pediatric Care.
CLNU 720 Nutritional Pathophysiology II 3 credits
The influence of specific organ system disease on nutritional status, as well as the potential
etiologic effect of altered nutrient availability and/or metabolism in the pathogenesis of
disease is explored. Includes discussion on diseases of the major organ systems as well as
on the brain and central nervous system. Literature review required. Prerequisite: CLNU 650
or instructor’s permission.
CLNU 750 Clinical Nutrition: Theory and Practice I 3 credits
The practice of clinical nutrition is covered in this two semester course. Together, the
courses investigate the pathogenesis of disease, altered nutritional requirements due to
disease states and to therapeutic modalities, interactions between drugs and nutrients and
other influences which may compromise nutritional status. Methods for patient feeding,
both enteral and parenteral, are discussed, together with methods appropriate to assess
nutritional status in the specific patient. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CLNU 720
CLNU 770 Clinical Nutrition: Theory and Practice II 3 credits
Continuation of CLNU 750; this course covers additional clinical nutrition topics.
Prerequisite: CLNU 750 or instructor’s permission.
CLNU 772 Nutritional Pharmacology 3 credits
For the major classes of drugs currently used in medical therapy, this course will review
absorption, distribution, pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion. Interactions with
nutrients and dietary constituents at any point in these processes as well as known and
potential drug-nutrient-food relationships, dose response considerations and potential
toxicity will be discussed. Drug nutrient interaction risk will be explored both to the patient
on parenteral nutrition support, to the ambulatory nutrient compromised patient and to the
nutrient replete patient. Specific, commonly prescribed drugs, together with their specific
interactions with food and nutrients will be covered. The course will provide a mechanistic,
rather than an encyclopedic approach to provide students the tools to assess potential
drug-nutrient interactions in new drugs as they are introduced. Prerequisite or Corequisite:
CLNU 720 or instructor’s permission
CLNU 774 Metabolism and Physiology of Exercise 3 credits
This course explores the way the human body maintains homeostasis when faced with
changing physical demands. Various topics in physiology and exercise physiology will be
reviewed, both in general mechanisms and in specific applications to health and
pathologies. Emphasis will be placed on neuromuscular and cardiovascular/respiratory
physiology. The course will consist of once weekly sessions, including three assigned
projects, and student presentations. This course will enable the student to understand the
various processes which occur: (1) as the direct result of acute exercise; and (2) as the result
of chronic exercise; stressing the physiological processes and mechanisms involved, and (3)
as a result of pathological conditions. Specific topics will include basic muscle, nerve and
cardiopulmonary physiology; bioenergetics; weight control and exercise; diabetes and
exercise; exercise testing protocols; electrocardiography; ergogenic aids; fatigue; and other
topics related to the needs of the students attending the class.
out cell culture and laboratory practica to obtain “hands on” experience with the
morphology and behavior of transformed cells. The roles of nutrients and non-nutrient food
components as carcinogens or anti-carcinogens and the mechanisms through which they
act are explored. The conceptual framework of molecular epidemiology is presented and students
examine biological and epidemiological evidence validating the use of biomarkers to
predict cancer risk. Sources of bias in dietary intake data assessment and analysis,
confounding impacts of food, nutrients, food preparation methods, dietary patterns and
environmental factors, are linked with prediction of risk for human cancers worldwide.
Fundamental issues in cancer screening and preventive strategies in public health and
medical practice are discussed. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.
CLNU 778 Clinical Oncology 4 credits
Discussions of the pathology, etiology and nature of cancer are coupled with current general
principles of cancer treatment, including surgical, radiation and medical oncology
including chemotherapeutics. Pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment modalities
specific for organ systems, including breast, lung and colorectal cancers are covered in detail
and linked to CLNU 777 review of the impact of food and nutrients on primary and secondary
prevention and control for each organ system. Techniques for physical assessment and
detection of changes in nutritional status in patients with feeding limitations, including
anorexia, oral lesions, gastrointestinal resection, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea secondary
to cancer and/or its therapy are evaluated. Problems pertaining to fluid and electrolyte
imbalance, cancer cachexia, metabolic derangements, including changes in protein, lipid,
glucose, energy and altered hormonal homeostasis known to occur with cancer are examined.
Problem based learning laboratories will integrate medicine and nutrition concepts relative
to patient care. Prerequisite-Co-requisite: CLNU 777, Molecular Biology of Cancer
CLNU 787/8/9 Independent Study 1 credit each
Independent study in nutrition. Course will be designed by the student under faculty
supervision. May include clinical experience and research and research in clinical or applied
topics.
CLNU 799 Comprehensive Examination 0 credits
All candidates for the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition degree must pass a
comprehensive examination.