Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Medical Nutrition Therapy I (Hybrid)

NFS 6050-70Y

Course: NFS 6050-70Y
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ASNS
CRN: 30045

Course Description

A theoretical and practical base for the nutrition care process, diagnostics, diet modification, and nutritional therapy in a variety of disease states. Will include pathophysiology and medical terminology.

A minimum grade of “B-” or higher must be earned in this course for the Dietetics Program. (Fall) Dietetic students only.

Required Texts

  • Nelms, M., Sucher, K. (2020). Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology, 4th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage [ISBN 978-0-357-04171-0]
  • Christianson, E. (2020). Guide to Drug Food Interactions. Monee, IL [ISBN 979-8664938357]
  •  EAL Membership

Learning Outcomes

ACEND Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to understand and apply the following concepts:
  • Principles of medical nutrition therapy, the Nutrition Care Process, and clinical workflow elements.
  • Governance of nutrition and dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics, and interprofessional relationships in various practice settings
  • Communication and documentation skills sufficient for entry into professional practice
  • Continuous quality management of food and nutrition services
  • Pharmacology
  • Research methodology, interpretation of research literature and integration of research principles into evidence-based practice
  • Nutritional considerations and interventions appropriate for Infants, Children, Adolescents, Adults, Pregnant and Lactating Females, Older Adults, People with Disabilities
  • Nutrition in disease states and conditions: Metabolic Disorders, Musculoskeletal System, Food Allergies, Weight Management, Eating Disorders, Malnutrition
  • Experiential learning through nutrition consulting, trialing modified diet types.

Utah state law 53B-1-118 does not restrict or prohibit curriculum content related to diversity, equity, or inclusion as expected or required by our accreditor, ACEND. The law explicitly exempts "academic course teaching in the classroom" (Section 53B-1-118(10)(c)) and "requirements necessary for accreditation compliance" (Section 53B-1-118(10)(a)) from its prohibitions. Therefore, our program can and will continue to include all ACEND-required curriculum components related to cultural competence, health equity, and serving diverse populations, ensuring our students receive the complete education necessary to meet all accreditation standards

Course Requirements

ATTENTION: A minimum grade of "B-" or above must be earned in this course AND a score of 75% or higher on each KRDN Assessment Method to complete the Dietetic Program and be eligible for a DPD Verification Statement.

End-of-Semester Study Guide Submission

At the end of the semester, students will submit on Canvas the following Study Guide completed with notes from course lectures, discussions, and textbook (if required).

Registration Examination for Dietitians
CDR Study Guide Outline

DOMAIN I - Principles of Dietetics

TOPIC A – Food, Nutrition and Supporting Sciences

  1. Principles of normal nutrition
    • Function of nutrients and non-nutritive substances
  2. Herbals, botanicals, and supplements

TOPIC B – Education, Communication and Technology

  1. Client information
    1. Records
    2. Confidentiality
  2. Healthcare and nutrition informatics systems/technologies
    • Telehealth and remote health monitoring systems
    • Electronic health records (e.g., meaningful use, privacy and protection for Protected Health Information (PHI), use for outcomes and use for National Consumer Panel (NCP))

DOMAIN II – NUTRITION CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS (45%)

TOPIC A – Screening and Assessment

  1. Nutrition screening
    1. Purpose
    2. Selection and use of risk factors and evidence-based tools
    3. Parameters and limitations
    4. Methodology
    5. Participation in interdisciplinary nutrition screening teams
    6. Cultural competence
    7. Prioritize nutrition risk
  2. Nutrition assessment of individuals
    • obtain and assess physical findings
    • intake and output
    • Obtain and assess biochemical data, diagnostic tests, and procedures
    • Assessment of energy and nutrient requirements
    • Physical activity habits and restrictions
    • Comparative standards (e.g., energy requirements and growth)
    • Economic/social
    • Psychosocial and behavioral factors
    • Socioeconomic factors
    • Functional factors
  3. Medication management
    • Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements
    • Medication/food/supplement interactions

TOPIC B – Diagnosis

  1. Relationship between nutrition diagnoses and medical diagnoses
    1. Pathophysiology
    2. Identifying medical diagnoses affecting nutrition care
    3. Determining nutrition risk factors for current medical diagnoses
    4. Determining nutrition factors for groups
  2. Data sources and tools for nutrition diagnosis
    1. Organizing assessment data
    2. Using standardized language
  3. Diagnosing nutrition problems for individuals and groups
    1. Making inferences
    2. Prioritizing
    3. Differential diagnosing
  4. Etiologies (e.g., cause/contributing risk factors)
    1. Identifying underlying causes and contribution risk factors of nutrition diagnoses
    2. Making cause and effect linkages
  5. Signs and symptoms (e.g., defining characteristics)
    1. Linking signs and symptoms to etiologies
    2. Using subjective (symptoms) and/or objective (signs) data
  6. Documentation

TOPIC D – Monitoring and Evaluation

  1. Monitoring progress and updating previous care
    • Monitoring and determining tolerance to interventions (e.g., medications, tube feeding, parenteral nutrition, medical nutrition and dietary supplements)
  2. Measuring outcome indicators using evidence-based guides for practice
    1. Selecting indicators
    2. Using reference standards
    3. Explaining variance
  3. Evaluating effectiveness and outcomes of nutrition interventions for individuals and populations
    1. Direct nutrition intervention outcomes
    2. Clinical and health status outcomes
    3. Patient-centered outcomes
    4. Resource utilization outcomes
  4. Relationship with outcome measurement systems and quality improvement
  5. Determining continuation and transition of care
    1. Continuing and updating care
    2. Discontinuing care

DOMAIN III – MANAGEMENT OF FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

TOPIC E – Quality Management and Regulatory Compliance

  1. Scope of practice and standards of professional performance (SOP, SOPP)
  2. Code of ethics
KRDN Assessments and Alignment
AssessmentCore Knowledge StatementAssessment Method
KRDN 1.2Select and use appropriate current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols.EAL Modules
NCM Assignment
KRDN 2.1Demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.Documentation Assignment
Counseling Assignment
KRDN 3.4Practice routine health screening assessments, including measuring blood pressure and conducting waived point-of-care laboratory testing (such as blood glucose or cholesterol).Health Screening Procedure and Assessment Quiz
(Review of observation at SWTech for Assessment class and BP and finger stick in Physiology lab)
Assignment Categories and Weights
Assignment CategoryPointsPercentage
Assignments18326%
Quizzes304%
Case Studies13018%
Group Project7010%
Exams30042%
Total713100%

Grading Scale: (based on percent)

A > 93B > 83C > 73D > 63
A- > 90B- > 80C- > 70D- > 60
B+ > 87C+ > 77D+ > 67F < 60

Course Outline

WeekTopic (Textbook pgs)Assignments
Required KRDN Assessment: 1.2
1Module 1:
Introduction to MNT, SOP, SOPP, Interprofessional Coordination
Healthcare Discussion Board
2Module 2:
Nutrition Screening, Overview NCP, Clinical Assessment, NFPE
NCP Discussion Board
KRDN 3.4 Health Screening Procedure and Assessment Quiz (Review of observation at SWTech for Assessment class and BP and finger stick in Physiology lab)
NFPE Modules and Lab
3Module 3:
Medical Documentation
KRDN 2.1 MNT Documentation Assignment
4Module 4:
Medical Research, Electronic Resources (EAL, NCM)
KRDN 1.2 EAL Modules
KRDN 1.2 NCM Assignment
Literature Critique
5Exam 1 (Modules 1-4)
6Module 5: Pharmacology, Drug-Nutrient InteractionsDrug-Nutrient Interactions Quiz
Drug-Nutrient Mini Case Study
7Module 6:
Immune System
Food Allergies
Energy/Nutrient Needs, all age groups, including Transgender
Malnutrition
Food Allergy In-Class Activity
Diet Prescription for Food Allergy Assignment

Energy/Nutrient Needs Quiz
8Module 7:
Disease of Energy Imbalance – Obesity, Malnutrition, Eating Disorders
9Module 7:
Diseases of Energy Imbalance – Obesity, Malnutrition, Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Case Study
10Exam 2 (Modules 5-7)
11Module 8:
Review of Lifecycle Nutrition
Lifecycle Review Assignment
12Module 9:
MNT in Lifecycle, Pregnancy/Lactation, Breastfeeding Support, Pediatric Nutrition, Nutrition in Aging
Metabolic Disorders
13Module 9:
MNT in Lifecycle, Pregnancy/Lactation, Breastfeeding Support, Pediatric Nutrition, Nutrition in Aging
Metabolic Disorders
KRDN 3.1 Cerebral Palsy Case Study
14Module 10:
Diseases of Musculoskeletal System
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Mood/Psychiatric Disorders, Addiction, Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Osteoporosis Worksheet
MNT Lifecycle Group Project Presentations
15Final Exam (Comprehensive)

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Work: 
1. Assignments will be submitted via Canvas, and must be received by 11:59 pm on the due date. Late assignments will be accepted for 7 days past the due date for a 50% penalty. 
2. Computer problems are not an acceptable excuse for late work. 


Attendance Policy

Attendance points will be given for each class attended. Please inform the instructor prior to scheduled class time if you will be missing a class. No make-up attendance points offered.

Course Fees

EAL Fees
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Membership

Hybrid Modality and Technology Support

KRDN Competencies Addressed
Additional KRDN Covered in this Course: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.3, 4.6, 4.7, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5

Hybrid course format (HY): This is a blended in-person and online course. This course format provides flexibility to the student. We will meet twice a week in person and combine classroom experiences to maximize the benefits of both. Instructional features include instructor-made video lectures, discussion questions, assignments, assessments, other practical activities (outside of the classroom), and opportunities for questions and answers.

Canvas & IT Computer Support:
  • For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support: (435)-865-8200 support@suu.edu  
  • For Canvas help: (435) 865-8555, canvas@suu.edu   

How to Use Canvas & Resources: https://suu.instructure.com/courses/166813 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.