NUTR 360Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Theory

3 credits · Nutrition · Penn State

This course covers a range of topics related to providing evidence-based nutrition information to individuals as well as population-level health. It is designed to be an introductory course in nutrition education and theory within the Nutritional Sciences major. Students will explore the tenets of communication, education, and behavioral theories and models pertinent to the development and dissemination of nutrition information. Exploration of the fundamentals of food behavior, basic communication strategies essential to the nutrition counseling relationship, group facilitation, and working with diverse population groups will be examined through didactic lecture, individual practice, and project-based learning. Using current technologies to locate and understand evidence-based research, guidelines and protocols will be emphasized. Students will apply information discussed to the development of culturally sensitive nutrition education materials that are appropropriate for the target population that is being addressed.