EUC-NUTRI study plan
EUC-NUTRI · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Nutrition Science Fundamentals
Define the major nutrient classes and state the physiological role of each in two to three sentences without notes
Explain the processes of digestion, absorption, and transport for each macronutrient and identify the primary absorption site for each
Distinguish between the main energy-yielding pathways (glycolysis, beta-oxidation, and the citric acid cycle) at a conceptual level
Describe how the body regulates appetite and energy balance, naming at least four hormonal signals and their direction of effect
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn concept map linking nutrient classes to digestion sites, absorption mechanisms, and metabolic fate, self-quizzed until you can redraw it from memory in under ten minutes
Macronutrients and Energy Metabolism
Calculate resting energy expenditure using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for three hypothetical clients of differing age, sex, and body size
Apply physical activity factors and thermic effect of food to derive total energy expenditure for the same three cases
Compare the energy density and metabolic handling of carbohydrate, fat, protein, and alcohol
Explain protein quality measures (DIAAS, PDCAAS) and identify complementary protein pairings
Interpret a fiber intake recommendation and distinguish soluble from insoluble fiber effects
Your checkpoint
A spreadsheet with three worked energy-expenditure calculations (inputs, formulas, and outputs) plus a written paragraph justifying each activity factor chosen
Nutrition Science Fundamentals & Micronutrients and Hydration
List the fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins with one deficiency syndrome and one toxicity risk for each
State the major minerals and trace elements, their primary functions, and two food sources per nutrient
Identify the populations at highest risk for iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iodine inadequacy and explain why
Describe hydration needs and the signs of dehydration and overhydration, including electrolyte consequences
Explain how bioavailability is affected by inhibitors and enhancers (for example phytates, vitamin C, and fat-soluble vitamin absorption)
Your checkpoint
A two-column nutrient reference table covering all vitamins and major minerals (function, deficiency, toxicity, sources, at-risk group) that you can cover with a blank column and fill from memory at 80 percent accuracy
Nutrition Assessment and Anthropometry
Perform and interpret BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio calculations on sample data
Describe the correct technique and common errors for height, weight, and skinfold measurement
Select appropriate growth-reference charts for children and interpret a plotted percentile
Compare dietary assessment methods (24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaire, food record, weighed intake) on accuracy, burden, and appropriate use
Identify two biomarkers used to assess nutritional status and state their limitations
Your checkpoint
A completed assessment case file for one hypothetical adult: anthropometrics calculated, one dietary method chosen with justification, and a two-paragraph interpretation of findings
Dietary Guidelines and Food-Based Recommendations & Food Safety, Labeling, and Regulatory Basics
Explain the structure and purpose of food-based dietary guidelines and translate them into three sample daily menus
Apply front-of-pack and nutrition-panel information to compare two similar products and justify a choice
Identify the mandatory elements of a nutrition label and the conditions under which a nutrition or health claim may be used
Describe the main food-safety hazards and the control principles behind temperature, hygiene, and cross-contamination prevention
Outline the regulatory framework governing supplements versus foods at a general level
Your checkpoint
A three-day menu built to meet food-based guideline targets, accompanied by a label-comparison write-up of two products and a one-page food-safety checklist for a home kitchen
Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Describe nutrient priorities and physiological rationale for pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and early childhood
Explain the rationale and timing of complementary feeding introduction and identify key allergen-introduction guidance
Outline nutrient concerns specific to adolescence, adulthood, and older age, including sarcopenia and bone health
Adapt a standard daily menu for three life stages and justify each modification
Your checkpoint
Three adapted one-day menus (pregnancy, toddler, older adult) with a short justification note per change and a table mapping each life stage to its top three nutrient priorities
Nutrition in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Explain the dietary principles underlying prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity
Interpret the DASH and Mediterranean dietary patterns and state the evidence-based rationale for each
Describe the nutrition implications of chronic kidney disease and food allergy or intolerance at a conceptual level
Identify when referral to a registered dietitian or physician is required and articulate the boundary of your scope
Your checkpoint
A condition-by-condition summary sheet (four conditions minimum) listing dietary strategy, key nutrients to monitor, and referral triggers, plus one worked case showing a modified menu for a person with hypertension
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Communication & Nutrition Science Fundamentals & Macronutrients and Energy Metabolism & Micronutrients and Hydration
Apply an ethical decision framework to two short scenarios involving confidentiality, scope of practice, and conflicts of interest
Demonstrate plain-language communication by rewriting three technical nutrition statements for a general audience
Complete two timed full-length practice sets and log every missed item by domain
Re-study the three weakest domain areas identified in the practice logs and re-test those items
Your checkpoint
A timed practice exam score report with a domain-by-domain error log and a one-page remediation summary showing your two weakest domains improved on retest
Milestones
Week 2: Can calculate total energy expenditure for a new case correctly, unaided, in under ten minutes
Week 4: Scores at least 75 percent on a self-made 40-item quiz covering domains 1 through 4
Week 6: Can produce a life-stage-adapted menu and justify every change without consulting notes
Week 8: Scores at least 80 percent on a timed full-length practice exam and shows measurable improvement in both weakest domains