Nutrition

This course is designed for the student who has already successfully completed a basic nutrition course at another college, but still needs to have the introduction to diet therapy component that NDSCS includes in Nutr 240. Therefore, this one credit course is the final credit of Nutr 240 at NDSCS, which is chapters 16-25 in the current textbook.

The Human Lactation Practicum is a comprehensive 300-hour clinical experience designed to provide students with hands-on application of the knowledge and skills acquired in Human Lactation I and Human Lactation II. This practicum focuses on developing the practical competencies required for entry-level lactation consultants and fulfills the clinical experience component necessary to sit for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam.
Students will work under the supervision of qualified lactation professionals to gain real-world experience in supporting breastfeeding families across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health programs. 
Throughout the practicum, students will refine their communication and counseling skills, ensuring they can confidently guide and educate families about lactation. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, evidence-based practices, and interprofessional collaboration. This practicum is a critical step for students pursuing a career in lactation consulting, bridging classroom education with practical experience to prepare them for professional practice and certification.

This introductory course provides a foundation in evidence-based sports nutrition principles for physically active individuals and competitive athletes. Students will examine the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in fueling performance, recovery, body composition, and overall health. Emphasis is placed on energy systems, hydration strategies, nutrient timing, and practical fueling plans across training and competition settings. 

The course explores nutrition considerations for strength, endurance, and team sports, as well as emerging topics such as dietary supplements, and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). Students will critically evaluate sports nutrition claims, interpret current research, and apply foundational concepts to case scenarios. 

Interest in sports performance, fitness, and active lifestyles continues to increase across diverse populations, including recreational athletes, high school competitors, collegiate athletes, tactical professionals, and aging adults seeking to maintain functional performance. As participation in organized and recreational sport expands, so does the demand for qualified professionals who can provide safe, ethical, and evidence-based nutrition guidance. 

Currently, misinformation related to sports nutrition, supplements, and performance enhancement is widespread across social media and commercial marketing platforms. An introductory course in sports nutrition equips students with the scientific foundation needed to critically evaluate claims, apply evidence-based recommendations, and promote health and performance while minimizing risk. 

Prerequisite: NUTR 240.