Montgomery County Community College

Central Campus, Blue Bell, Pa.

Basic Nutrition (3 credits): ESW 206 - EC

Instructor: Claire G. Kratz, MS, RD, LDN
Email: Ckratz@mc3.edu
(email is the best way to reach me outside of class)

Office Location: PE 215 Central Campus

Telephone: 215-641-6513

Spring 2014
January 13 to May 5, 2014
Mondays and Wednesdays
1:30 2:55 pm

Meeting in - Room 206

Physical Education Center at Central Campus
Blackboard the Colleges course management system
Access Blackboard via the MCCC student portal website
(will be demonstrated in class)

Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the study of nutrition. It will incorporate fundamental scientific
principles enabling students to develop their own nutritional lifestyle compatible with these principles.
The course will provide an understanding of nutrients, their function in the body, deficiency diseases,
body composition, nutrition and physical activity, nutrition through the life span, food faddism,
consumer issues, and an evaluation of diets. The course will encourage the intelligent application of
information so to enable the students to succeed in implementing good nutrition in their own lives.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of nutrients and their roles in the body.
2. Identify the principles of planning and evaluating diets
3. Identify the basic physiology of digestion, absorption and transport.
4. Recognize the relationship between diet and disease.
5. Identify nutritional needs and issues through the life cycle.
6. Critically evaluate current day topics in nutrition.
7. Accurately assess ones own dietary intake in relation to established standards.
8. Define a variety of theories, patterns, and practices related to diet and nutrition.

Required Textbook:
Wardlaw, Gordon M., Smith, AM, Collene, AL. Contemporary Nutrition A Functional Approach, Third
Edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill

Each new textbook includes the key-code for the companion website known as Connect. Students
will need this website to complete course assignments and /or projects.
The book is available in the MCCC bookstores in two formats:
1. The binder-ready version (with LL designation = Loose Leaf): $92.85
(you provide the binder)
2. The soft-cover version: $ 114.30

Office Hours:
The instructor is available to meet with students during scheduled office hours. The instructors office
location is: Physical Education Center, Room 215. Additional office hours are posted on the office door
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and also in Blackboard. Students are encouraged to meet with the instructor to discuss course progress.
Any concerns students may have about their progress, test scores, assignments, or course materials
should be brought to the attention of the faculty instructor immediately. If students require additional
appointment times, these can be arranged via email. The best way to reach the instructor is via email.
Office hours as follows: Office Hours Spring 2014
Monday
By
appointment

Tuesday
9:30 10 am ( at CAI
- Kulpsville)
11:00 am 12:00 noon
in PE 215

Wednesday
11:00 12:00 noon
Tutoring for Nutrition in the
Brendlinger Library/Tutorial
Services

Thursday
9:30 10 am ( at CAI Kulpsville)

Friday
By appointment

11:00 am 12:00 noon

in PE 215

STUDENT responsibilities in this course:

Attend class and complete the readings, activities, assignments, projects, and exams to learn
the course materials and earn the course GRADE. Students are encouraged to attend and be on
time for class. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class meeting. Ten points extra
credit is given for students with perfect attendance. (this can raise a quiz grade one letter grade)
Students may be excused for the equivalent of two weeks of class, for this course, so 4 class
sessions may be missed without penalty. A fifth absence earns a 20-point deduction and a
sixth absence earns a 30-point deduction. Students with attendance concerns should contact
the instructor for discussion of attendance point deductions early in the semester.
Obtain (purchase or borrow) the textbook and the required website access.
Learn how to use BLACKBOARD (BBd). Learning how to navigate through Blackboard will
be helpful for many aspects of this course.
USE the MCCC Email Server all course communications will be through this system.
Notify the instructor as soon as you have a concern about a graded item or a graded
assignment/project/exam/discussion board. Students must notify the instructor within 10 days
to 2 weeks of point discrepancies on assignments, exams or forums. Questions about a grade or
earned points on the Week 1 assignment will no longer be addressed in week 4 of the course.
Please manage the points in your individual Grade-book carefully. By monitoring the status of
the Grade-book, students can know their standing (grade) in the course at all times. My hope is
that everyone will know their progress in the course at all times, include at the mid-term and at
the end of the course.
Please allow one week to ten days for items to be graded and returned. There are 28 of you and
one of me. As this class meets twice per week, assignment and exam grades may be posted in
BBd. prior to the next class meeting.
Attendance at unit tests and the final exam: Unit tests and the final exam are given as per the
syllabus on scheduled dates. Students will be held accountable in the following situations:
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If the student knows in advance they will not be in attendance for the test or exam, a written
request must be supplied to the faculty no later than the class period before the test/exam is
to be given. The student should plan to take the test/exam on the next scheduled class
meeting date.
If the student has an emergency on the day of the test/exam and is unable to attend the class,
the student must take the make-up exam at the next class attended. This is the only time a
makeup test will be given. If the student does not take the test in the next attended class, the
test score will be 0 points.
All make-up exams are essay test format.
The tests will emphasize the following learning behaviors:
1. recall of factual information
2. comprehension and understanding of basic concepts
3. ability to apply the learned material in new situations and to solve problems
The class lecture notes and text provides the core course information. Test questions are
taken primarily from the lecture notes, class discussions and textbook. Tests are multiple
choice formats. The final examination is non-cumulative.
Assignments: Reading assignments are listed on the topic outline. In preparation for the class,
read these assignments prior to class. Written assignments are due on the class due date. Please
note these important points:

The grace period for late assignments is: one week. Late assignments are subject
to a loss of 10% of points.
Any project, report or assignment will not be accepted later than one week past
due date. Students will receive 0 (zero) points for project, report or assignment
turned in later than one week past due.

Civility and Respect for fellow classmates and the instructor are expected at all times. Please
demonstrate general social graces, which include but are not limited to: turning off smart/cell
phones, being on time for class, cleaning up after oneself, and other general behaviors which
foster a positive learning environment. Students observed texting in class, when it is not part of
the class activity, will be asked to stop or leave the room.

Earning the Course Grade:

The course grade is based on simple point system. There are a total of 500 possible points, earned in a
variety of ways, which are listed below. All numeric scores are posted in the students
BLACKBOARD Grade-book. Students can calculate final course grades by taking the total earned
points and dividing them by 500 (total possible points) and multiplying by 100. For example, if a
student earns a total of 381 points of the possible 500 points, that is 76.2% or a C+. Students must earn
a total of 450 points for an A- or 90%.
Unit Test #1
Unit Test #2
Unit Test #3
Final Exam
Diet Analysis Project

50 Points (10%)
50 Points (10%)
50 Points (10%)
50 Points (10%)
150 Points (30%)
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SNAP Project
Assignments, various

50 points (10%)
100 Points (20%)

TOTAL

500 Points (100%)

Item Descriptions:
Unit Tests and the Final Exam are given in class on the dates specified on the course schedule and
topic outline. Students missing the examinations need to contact the instructor immediately. The class
exams, including the tests and the final exam comprise 40% of the course grade. Students with an
earned score of 98% (441 points or more), going into the final exam, may forego the final exam
without loss of an A grade.
*Diet Analysis (DA) Project Student complete a three-day food intake record, then enter the foods
into a website for analysis. A question set leads students through a careful analysis of data, and
students state conclusions about their health based on the data. This project is work 30% of the final
grade and is the highest single-point item in the course. Students who do not complete a DA Project are
in jeopardy of failing the course.
*SNAP Project - This project involves designing healthy eating plans on an imaginary low-budget
income. Learning about options for healthy nutrition intake during periods of low income, this project
uncovers the challenges of eating well on a low budget. The project is worth 10% of the final grade.
*Assignments, various There are five assignments that help to create meaningful interaction and
learning opportunities for students, as well as earn valuable course points. These items comprise 100
points in total, or 20% of the course grade.
*Ending the course when the final exam has been administered, and tests are all in to the instructor,
the course is completed. No assignments, projects, or items are accepted for course points after the final
exam.
Final course grades based on the percentage of points earned in the course:
A = 93 100%

C+ = 76 79.9%

A- = 90 92.9%

C = 70 75.9%

B+ = 86 89.9%

D = 60 69.9%

B = 83 85.9%

F = Below 60%

B- = 80 82.9%

FACULTY responsibilities in this course:

Design and deliver significant learning experiences, with fair assessments that measure
learning.
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 Teach the course content using lecture, illustrations, relevant examples such as case studies,
group activities, questions, self-reflection, practice, homework, and discussion.
Attend and lead class in a timely and efficient way. I promise that I will be on time for class
and will not allow my iphone to disrupt the learning environment.
Reply promptly to all student questions and emails in a kind and professional manner.
Return students written assignment, graded with comments, within 1 week to 10 days of the
end of the current week.
Participate in class and encourage students to participate to create a learning community.
Provide additional learning support as needed, including but not limited to additional out of
class assistance, referrals to the Tutoring Services Center, the Library, or other College services.
Post final course grades in a timely manner.
Civility; As a faculty member, I welcome your comments if you find anything I write or say in
class to be uncivil.
Withdraw and Audit Statements
Occasionally life gets in the way of a students best intentions for finishing a course. It is far better to
withdraw from this course than to just stop attending. Failure to attend class and complete the course
work will result in F grade on the students transcript. The only way to remove an F from an
official college transcript is to re-take the course. Withdrawing from the course is recommended if
students find that they are unable to complete the course within the semester.
Official course withdraws can be done without the instructors signature via the Registration Window in
College Hall. March 11, 2014 is the last day to withdraw without a faculty signature.
A faculty signature is required for withdraws between March 12 and May 5, 2014. No withdraws
after May 5, 2014.
Auditing: AU (audit) indicates that the student registered for the course for no academic credit.
Students may change to Audit while a course is in progress only with the approval of the course faculty
member and the Division Dean or Program Director.
Incomplete Grade: If a student requests an Incomplete Grade; I this must be with special
arrangements with the instructor. An I grade will not be considered unless at least 75% of the course
work has been completed. After 2 weeks, and I grade automatically turns to an F failure grade.
College Closing Due to Inclement Weather
**Class Cancellations Due to Weather - Check the colleges web page: www.mc3.edu *** or sign
up for Text-message alerts here: http://www.mc3.edu/txt/

**In the event that the college is closed for inclement weather, on a Monday or Wednesday
afternoon, during our regular class time, I will post instructions for make up work on the
Blackboard course site.
***Academic Support and College Policies**
Academic Support/Tutorial Services: Free subject-area tutoring, academic workshops, and study skills
specialists are available at Central Campus in College Hall 180, across from the Cafeteria and at
West Campus inside the Library at South Hall 159. Tutorial Services helps students develop
learning strategies based on their unique learning styles with the goal of creating successful
students and independent learners. Contact us at: 215-641-6452 (Central Campus), 610-718-1945
(West Campus) or log into the portal and find us online at:
http://www.mc3.edu/student-resources/tutoring
Disabilities statement: Students with disabilities may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in this
course. Please contact the Disability Services Center in College Hall 225 at 215-641-6575 to make
an appointment to learn about eligibility and documentation guidelines. At the West Campus,
contact the Coordinator of Disability Services in South Hall 147 (Student Success Center) at 610718-1853. http://www.mc3.edu/student-resources/disability-services
Early Alert Initiative Statement: As part of our commitment to promote the academic success of all of our
students, the College utilizes an Early Alert system. Faculty may alert Academic Advisors about
issues related to student absence and /or academic difficulty, if they are not resolved through
discussion between the faculty and student. Please respond promptly to any Early Alert notification
you receive through email, phone or mail, as your Academic Advisor hopes to offer you assistance in
resolving these issues.
Emergency Closing/Class Cancellations: http://www.mc3.edu/index.html and reference to availability of text
messaging service/notification http://www.mc3.edu/txt/
Student Academic Code of Ethics: The College provides an environment that fosters critical thinking and
judgment. Students adhere to an Academic Code of Ethics by refraining from participation in acts of
academic dishonesty http://www.mc3.edu/aboutus/policies/aa-3/ethics.aspx
Student Code of Conduct: Students are expected to treat all members of the College community with
dignity, respect, fairness and civility and to behave in a responsible manner at all times both in and
outside the classroom. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct
http://www.mc3.edu/aboutus/policies/sa-4/conduct.aspx
Social Media: (For all courses in the Health Sciences Division) All students are expected to comply with the
Social Media Procedures and Related College Polices described in the Colleges Social Media
Handbook located on the College website at
https://mymccc.mc3.edu/allcampusresources/marketing/social-hb/Pages/policies.aspx .
(For all courses in the Health Sciences Division that Incorporate a Practicum/Clinical/
Clinical/Externship experience) - All students are expected to comply with the Social Media
Procedures and Related College Polices described in the Colleges Social Media Handbook located
on the College website at https://mymccc.mc3.edu/allcampusresources/marketing/socialhb/Pages/policies.aspx . Health Sciences students enrolled in a health careers program are
reminded of their obligation to demonstrate professional behavior, uphold ethical and professional
standards, and ensure compliance with applicable federal requirements such as HIPAA on any/all
social networking sites. Sharing of confidential information related to the educational experience is
unacceptable and will result in action up to and including dismissal from the program.
Student Support and Referral Team (SSRT): A free, confidential referral service available to all students
that includes a support team of counselors, faculty and staff who assist students dealing with issues
such as emotional distress, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, abuse, depression, grief, potential
violence and substance abuse. SSRT connects students with College and community resources and
caring professionals. Students can contact SSRT directly by sending an email to a secure,
confidential address, StudentReferral@mc3.edu, or by visiting the Student Success Center in

College Hall at the Blue Bell Campus or South Hall at the Pottstown Campus. More information is
available at: https://mymccc.mc3.edu/allcampusresources/studentaffairs/ssrt/Pages/default.aspx
Veterans Statement: Student veterans may be eligible for benefits and services related to military service
http://www.mc3.edu/campusLife/student-resources/veterans. At Central Campus, contact George
Pannebaker, the Military and Veterans Affairs Advisor, in College Hall Room 259, call 215-619-7307
or e-mail veterans@mc3.edu to learn about education benefits and healthcare entitlements.
Students at the West Campus call 215-619-7307 or e-mail veterans@mc3.edu for further
information or to arrange a meeting with the advisor.

Weeks of
the
semester

Dates
Mon./Wed.

Chapter in
Textbook

January 13/15

One

Jan. 22/27

Two

Jan. 29 /Feb 3

Three

Feb. 5
Feb. 10

Four

Feb. 12/17

Five

Fats

Feb. 19/24

Six

Proteins

Assignment 3

Feb.26 / Mar. 3

Eight

Diet Analysis Project Due:

March 3

Mar. 5
Mar. 17

Eleven

Vitamin and Mineral Overview

Water the most essential nutrient
Exam Two
Nutrients in Bone Health

Spring 2014 Topic Outline/Schedule

ESW 206 EC Basic Nutrition Mon/Wed

Assignments due:
Weekly Chapter Readings +

The Role of Nutrition in Our Health

Assignment 1

Designing a Healthful Diet

(no class on Monday, Jan. 25 MLK Holiday)
The Human Body: Are We Really What We Eat?
Introduce: Diet Analysis Project
Carbohydrates: Plant Derived Energy Nutrients
Exam One

Assignment 2

Spring Break: March 10 16, 2014 ~ ENJOY!

9

Mar. 19/24

Seven

10

Mar. 26
March 31

Thirteen
Fourteen

Energy Balance and Weight Control/ Field Trip

Introduce: SNAP Project
Nutrition in Fitness and Sport/ Eating Disorders
Exam Three

11

April 2/7

Seventeen

Lifecycle Nutrition: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

12

April 9/14

Nineteen

Lifecycle Nutrition: Late Adulthood

13

April 16/21

Sixteen

Food Safety

14

Apr. 23/28

Fifteen

Under Nutrition Throughout the World

Final Exam Week

May 1 - 7

Final Exam

Assignment 4

SNAP Project due:

April 16
Assignment 5