Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BPK 110 D100

Human Nutrition: Current Issues (3)

Class Number: 6020

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 24, 2026
    Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction of the principles of human nutrition with an emphasis on topics of current interest. The material is presented in a Canadian context to focus on nutrition practices and problems in this country. Students will gain an understanding of factors affecting food selection and the role of nutrition in maintaining good health. Students will develop the ability to discriminate between reliable and unreliable information on the subject of food and nutrition. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students will learn about the nutrients contained in food that are required for normal human growth, development, repair and function: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water. The conversion of fuels (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) to usable energy, the role of nutrients in health and disease and the effects of nutrient deficiencies in Canada and the world will also be discussed. There will also be a strong emphasis on overnutrition, the leading nutritional concern in Canada. Further, students will develop their ability to evaluate nutrition sources for validity, accuracy and bias.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Differentiate between different study design techniques used in nutrition, including their strength and limitations
2. Critically evaluate nutrition information sources for credibility
3. Record and analyze one’s diet, compare it to current nutritional recommendations and suggest realistic areas for improvement
4. Outline Canadian nutrition policy, including the food guide and labelling requirements.
5. Describe the process of and the structures involved in digestion and absorption.
6. Outline the stages of cellular respiration and differentiate between the energy metabolism of sugars, amino acids and fatty acids
7. Describe the structure and function of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals water and alcohol
8. Describe how nutrition plays a role in various conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, gastroesophageal reflux, diverticulosis, diarrhea, constipation.
9. Outline conditions related to micronutrient deficiencies and excesses.
10. Describe the nutrition-related causes of energy imbalance and suggest realistic and sustainable approaches for achieving healthy energy balance at the individual level.
11. Predict fuel use for different time-points and intensities of physical activity.
12. Suggest dietary strategies for improving athletic performance and recovery

Grading

  • 2-Stage In-Tutorial Quizzes(90% = individual; 10% = group) 10%
  • In-Tutorial Activities 10%
  • Diet Analysis (DA 1 = 5% DA 2 = 10% DA 3 = 10%) 25%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Essential Nutrition Textbook. For purchase here: https://url-shortener.me/2GIS

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.