Interactions between nutrients and gene expression, including heredity, gene regulation, metabolic disease, developmental abnormalities, and molecular techniques.

Examines the prevalence, prevention, and treatment of adult and childhood obesity, and the metabolic disorders related to obesity.

Implement community engagement activities, such as gardening, cooking, and nutrition lessons within a school or other community environment with the goal of improving nutrition and health. Explore evidence-based nutrition programs, such as fundamental principles of food gardening with an emphasis on central Texas, application of skills in the university teaching garden and school gardens, and application of nutrition curriculum in a school setting.

Explore the physiology of sports nutrition as well as its practical application such as summarizing physiological adaptations to exercise, and describing energy systems. Examine the role of sport specific body weight, composition measurement, and estimate macronutrient/hydration needs for athletes of different sports.

Introduction to the science of nutrition. Explore components of food (macro- and micronutrients), digestion and absorption, energy metabolism, micronutrients, supplements, energy balance, and the role of nutrition in the growing epidemics of obesity and chronic illnesses.