New Nutrition Science Major at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

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MEDIA CONTACTEd FedericoPenn Nursing215.746.3562[email protected]

New Nutrition Science Major at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Cross-School, Dual Major Offered in Conjunction with Penn’s School of Arts & SciencesNewswise — PHILADELPHIA (February 8, 2016)—University of Pennsylvania undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) or the School of Arts and Sciences can now add a second major in Nutrition Sciences to their first major.

Nutrition Science is the study of the influence of nutrients and the foods which contain them on health and disease. This expansive discipline includes the study of feeding & dietary behaviors, metabolism, basic and clinical scientific approaches to the physiological roles of nutrients in the diet, using research and educational lenses from the cellular to human level.

Strong Student InterestThe interdisciplinary nature of the new major is built upon a curricular structure which exposes students to a wide array of coursework and research options which are critical to grasping the scope of Nutrition Science. “The Nutrition Science major has developed in large part due to consistently strong student interest for a number of years,” said Bart De Jonghe, PhD, Associate Director of Nutrition Programs. “This new major will build on the popular Nutrition Minor with a rigorous new program that is unique among Ivy League universities.“

Next Generation of ScientistsClassroom and laboratory experiences in Nutrition Science will explore the role of nutrition in major human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, which together account for nearly seventy percent of global mortality. The next generation of young scientists interested in combating these diseases needs a well-rounded background in biological and nutrition science, as well as social sciences and public health. A second major in Nutrition Science at Penn Nursing uniquely advances such an academic portfolio to prepare graduates to combat individual and global health challenges of the 21st century.

Program SpecificsThe Nutrition Science second major is a true cross-school opportunity, with School of Nursing and Arts and Sciences undergraduates qualifying for study with diverse course and research opportunities for courses in both schools as part of the curriculum. ““The cross-school collaboration in teaching the courses that support this new major are a wonderful intellectual advantage for Penn students who can interact with faculty from many disciplines in the course of their studies,” said Charlene Compher, PhD, RD, LDN, FASPEN, Faculty Director of Nutrition Programs.

The Nutrition Science major at Penn Nursing requires 14 credit units: six courses in basic sciences such as cellular biology, anatomy & physiology, and chemistry, four fundamental nutrition science courses, and four electives with nutrition content chosen from a variety of courses offered from Arts and Sciences and/or Nursing. There are two upcoming information sessions about this new major. Specific program and course requirements will be detailed in each. Both sessions will be held in room 300 in Fagin Hall (418 Curie Boulevard). The first will February 18 at 5:00 PM and the second is February 24 at 5:00 PM.

The Penn Nursing Nutrition Science faculty who support the new major are:•Charlene Compher, PhD, RD, LDN, FASPEN, Professor of Nutrition Science, whose research and clinical practice are focused on improving the nutritional care and clinical outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal disorders and pregnant women; •Tanja Kral, PhD, Associate Professor of Nutrition Science, whose research focuses on the cognitive, sensory, and nutritional controls of appetite and eating behaviors with relevance to obesity;•Bart De Jonghe, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition Science, whose research is focused on understanding the neurological controls of energy balance dysregulation and malaise during disease; and•Matthew Hayes, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutritional Neuroscience at the Perelman School of Medicine, whose research is focused on the neuroendocrine systems regulating energy balance with linkages to obesity and addictive behaviors.

Editor’s Note: If you would like more information, please e-mail [email protected].

About the University of Pennsylvania School of NursingThe University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is one of the world’s leading schools of nursing and is ranked the #1 graduate nursing school in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Penn Nursing is consistently among the nation’s top recipients of nursing research funding from the National Institutes of Health. Penn Nursing prepares nurse scientists and nurse leaders to meet the health needs of a global society through research, education, and practice.