Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: examine energy yielding nutrients, how to use the scientific method for nutrition, guidelines for a healthy diet, and how to determine nutritional needs; assess guidelines for a healthy diet and eating plan and get details on how to determine nutritional needs; compare the structure, types, and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, water, and vitamins, how they are digested, and the issues associated with them; illustrate the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and the digestion processes for nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and lipids; review the structure and function of cells, focusing on cell metabolism and protein synthesis; assess the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and the risks associated with being overweight; explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments for eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating; and diagram the nutritional and caloric needs to support and optimize physical activity.