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Introduction to Precision Nutrition

University of Arizona via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

5 weeks, 2 hours a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Overview

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This class addresses the emerging area of precision nutrition in the communication between diet and our genome as well as early environmental conditions and special nutrition-shaped human evolution and adaptation that led to the current genetic/epigenetic diversity. How genes are affected by aging and obesity is also reviewed. The main objective of this course is to provide an overview of precision nutrition, and its relationship to human health and disease.

Syllabus

Introduction to Precision Nutrition, Diet and Environment

In this module, you will explore the key foundations of precision nutrition, focusing on how diet, environmental exposures, and genetic variation interact to influence health across the lifespan. You will examine the role of dietary patterns in chronic disease, as well as how environmental factors affect biological systems, especially during vulnerable life stages. You will also gain an overview of the human genome, including DNA structure, gene function, and the central dogma of biology. Finally, the module connects these concepts to precision nutrition by introducing genetic variation and how differences in genotype can shape dietary responses and disease risk. By the end, you will be able to integrate dietary, environmental, and genetic factors to better understand personalized approaches to health.

Genome Structure & Central Dogma

In this module, you will explore the structure and function of the human genome and its role in precision nutrition. You will learn about DNA organization, including nucleotides, chromosomes, and chromatin, as well as key concepts such as the central dogma of biology—transcription, translation, and protein synthesis. The module also introduces genetic variation, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs), and how differences in genotype influence phenotype and dietary responses. By the end, you will understand how genomic structure and gene function inform personalized nutrition and health outcomes.

Human Genomic Variation and Nutritional Epigenetics

In this module, you will explore how genetic variation and epigenetic processes influence health and personalized nutrition. You will learn about different types of genetic variants—such as SNVs, INDELs, and larger structural changes—and how they are identified, described, and applied in areas like nutritional genomics and direct-to-consumer testing. The module also introduces epigenetics, focusing on how gene expression is regulated through mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification, and how factors such as diet, toxins, and stress can shape these changes. Drawing on key animal and human studies, you will examine how environmental influences can have lasting and even transgenerational effects. By the end, you will understand how genetic and epigenetic factors interact to inform precision nutrition and individualized health strategies.

Dietary Recommendations Based on Genetic Data

In this module, you will explore the principles of precision nutrition and how data—from diet to genetics—supports personalized health strategies. You will examine omega-3 fatty acids as a key example, including their health benefits, dietary sources, and variation across populations. The module also covers diet–gene interactions and how genetic differences influence nutrient metabolism, along with the importance of tailoring nutrition to diverse populations. Finally, you will learn how to apply these concepts by designing personalized nutrition plans and addressing real-world challenges in implementation.

Introduction to Precision Nutrition Final Exam and Assignment

In this final module, you will synthesize the key concepts from the course, integrating knowledge of diet, genetics, epigenetics, environmental exposures, and population diversity to evaluate precision nutrition approaches. Through a comprehensive final exam and applied assignment, you will demonstrate your understanding of how genetic variation, gene expression, and dietary factors interact to influence health and disease. This module provides an opportunity to apply theory to practice by critically analyzing evidence and developing personalized or population-based nutrition strategies grounded in precision nutrition principles.