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FSHN 150 - Introduction to Human Nutrition

  • 3 credits
View available sections

When it comes to nutrition, the media often focus on fad diets and controversies. You might even think nutrition experts are constantly changing their advice on what a healthy diet is. Yet, this isn't true. The science of nutrition is complex but choosing a healthy diet does not need to be. FSHN 150 will provide you a broad survey of the science of human nutrition that will allow you to debunk diet myths, understand factors that influence your food choices and health, and design a nutritious eating pattern.

What You'll Learn

Each weekly module includes a blend of learning activities covering:

  • Factors that influence food choices and health
  • Classes, dietary sources, and functions of macronutrients and micronutrients
  • How the digestive system works and common digestive disorders
  • How dietary recommendations are developed and how to use them
  • Evaluating nutrition information from different sources
  • Nutrition and physical activity
  • Nutrition across the lifespan
  • Food safety and global nutrition and food security
  • A real-life assessment of your own diet using what you've learned in the course

Who Is This Course For?

FSHN 150 has no prerequisites and is open to anyone interested in nutrition and health. The course is especially well suited for:

  • Students in nutrition, food science, health and exercise science, public health, nursing, hospitality, education, and related fields
  • Traditional undergraduates who need a flexible online course to fit their schedule
  • Students at other universities who need an introductory nutrition course
  • Busy professionals looking for a flexible online option
  • Students preparing for a graduate program in nutrition or dietetics
  • Students entering the graduate certificate program in nutrition science who need a prerequisite or refresher course
  • Individuals applying to nursing school

Where Does FSHN 150 Lead?

FSHN 150 serves as an excellent foundation for students planning to take upper-level nutrition courses such as FSHN 350 (Human Nutrition) or FSHN 530 (Principles of Nutrition Science and Metabolism), both of which are available online through CSU. It is also a prerequisite for CSU's Integrative Wellness Coaching Program (FSHN 271 and FSHN 272), which prepares students for national board certification as a health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC).

The Integrative Wellness Coaching Program is currently being developed for fully online delivery. FSHN 272 will be available online beginning Spring 2027, and FSHN 271 will follow in Fall 2027, making the 2027-2028 academic year the first full-year online cohort. The online format will combine synchronous and asynchronous components. If you're interested in a career in health coaching, FSHN 150 is your starting point. FSHN 150 is offered every semester: fall, spring, and summer.

Flexible and Engaging Learning Experience

You'll work with textbook material, peer-reviewed research, and current articles. Assessments include quizzes, tests, discussions, and projects. Class sizes are intentionally small, and you'll have regular interaction with your instructor throughout the course.

Questions about whether this course is right for you? Contact the instructor directly at james.peth@colostate.edu.

Important Information

This course is offered all three terms: spring, summer and fall.

Textbooks and Materials

Please check the CSU Bookstore for textbook information. Textbook listings are available about 3 weeks prior to the start of the term.

Instructors

Michelle Manson, MS, RDN
Michelle Manson, MS, RDN

michelle.manson@colostate.edu

Michelle Manson is a registered dietitian nutritionist and instructor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University. She has professional experience in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, education, and online curriculum development at the graduate and undergraduate level. Her interests include health promotion through food, chronic disease prevention, food security, food safety, and optimizing learning and engagement in online courses. She has been teaching and developing online courses since 2011.