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Genetics in the BDA curriculum

The Centre has worked with dietitians, educators and the British Dietetic Association to identify areas of genetics important to dietetic education. The new BDA pre-registration curriculum framework recommends that, at the point of registration, dietitians should be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of genetics and its application, including :

  • Principles of genetics, nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics
  • Understanding of the genetic basis of diseases and application in dietetic practice
  • The impact of nutrients on cellular mechanisms, including gene expression, and the contribution to diet related disease and its management.

 

How do I learn about the principles of genetics?

A range of resources for health professionals and educators, including PowerPoint slides, animations, and PDF files, are available from this website. These include explanations of: Core Genetic Concepts, Taking and Drawing a Family History, and a range of Genetic Conditions. Click here to view these resources.

 

What is nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics?

Although nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are intimately linked, their meanings and purpose are fundamentally different for understanding the relationship between diet and genes.

  • Nutrigenetics research is concerned with the effects of inheriting a particular gene variant on a person's responsiveness to a particular nutrient or diet, and how this affects metabolism, health status and risk of disease.
  • Nutrigenomics research focuses on how nutrients or dietary constituents affect gene expression, protein and metabolite concentration, and how this affects metabolism, health status and risk of disease.

 

How do I learn about the genetic basis of disease and its application in dietetic practice?

We are currently working with practicing dietitians and educators from UK Universities and regional dietetic groups to develop a range of resources, including clinical case scenarios, to explain the genetic basis of disease and application in dietetic practice. This includes resources on multifactorial conditions as well as specific genetic conditions. Click here to view the resources that have already been developed.

We welcome your comments or suggestions about genetics education relevant to dietitians: please contact:

 joanna.instone@geneticseducation.nhs.uk 

 

 

Last updated: 20 October 2011

Teaching Genetics