You Can Learn While You Sleep, Says Study

New research from Weizmann Institute, published in Nature Neuroscience has discovered that people can actually learn during sleep, which can unconsciously modify their behavior while awake.

The study suggests that while people sleep, if certain odors are presented after hearing tones, people start sniffing even if there is no odor presented when they hear the same tones. This happens during sleep and even when people wake up.

There have been several past studies explaining the importance of sleep for learning and memory consolidation. However, none of them have been able to show the human brain actually learning new information during sleep.

Professor Noam Sobel, research student Anat Arzi, Sobel's team from the Institute's Neurobiology Department, and experts from Loewenstein Hospital and the Academic College of Tel Aviv- Jaffa, decided to try an experiment with a type of conditioning that exposes participants to a tone followed by an odor, so that they soon experience a similar response to the tone as they would to the odor.

The researchers found many advantages from pairing tones and odors, for example, neither wakes the subject, yet the brain processes them and even reacts during sleep. Certain odors actually even help the participants to have a sound sleep. On the other hand, sleep-learning studies are extremely difficult to conduct, so the experts had to make sure the participants were really asleep during the "lessons."

Associations made whilst sleeping appear to be retained after waking up.

The sense of smell, or sniffing, holds a unique non-verbal measure that can be examined. Results showed that the brain acts just as it does when it is awake when dealing with smells. When we smell a pleasant aroma we inhale deeply, and when we smell something bad we cut our inhalation short.

It didn't matter if participants were asleep or awake, this variation in sniffing could be recorded either way. This type of conditioning, while appearing so simple, is also associated with some higher brain areas, like the hippocampus (involved in memory formation).

In order to continuously monitor the subjects' sleep state, the subjects slept in a special lab during the experiments. Even if a participant woke up for a second, the results had to be disqualified.

During sleep time, the subjects heard a tone that was followed by either a pleasant or an unpleasant odor. Then another tone was heard, followed by an odor (at the opposite end of the pleasantness scale from what they previously smelt).

The associations were partially reinforced throughout the night, in order to expose the subjects to the tones alone. The volunteers sniffed deeply or took shallow breaths when they heard the tones without the odor, reacting the same way as if the associated odors were still present.

After volunteers awoke the next day, they heard the tones again with no odor following. Since they were asleep the night before, they had no conscious memory of ever listening to them, but their breathing patterns were showing something different. When the tones that were paired with bad smells were played for the subjects, they produced short, shallow sniffs; and when they heard the tones that were associated with nice odors, they sniffed deeply.

The team conducted a second experiment to find out if this type of learning was tied to a particular phase of sleep. In order to do so, they divided the sleep cycles into rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep where they induced the conditioning in only one phase or the other.

Researchers were surprised to see that the REM phase showed a more pronounced learning response. However, being able to transfer the learned association from sleep to waking was only found when the learning happened in the non-REM phase.

REM sleep may make us more open to stimuli in the environment, according to Sobel and Arzi, but "dream amnesia" (which makes people forget their dreams) may operate on any conditioning during that stage. Non-REM sleep, they explained, is important for consolidating memory, so it could also be playing a role in this form of sleep-learning.

Since Sobel's lab focuses on the sense of smell, Arzi hopes to further investigate brain processing in altered states of consciousness such as sleep and coma.

Arzi said:

"Now that we know that some kind of sleep learning is possible, we want to find where the limits lie- what information can be learned during sleep and what information cannot."

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Why Do Computer Tablets Disrupt Sleeping Patterns?

Communication devices and tablet computers with self-luminous backlit displays can cause melatonin levels to drop, making it much harder to fall asleep, researchers at the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, explained. The authors of the report explained that if you have not yet gone to bed when exposed to a luminous screen for long enough, you will probably delay your bedtime.

Their study has been published in Applied Ergonomics and is titled "Light level and duration of exposure determine the impact of self-luminous tablets on melatonin suppression".

Melatonin, a hormone, is involved in regulating our circadian rhythm, our body clock. Fluctuations in melatonin levels influence on our desire to stay awake or go to sleep. During evolution, sunlight exposure determined what our melatonin levels were. Our bodies still respond to melatonin in the same way we did thousands of years ago. The difference today is that we now have other sources of light, which can upset our body clocks.

Studies have shown that disturbances in our circadian rhythm may lead to brain cell changes, and cause sleep problems in aging. Researchers at the University of Southern California found that circadian rhythm is much more important to life than had previously been suspected.

Research head, associate professor, Mariana Figeuiro and team set out to determine what the effects of self-luminous tablets might be on melatonin suppression. They observed and gathered data on 13 volunteers who used the devices to watch films, play games and read documents.

Prof. Figueiro said:

"Our study shows that a two-hour exposure to light from self-luminous electronic displays can suppress melatonin by about 22 percent. Stimulating the human circadian system to this level may affect sleep in those using the devices prior to bedtime."

Two-hour exposure to tablet computers before bedtime could be making us go to bed later

The melatonin suppression that occurred after exposure to the luminous tablet screen was similar to what one would expect after being exposed to normal sunlight, the researchers explained. In other words, the screen light makes the human's body clock regress from nighttime-sleepy to daytime-alert mode.

Figueiro said "Based on these results, display manufacturers can use our model to determine how their products could affect circadian system regulation."

The team says their findings should be used to encourage gadget, tablet, mobile phone and screen manufacturers to create more circadian-friendly products which could follow our sleep-awake patterns, rather than work against them.

Perhaps manufacturers could design tablets to help people with certain conditions and illnesses linked to lack of sunlight exposure, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and sleep problems commonly experienced by seniors. Users could be receiving therapy for their condition while watching a movie, playing games, writing letters, or reading texts - much more fun that simply sitting in front of a light box. (SAD treatment involves sitting in front of a light box each day for one or two hours).

Melatonin is a "the hormone of darkness"

Melatonin, or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine is a hormone, also an antioxidant, which occurs naturally in all animals, plants and microbes. In animals (this includes humans), levels of melatonin fluctuate during the daily cycle. It is a "timing messenger" which regulates our waking and sleeping cycles. Doctors sometimes prescribe melatonin for people who find it hard to get to sleep.

In humans and other mammals melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland.

Melatonin is secreted when it is dark, that is why it is sometimes called the "hormone of darkness". Our highest melatonin levels usually occur during bedtime.

Technology is robbing us of natural darkness

Prehistoric humans, before they knew how to make fire, would go to sleep as soon as it was dark because their melatonin levels would shoot up after sunset. High melatonin levels make us want to go to sleep. After we knew how to make fire, we no longer lived in total darkness during the night. Then came candles, gaslights, and the electric light bulb.

Technology today means that we can be exposed to intense light at any time of day and night.

Co-author, Brittany Wood, said:

"Technology developments have led to bigger and brighter televisions, computer screens, and cell phones. To produce white light, these electronic devices must emit light at short wavelengths, which makes them potential sources for suppressing or delaying the onset of melatonin in the evening, reducing sleep duration and disrupting sleep. This is particularly worrisome in populations such as young adults and adolescents, who already tend to be night owls."

Wood and team divided the volunteers into three groups:

• Clear goggles group - they looked at their tablets through a pair of clear goggles. The goggles were fitted with 470-nm (blue) light from LEDs (light emitting diodes). Blue light is known to suppress melatonin. This was the "true positive condition"


• Orange-tinted glasses group - The tinted glass can filter out short-wavelength radiation which suppresses melatonin. This was the "dark control" condition.


• No goggles group - they wore no glasses or goggles. Their tablets were set to maximum brightness.

Each participant wore a Dimesimeter near the eye. A Dimesimeter is a device that monitors and records circadian light and levels of activity. It was developed at the Lighting Research Center.

The team found that exposure duration and the distance from their eye to the tablet screen had a significant impact on melatonin levels. The impact on melatonin suppression was insignificant after 60 minute exposure, and considerable after 120 minutes.

Prof Figuiero said:

"We recommended dimming these devices at night as much as possible in order to minimize melatonin suppression, and limiting the amount of time spent using these devices prior to bedtime."

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Academic Achievement Higher Among Most Active Kids - Vigorous Physical Activity Linked To Better Grades

Children who participate in vigorous physical activity, such as sports, perform better in school, according to a new study released today by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The examination of activity and physical education (PE) compared to academic achievement shows the most active kids more often have better grades. The study is published in the August issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise �, the official journal of ACSM.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of physical education class enrollment and overall physical activity on academic achievement. The link between activity and academic performance was most significant when kids met Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) guidelines for vigorous activity 20 minutes a day, at least three days a week. Grades were not affected among kids who were moderately active for 30 minutes at least five days a week.

Two hundred fourteen middle school-aged students participated, all of whom were randomly assigned to a PE course for either the first (August to mid-January) or second (mid-January to June) semester of the academic year. The research team measured students' physical activity in and outside school in 30-minute blocks, and compared their individual grades in core subjects, such as English, world studies, science and mathematics.

"Physical education and activity during the school day may reduce boredom and help keep kids attention in the classroom," said Dawn Podulka Coe, Ph.D., the study's lead author. "We were expecting to find that students enrolled in PE would have better grades because of the opportunity to be active during the school day. But, enrollment in PE alone did not influence grades. The students who performed better academically in this study were the most active, meaning those who participated in a sport or other vigorous activity at least three times a week."

Most of the vigorous activity was achieved outside the classroom, in sports such as soccer, football, basketball and baseball/softball. Since academic performance was favorably influenced by this level of activity, the researchers suggest incorporating vigorous activity in PE classes.

"This is a good tool for all of us-parents, teachers and researchers alike-to understand what motivates students and possibly coordinate their activity and academic needs," said Coe.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 international, national, and regional members are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise � is the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine , and is available from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at 1-800-638-6423. Visit ACSM online at http://www.acsm.org. The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement of the American College of Sports Medicine.

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Benefitting Health with a Phd in Health Education

Imagine this real case scenario: In Africa, many people die daily due to malaria. This can be avoided by the use of mosquito netting, which protects the malaria-carrying mosquitoes from biting them. However, people are still ignorant and uneducated about how these nets can save their lives, and go on living without them.

Now, picture this: If the people in Africa were educated from young about the dangers of these deadly insects, they would take precautions to save themselves. If, with that knowledge, they also knew that mosquito netting can reduce the number of incidences, many would be alive today.
As the examples given, the education of living healthily is extremely important. Even without such an extreme case, health education helps us maintain a healthy life. Health education refers to learning about how health can be promoted, restored, and maintained. ‘Health’ does not only refer to the physiological aspect; it also includes the psychological and spiritual aspects.

Read More on this at: Benefitting Health with a Phd in Health Education

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All About Careers in Nutrition UK

NUTRITION is the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses nutrients, and the relationship between diet, health and disease. Nutritionists create and apply scientific knowledge to promote an understanding of the effects of diet on health and wellbeing of humans and animals.

Most of the major food manufacturers and retailers employ nutritionists and food scientists and opportunities also exist in journalism, government, research, health promotion and education, at home and abroad.

There is also a variety of food-orientated careers within the related field of food science and technology. Nutritionists also work in emergency relief or development projects in low income countries. In relation to the latter, information on opportunities and advice on training courses and the personal skills and qualities required can be found at www.ihe.org.uk.

The Nutrition Society is the learned society in Britain for nutritionists. Members of the Society can apply for registration, which requires a degree level qualification in nutrition (or a related subject) plus a minimum of 3 years professional experience as a nutritionist. Registered individuals can be recognised by the letters RNutr after their name.

Associate registration is available for graduates who are in the process of gaining sufficient experience to apply for full registration. Specialist registration in public health nutrition (RPHNutr) is also available via the Society. The registers can be found on the Society's website, www.nutsoc.org.uk, which is also a source of information on job vacancies.

PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION

PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION is the application of the science of nutrition for the benefit of the population as a whole, or sub-sections of the population. It encompasses promotion of good health through nutrition and the primary prevention of diet-related illness in the population.

Although an important facet of public health nutrition is establishing the relationships between nutrition and health or disease risk at a research level, equally important is nutrition-related health promotion. This includes the type of work conducted by many of the nutritionists working in the food industry and related trade associations, government, health promotion, and by dietitians working in the community.

In December 1997, the Nutrition Society launched a scheme to register individuals qualified in public health nutrition. Registration usually requires a degree in human nutrition plus a minimum of three years relevant post-graduate experience in public health nutrition. Individuals achieving registration are known as Registered Public Health Nutritionists (RPHNutr).

Associate registration is available for graduates who are in the process of gaining sufficient work experience to apply for full registration. The Nutrition Society is also beginning to accredit degree courses in public health nutrition so that this career path can be selected from the outset. Several such courses now exist and details can be obtained from the Nutrition Society (www.nutsoc.org.uk/courses).


DIETETICS

DIETETICS is the application of the science of nutrition to the construction of diets and the selection and preparation of foods, in health and disease. A dietitian will have undertaken training in a hospital as part of his/her course and is specially trained to give practical advice to individuals about their diets. Many dietitians are employed in the NHS, and they work with both healthy and sick people, as well as their families. With patients who need special diets, dietitians use their scientific knowledge to provide practical information that is appropriate to the patient's medical history and lifestyle.

These days a considerable proportion of dietitians spend some or all of their time working in the community rather than in a hospital. Many of these are eligible to apply for registration in public health nutrition as well as being state registered dietitians (SRD). In the community, the dietitian's work is more about health education, although many also run clinics in doctors' surgeries for people who need specialist dietary counselling. Dietitians also work in research, the food industry, government, the media and education. Information about freelance dietitians is available from the British Dietetic Association.

It is necessary to have a degree (BSc or MSc) in nutrition and dietetics to work as a dietitian. The British Dietetic Association has a leaflet called Puzzled about qualifying as a Dietitian? that provides information on degree course entry requirements (its website is www.bda.uk.com).

What is the difference between nutritionists' and dietitians' qualifications?

Dietetics involves the application of nutrition science and so all dietetic courses must include the study of nutrition. However, not all nutrition courses include dietetics and lead to a qualification in dietetics, which is required to work in hospital as a dietitian. If you want to become a dietitian, you must graduate from a course approved by the Dietitians' Board of the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (contact www.bda.uk.com).

GETTING STARTED: LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES The usual way of starting a career in nutrition is to study for a degree in nutrition and/or dietetics at a University. Chemistry and/or biology are generally required, if you did not study science at school, you may be able to enter university after successfully completing a science access course. Information about entry requirements is available via university prospectuses and Course Leaders or Admissions Tutors. Also, the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) provides information on the many varied courses that now exist (www.ucas.co.uk). A summary of available courses is listed below. Your careers advisor should also be able to provide advice and information.

Universities and colleges that run BSc courses in nutrition and/or dietetics (courses marked with an asterisk lead to state registration in dietetics)

The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen www.rgu.ac.uk
Nutrition and Dietetics with State Registration in Dietetics* (4 years)
Nutrition

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, www.cardiff.ac.uk.
Applied Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition and Dietetics*

Coventry University, www.coventry.ac.uk
Dietetics*

Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, www.qmuc.ac.uk
Dietetics* (4 years)
Human Nutrition
Public Health Nutrition

Glasgow Caledonian University, www.caledonian.ac.uk
Human Nutrition and Dietetics*

Leeds Metropolitan University, www.lmu.ac.uk
Dietetics*

Liverpool John Moores University, www.livjm.ac.uk
Nutrition

King's College London (University of London), www.kcl.ac.uk
Nutrition
Nutrition and Dietetics (4 years)*

University of Greenwich, London, www.gre.ac.uk
Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition with European Studies

University of North London, www.unl.ac.uk
Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (4 years)*

South Bank University, London www.sbu.ac.uk
Bioscience (Nutrition)

University of Westminster, London www.wmin.ac.uk
Health Sciences: Nutritional Therapy
Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition (with a foundation year) (4 years)

University of Luton, www.luton.ac.uk
Nutrition
Public Health Nutrition

The Manchester Metropolitan University, www.mmu.ac.uk
Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition (with a foundation year) (4 years)

University of Nottingham, www.nottingham.ac.uk
Nutrition
Nutrition (with state registration in dietetics)*
(4 years, undergraduate masters level)

Oxford Brookes University, www.brookes.ac.uk
Public Health Nutrition

Sheffield Hallam University, www.shu.ac.uk
Public Health Nutrition (subject to validation)

University of Southampton, www.som.soton.ac.uk
Nutritional Sciences

University of Surrey, www.surrey.ac.uk
Nutrition (3 or 4 years)
Nutrition with a Foundation year (4 or 5 years)
Nutrition/Dietetics (4 years)*

Roehampton University of Surrey, www.roehampton.ac.uk
Nutrition and Health

Kingston University, Surrey, www.kingston.ac.uk
Nutrition
Nutrition (with a foundation year) (4 years)

University of Ulster, Northern Ireland www.ulst.ac.uk
Human Nutrition (opportunity to specialise in public health nutrition, 4 year, this route is accredited by the Nutrition Society)

Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Dietetics are run at:

Kings College London, www.kcl.ac.uk
(15-month course for applicants with a BSc in Nutrition or equivalent, leads to a postgraduate diploma)

Leeds Metropolitan University, www.LMU.ac.uk
(2 years, full time course, postgraduate diploma)

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, www.uwic.ac.uk
(2 years, full time course, postgraduate diploma)

University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, www.ulst.ac.uk
(2 years, full time course, MSc or postgraduate diploma)

Postgraduate Courses

Once you have a degree, it is possible to take a masters degree (MSc), which typically take 12-18 months to complete, or to study for a doctorate (PhD), which takes a minimum of 3 years.

A masters degree in nutrition is a means by which you can change careers if your BSc is in a subject other than nutrition, or by which you can specialise, e.g. by taking a postgraduate course in public health nutrition or sports science.

To undertake a PhD, it is necessary to have been awarded a very good BSc (first class or upper second (2i) class honours) or to have a MSc in the subject, together with funding that is typically in the form of a research grant.

Postgraduate (MSc) taught courses and opportunities to study for a PhD focusing on nutrition are offered at:

University of Aberdeen, www.abdn.ac.uk
Human Nutrition and Metabolism MSc (1 year)
International Nutrition MSc (1 year)
MSc/PhD by research (with Rowett Research Institute)

The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, www.rgu.ac.uk
Nutrition PhD/MPhil by research
PGDip/MSc (part-time, subject to validation)

Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh www.qmced.ac.uk
Public Health Nutrition MSc 45 weeks (full or part-time)
PgCert, PgDip,
MPhil/PhD by research

University of Glasgow, www.gla.ac.uk
Human Nutrition MSc/Diploma (1 year)
Human Nutrition PhD and MPhil by research
Clinical Nutrition MSc/Diploma (medical graduates only) (2 years)

University of Huddersfield, www.hud.ac.uk
Nutrition and Food Management MSc (1 year)
PhD and MPhil by research

University of Keele, www.keele.ac.uk
Health, Population and Nutrition in Developing Countries MBA (1 year)

University of London, King's College, www.kcl.ac.uk
Human Nutrition MSc (1 year) or Diploma (7 months)
PhD by research

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London www.lshtm.ac.uk Public Health Nutrition MSc (1 year full time, 2 years part time) (accredited by the Nutrition Society)
MPhil/PhD/DrPH

University of Westminster, London, www.wmin.ac.uk
Public Health (Food & Nutrition) MSc 1-2 PgDiploma, PgCert
Nutrition & Healthcare MSc 1-2 PgDiploma, PgCert
MPhil/PhD by research

University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Human Nutrition Research Centre, www.ncl.ac.uk
Human Nutrition PhD/MPhil by research

University of Nottingham, www.nottingham.ac.uk
Nutritional Biochemistry (Human) MSc (1 year)
PhD/MPhil by research

Oxford Brookes University, Centre for the Science of Food and Nutrition, www.brookes.ac.uk
Human Nutrition MPhil/PhD by research

University of Sheffield, www.shef.ac.uk MMed Sci in Human Nutrition (part or full time)
Diploma in Human Nutrition (full time) MPhil/ PhD in Human Nutrition

University of Southampton, www.wom.soton.ac.uk
Public Health Nutrition MA (Accredited by the Nutrition Society)
PhD/MPhil by research

University of Surrey, www.surrey.ac.uk
Human Nutrition MPhil/PhD by research
Nutritional Medicine MSc (2-6 years) (Also diploma and certificate) Part-time modular training.

University of Surrey, Roehampton Institute London www.roehampton.ac.uk
Clinical Nutrition MSc/Diploma (part or full-time)
Nutrition, Brain & Behaviour MSc/Diploma

University of Ulster www.ulst.ac.uk
Human Nutrition MSc (1 year) PgDiploma (9 months)
MRes (1 year) MPhil/DPhil by research

Other opportunities

Some other universities and colleges offer courses such as food science, biochemistry, sports science, home economics, and food technology that include modules/joint courses in nutrition. These include: University of Bradford, Chester College, University of Greenwich, University of Huddersfield, University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Roehampton Institute, University of Teeside. More details can be found in the UCAS Handbook, or on its website, www.ucas.co.uk

Also, the Open University has modules on food and health. Contact: The Centre For Continuing Education, The Open University, PO Box 118, Milton Keynes MK7 6A.

There are no correspondence courses in Dietetics although some colleges and universities are developing study routes, which offer flexibility, including part time courses. Please contact the colleges and universities directly about these.

BSc Courses in Animal Nutrition

University of Central Lancashire, www.uclan.ac.uk
Animal Production and Nutrition

Harper Adams University College, www.harper-adams.ac.uk
Animal Nutrition

University of Leeds, www.leeds.ac.uk
Animal Nutrition and Physiology

For more information

Consult appropriate university and college guides for information on specific courses and entry requirements, which vary considerably.

For the addresses of universities offering courses that lead to registration in dietetics, see www.ucas.co.uk. For more information on dietetics, write to the British Dietetic association at: BDA, 7th Floor, Elizabeth house, 22 Suffolk Street, Birmingham B1 1LS, enclosing a large stamped self-addressed envelope (website: http://www.bda.uk.com).

Information on nutrition courses is also available from the Nutrition Society's website: www.nutsoc.org.uk.

For further information about opportunities in food science contact The Institute of Food Science and Technology, 5 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7NJ (www.ifst.org.uk).

Depending on your specific interests, it may also be worth contacting the Institute of Consumer Sciences, 21 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PY (www.institute-consumer-sciences.co.uk)

Funding

Many local authorities assist students resident in their areas. In Scotland you should apply to the Scottish Education Department and in Northern Ireland to the local Education and Library Board. All students may apply for student loans.

What about non-degree courses?

A number of NVQ, SVQ and HND courses include some basic nutrition, e.g. courses in catering, retailing or hospitality. Although, these types of courses are useful for people with a general interest in the subject, who wish to know more about basic nutrition for their personal interest, these courses are NOT designed to train participants to give detailed and evidence-based dietary advice. Furthermore, these and other non-degree courses are not recognised by the Nutrition Society or Dietitians Board as being of sufficient depth to provide the basis for a career in nutrition or dietetics. However, in the context of the National Grid for Learning, (S)NVQs can be a route of entry into higher education (e.g. the undergraduate courses listed previously), provided the particular course has been judged to be acceptable as an access course that shows general readiness for study. The same applies to some diplomas in the private sector (see below).

There are a number of private colleges and institutes that do not have Privy Council approval to award degrees, which offer courses in nutrition. These courses are not controlled by the Qualifications and Curriculum Agency and the Quality Assurance Agency that oversee courses offered in the public sector, and so it is difficult to assess what standard is achieved. These courses can be expensive and the qualifications obtained may be of limited value as they are not recognised by the professional organisations that represent the interests of conventionally trained nutritionists and dietitians, or by the majority of would-be employers of nutritionists/ nutrition scientists and dietitians.

Who's who in Nutrition

The British Dietetic Association

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) was formed in 1936 and incorporated in 1947. It is the professional association for qualified dietitians in the UK, and a condition of full membership is the holding of a recognised dietetic qualification. The BDA is represented on Functional Council, Professional and Technical Staffs 'A' of the Whitley Councils for the Health Service (Great Britain). This body negotiates salaries and conditions within the National Health Service. Members of the association serve on the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine and the Dietitians Board thereof, the body granting statutory registration to qualified dietitians, which is now compulsory for employment in the National Health Service.

The BDA has a commitment to assist its members to uphold the highest standard of professionals practice. The Continued Professional Development (CPD) policy adopted by the profession in May 1998, sets out the main principles of CPD; identifies the steps to be taken prior to engagement in CPD activity; provides guidance on the completion of a Personal Development Plan and gives examples of CPD activities.

The British Dietetic Association, 5th Floor Charles House, 148/9 Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, B3 3HT; tel: 0121 200 8080; website: www.bda.uk.com; email: info@bda.uk.com

The Nutrition Society

The Nutrition Society was established in 1941"to advance the scientific study of nutrition and its application to the maintenance of human and animal health". It is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. Membership is worldwide but most members live in Europe. Membership is open to those with a genuine interest in the science of human or animal nutrition. Full details of membership and application forms are available via the Society's website www.nutsoc.org.uk.

The Society publishes four major international scientific journals and is currently producing a series of textbooks on nutrition. Full details of the Society's publishing division, including electronic access to sample copies of the journals, are available via the website.

The Society works for professional development in nutrition for members, to recognise and encourage appropriate standards of training in nutrition. The Society offers professional qualifications to nutritionists through a number of registration schemes, the details of which can be found at www.nutsoc.org.uk. The Society also organises an accreditation scheme for courses in Public Health Nutrition. Three courses have been accredited to date.

The Nutrition Society, 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road, London, W6 7NJ; tel: 020 7602 0228; website: www.nutsoc.org.uk; email: office@nutsoc.org.uk

Links

Nutrition Society www.nutsoc.org.uk
British Dietetic Association www.bda.uk.com
Institute of Biology www.iob.org
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) www.ucas.co.uk
National Sports Medicine Institute www.nsmi.org.uk
International Health Exchange www.ihe.org.uk
IFST Careers site www.foodtechcareers.org

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