Course list

This course discusses how the digestive system works to extract critical nutrients from food, how we incorporate those nutrients into our body, and how the autonomic nervous system facilitates these processes. You will consider how bacteria from the environment may affect our digestive processes and why consuming foods containing specific nutrients can minimize some illnesses that occur with normal living.
  • Oct 14, 2026
  • Nov 11, 2026
  • Dec 9, 2026
  • Jan 6, 2027
  • Feb 3, 2027
  • Mar 3, 2027
  • Mar 31, 2027
The nutrients our bodies use fall into two major categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. In this course, you will investigate carbohydrates — one of three macronutrients and the one that comprises the majority of all calories we consume. You will explore what carbohydrates are, why we need them, and how their energy is transformed and stored in our bodies. As the processing of carbohydrates results in glucose, you will also consider two conditions that can arise when the body cannot appropriately regulate glucose levels: diabetes and hypoglycemia.
  • Oct 14, 2026
  • Nov 11, 2026
  • Dec 9, 2026
  • Jan 6, 2027
  • Feb 3, 2027
  • Mar 3, 2027
  • Mar 31, 2027
In this course, you will examine fats—a major macronutrient in our diets—and how they are used and transported in our bodies. You will also explore how atherosclerosis develops; this dangerous condition, in which fats build up and clog arteries, is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. This course walks you through what happens when too much fat circulates in our arteries and offers ways to delay and prevent atherosclerosis so you can live the longest and the healthiest life possible.
  • Oct 14, 2026
  • Nov 11, 2026
  • Dec 9, 2026
  • Jan 6, 2027
  • Feb 3, 2027
  • Mar 3, 2027
  • Mar 31, 2027
The rise in chronic diseases linked to obesity is one of the most important public health issues facing our society today. From diabetes and heart disease to certain kinds of cancers and breathing disorders, such conditions lead to costly lifelong management and suffering. In this course, you will learn why obesity is on the rise, the underlying metabolic causes of weight gain, and how to correctly measure energy intake and expenditure in order to compare the effects of each on weight loss. You will also build your understanding of how biological and environmental factors determine body weight, as well as the amount of food we eat daily.
  • Oct 14, 2026
  • Nov 11, 2026
  • Dec 9, 2026
  • Jan 6, 2027
  • Feb 3, 2027
  • Mar 3, 2027
  • Mar 31, 2027

Energetics explores the fundamental processes of energy flow and transformation within living organisms. This field examines both how organisms obtain and convert energy through nutrition and how they use that energy for various life functions and physical activities.

In this course, you will explore what energetics research reveals regarding key questions about human health and performance. You will examine evidence-based approaches to achieving and maintaining optimal body weight, enhancing physical performance, and understanding the crucial role of iron metabolism in overall health. The course concludes with a global perspective on malnutrition, examining its various forms, causes, and impacts on populations worldwide.

  • Oct 14, 2026
  • Nov 11, 2026
  • Dec 9, 2026
  • Jan 6, 2027
  • Feb 3, 2027
  • Mar 3, 2027
  • Mar 31, 2027

In this course, you will learn how nutrition may prevent and improve symptoms of cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), and osteoporosis. Specifically, you will explore the relationships between the food we eat and risk, understanding the role of animal protein, vitamins, and minerals in these major diseases and conditions. This course also builds your ability to critically analyze nutrition labels, understand dietary recommendations, and provides three key principles to follow for leading a healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of long-term health and a decisive factor in disease prevention. In this course, you will examine the complex interplay between lifestyle behaviors and three major chronic conditions: cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis. You'll explore the specific roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and physical activity in managing these risks. In addition, you will gain practical skills in interpreting nutrition metrics and labels, and leave with three foundational principles for maintaining an intentional, health-focused lifestyle.

  • Oct 14, 2026
  • Nov 11, 2026
  • Dec 9, 2026
  • Jan 6, 2027
  • Feb 3, 2027
  • Mar 3, 2027
  • Mar 31, 2027

How It Works

“
Earning a certificate from eCornell made me even more curious and confident to continue learning. Most importantly, it motivated me to continue making healthy food and lifestyle choices and encourage and inspire others to do the same.
‐ Evelina L.
Evelina L.

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