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Applied Nutrition Literacy
How to Critique Nutrition Research with Confidence and Competence
Enrollment window:
25th June - 4th July 2025
How do you discern credible evidence from flawed research?
Have you wondered how to differentiate between rigorous evidence and sensationalised claims?
Do you want to feel confident in knowing if a study is high-quality versus highly-flawed?
It's time to go beyond vague phrases like "studies show..." or"research says..."
It's time to become truly confident and competent in your critical appraisal skills.
The Need for Research Literacy
Nutrition is a challenging and intricate field of study.
Unique considerations must be addressed when researching diets, foods, and nutrients.
Building a strong foundation in critical and scientific literacy equips you to:
Evaluate research on its merits
Appraise methodologies
Identify the strengths and limitations of studies
In an era dominated by pop-science podcasts and social media misinformation, such skills are more essential than ever.
For practitioners, being literate in nutrition research is vital for making decisions based on the best available evidence.
For the general public, scientific literacy is key to questioning the validity of claims and popular trends.
This course provides you with the essential tools to develop these competencies.
You'll Learn How To:
🎓 Become a true scientific and critical thinker
🎓 Comprehensively understand research designs, methodologies, and terminology
🎓 Critically appraise nutrition studies of varying design, with real confidence
🎓 Skillfully interpret research findings and apply them in context
Enroll in this course to master the skills needed to confidently navigate the complex world of nutrition research.
Learn how to identify robust studies and spot flawed methodologies, empowering you to make informed decisions in an age of information overload.
A Sneak Peek At The Curriculum
Before You Begin...
To get the most out of the course, we’ve put together some points we think should help you in navigating the content and how best to engage and enrich your learning experience.
Module 1: Being a Scientific Thinker
Aim & Outcome of Module: While developing nutrition-specific critical appraisal skills is crucial, there are core principles to scientific thinking which apply universally. This module will help you understand the ontological/epistemological basis of “the scientific method”, and grasp core, practical ways of how to be a scientific thinker.
Module 2: How to Read Research Effectively to Inform Practice
Aim & Outcome of Module: To develop confidence with how to find and filter appropriate research, and develop methodical skills that can be applied to reading any research paper.
Module 3: Becoming Comfortable with Common Statistical Methods
Aim & Outcome of Module: We are not statisticians, yet statistics is at the core of the scientific research we read. This module will introduce you to basic statistical concepts, develop your understanding of common statistical methods used in nutrition research, and improve your confidence in interpreting statistical analyses.
Module 4: Considerations for Interpreting Nutrition Research
Aim & Outcome of Module: Nutrition research faces some unique challenges due to the complex nature of human diet and nutrition. This module provides a general overview of some challenges facing nutrition research, and how to think broadly about multiple lines of evidence to inform conclusions.
Module 5: Nutritional Epidemiology
Aim & Outcome of Module: To develop an understanding of observational research designs, and dietary assessment methods, and learn critical appraisal skills for reading nutritional epidemiological research.
Module 6: Randomised Controlled Trials and Mendelian Randomisation
Aim & Outcome of Module: To develop an understanding of design characteristics of RCTs, assumptions required to demonstrate causation, and learn critical appraisal skills to confidently interpret nutrition RCTs and put them into context with epidemiology.
Module 7: Meta-Analysis
Aim & Outcome of Module: To understand the conceptual basis for meta-analysis, the use of meta-analysis for observational research and intervention trials, and develop critical appraisal skills to interpret meta-analysis of any nutrition research study design.
Module 8: Mechanistic Research and Animal Models
Aim & Outcome of Module: To understand the utility and purpose of mechanistic research, cellular models and animal models, and to properly place this research in context with human outcome data.
Optional: Task to Practice Applying What You Have Learned
You have now received all the course content for Applied Nutrition Literacy.
We hope you have learned a lot and feel more confident in your understanding.
However, as this process requires practice over time, we have an optional task that you can start with, in order to start putting some of the principles you've learned into practice.
Mastering Nutrition Science: Critical Appraisal for Confident Professionals
Elevate Your Expertise—Learn to Dissect, Interpret, and Trust the Research That Shapes Your Field
In the ever-evolving landscape of nutrition science, staying ahead requires more than just foundational knowledge—it demands a keen ability to navigate the complexities of research with confidence and discernment.
For many professionals in the field, the challenge lies not in understanding the science itself but in critically appraising the studies that underpin it. With the sheer volume of research being published, distinguishing between robust, impactful studies and those that fall short can be daunting.
This course is designed to bridge that gap, equipping you with the skills to not just read, but truly interpret and evaluate nutrition research.
While many nutritionists, academics, and healthcare professionals possess a deep understanding of the biological and physiological aspects of nutrition, they often find themselves questioning the validity of the studies they encounter.
Is the methodology sound?
Are the results truly significant, or are they simply statistically significant?
Can the findings be applied in a real-world context, or do they merely add to the noise?
These are the questions that this course empowers you to answer with clarity and precision.
Our course goes beyond the surface, delving into the unique challenges of nutrition science as a discipline—where confounding variables, complex interactions, and ever-present biases can easily mislead even the most knowledgeable reader.
You will learn to dissect studies with a critical eye, recognize common pitfalls, and understand the nuances that make some studies truly stand out.
The result? You’ll develop the confidence to separate the wheat from the chaff, making informed decisions and recommendations based on solid evidence, not assumptions.
This course is not just about enhancing your skillset; it’s about transforming the way you engage with nutrition science.
By mastering the art of critical appraisal, you will elevate your practice, contribute more meaningfully to discussions, and, ultimately, help to advance the field with the integrity and rigor that true science demands.
Meet Your Instructors
Alan Flanagan
Alan holds a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, having completed his master’s degree in nutrition science at the same institution.
Alan is the founder of Alinea Nutrition, an online education hub for nutrition and healthcare professionals.
Alan is also Research Communication Officer for Sigma Nutrition where he features on the world’s leading evidence-based nutrition podcast with Sigma Nutrition founder, Danny Lennon.
Originally a lawyer by background in Dublin, Ireland, Alan spent a decade practising as a barrister before moving into science.
Danny Lennon
Danny has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, in addition to an undergraduate (BSc.) degree in biology and physics.
Danny is the founder of Sigma Nutrition and for over 10 years has hosted the popular podcast Sigma Nutrition Radio, discussing topics related to nutrition science. He is also a respected educator in the health and fitness industry, having spoken at conferences and events all over Europe, as well as the United States and Australia.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Master the art of critical appraisal!
Enhance your skillset & elevate your practice
Transform the way you engage with nutrition science
Contribute more meaningfully to discussions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer a student discount?
Yes! We offer currently-enrolled students 20% off the normal price.
In order to get the discount:
Open this application form.
Upload your details and proof of registration.
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll email you details of how to avail of the student discount.
When is the next enrollment period?
The next cohort enrollment window is 25 June - 4 July 2025.
The next cohort will gain course access on 6 July 2025.
To be notified, enter your email at the top of this page.
Do I get immediate access?
You will get access to the first module of the course on Sunday 6th July 2025.
What is the course schedule/timing?
Access to Module 1 will open on 6 July 2025.
Each subsequent module will be available every 1-2 weeks subsequently, depending on the module.
However, bear in mind that you don't have to stick to this schedule. The course can be completed at pace that suits your learning preferences and professional/personal schedule.
Who is this course for?
This course is for those who want to be able to critically appraise nutrition research. This will include medical professionals, nutrition practitioners, nutrition science academics, and nutrition/health/medical students. However, it is also suitable for people outside of these professions who are keenly interested in nutrition science.
How much does the course cost?
The course is a one-time payment of €679. Alternatively, you can choose to pay in two installments of €349. Students can get a discount of 20%.
Do I have to attend live lectures?
No. All of the core course lectures are pre-recorded so you can watch them whenever you want. However, the modules will become available on a schedule. But all the main course content is pre-recorded, and you don’t need to finish the course by a certain date, so you can study when it suits you!
Can I ask questions during the course?
Yes! You will be able to submit questions and discussion points in a private forum. These questions will be answered by the 2 course developers/instructors.
So you'll finish the course will all your burning questions answered.
How are the modules structured?
Each module contains anywhere between 4-8 lessons. Lessons vary in length between 10-25 minutes typically. Within a module you can decide how many lessons to do at a time.
Each lesson lecture video also comes with supplementary written material with images, which will serve to review and reinforce learning.