The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Biochemistry (PgD Nutritional Biochemistry) is an advanced qualification designed for professionals who wish to expand their expertise in the biochemical foundations of human nutrition. Nutritional biochemistry plays a critical role in understanding how nutrients function at the molecular and cellular levels, shaping health, disease prevention, and therapeutic interventions.
This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates, but is aimed at experienced professionals who seek to enhance their career prospects, strengthen their knowledge, and pursue meaningful Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will develop a deeper understanding of metabolic pathways, nutrient interactions, and the biochemical mechanisms that underpin nutritional science. The programme also equips learners with the ability to critically evaluate research, interpret biochemical data, and apply advanced concepts to clinical, public health, and professional practice.
The diploma is highly relevant to nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare practitioners, researchers, and academics who wish to integrate advanced biochemistry into their professional work. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and applied learning, learners will gain the competencies needed to influence health outcomes and contribute to innovative solutions in nutrition and healthcare.
Centres offering this qualification must ensure that they have competent and qualified staff with subject expertise, as well as access to all essential learning resources and facilities. This ensures the delivery of high-quality training that supports learner success and professional growth.
By completing this programme, learners will be prepared to take on advanced roles in nutrition, research, and clinical practice, making a meaningful contribution to the evolving field of nutritional biochemistry.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Biochemistry (PgD Nutritional Biochemistry)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201109
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Biochemistry (PgD Nutritional Biochemistry) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201109-1 |
Advanced Principles of Nutritional Biochemistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201109-2 |
Metabolic Pathways and Nutrient Interactions |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201109-3 |
Biochemical Basis of Disease and Nutrition |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201109-4 |
Clinical and Applied Nutritional Biochemistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201109-5 |
Research Methods and Data Analysis in Nutritional Biochemistry |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201109-6 |
Professional Practice and Emerging Trends in Nutritional Biochemistry |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Nutritional Biochemistry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the biochemical processes involved in nutrient metabolism.
- Analyse the molecular roles of macronutrients and micronutrients in health.
- Assess key biochemical pathways that regulate physiological function.
Unit 2: Metabolic Pathways and Nutrient Interactions
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Examine the mechanisms of energy metabolism and bioenergetics.
- Analyse nutrient–enzyme–hormone interactions at the biochemical level.
- Evaluate the impact of biochemical imbalances on metabolic health.
Unit 3: Biochemical Basis of Disease and Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Investigate the biochemical mechanisms contributing to chronic disease.
- Evaluate the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies.
- Apply biochemical knowledge to strategies for disease prevention and management.
Unit 4: Clinical and Applied Nutritional Biochemistry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Assess the role of biochemical markers and diagnostic tools in nutrition practice.
- Interpret biochemical data for clinical assessment and intervention.
- Evaluate therapeutic nutrition strategies grounded in biochemical science.
Unit 5: Research Methods and Data Analysis in Nutritional Biochemistry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct advanced research in nutritional biochemistry.
- Apply statistical and laboratory techniques for biochemical data analysis.
- Critically review scientific publications and evaluate research findings.
Unit 6: Professional Practice and Emerging Trends in Nutritional Biochemistry
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Investigate current innovations and future directions in nutritional biochemistry.
- Critically analyse ethical, social, and professional challenges in practice.
- Demonstrate leadership, consultancy, and CPD skills for career advancement.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Biochemistry (PgD Nutritional Biochemistry) is specifically designed for professionals who wish to advance their understanding of the biochemical foundations of human nutrition and strengthen their career prospects within healthcare, academia, and research. This qualification is not intended for fresh candidates, but is tailored for learners with relevant academic or professional backgrounds.
This programme is particularly suitable for:
- Clinical Nutritionists and Dietitians who wish to deepen their expertise in biochemical processes and apply evidence-based nutrition to practice.
- Healthcare Professionals including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses seeking to incorporate biochemical principles into patient care, treatment, and disease prevention.
- Biomedical Scientists and Biochemists aiming to broaden their specialist knowledge of nutrient metabolism and biochemical mechanisms in health.
- Public Health Specialists and Policy Advisors looking to develop nutrition-focused strategies informed by biochemical insights.
- Researchers and Academics who wish to enhance their skills in advanced research, critical analysis, and scientific evaluation in nutritional biochemistry.
- Consultants and Industry Experts working in healthcare, biotechnology, or the nutrition sector who want to expand their professional credibility and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
By enrolling in this postgraduate diploma, learners will gain specialized knowledge and applied skills in biochemical pathways, nutrient interactions, and clinical applications, positioning themselves to contribute effectively to the future of nutritional science and healthcare innovation.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Biochemistry (PgD Nutritional Biochemistry) must demonstrate the capacity to provide high-quality training and learner support in line with international academic and professional standards. To achieve this, centres are required to meet the following conditions:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff
Centres must employ tutors, trainers, and assessors with appropriate academic qualifications and professional expertise in nutritional biochemistry, clinical nutrition, or related fields. - Comprehensive Learning Resources
Centres should provide learners with access to up-to-date teaching materials, textbooks, scientific journals, and digital resources to support advanced study and independent research. - Appropriate Facilities and Infrastructure
Adequate classrooms, IT facilities, and where applicable, laboratory access must be available to ensure effective teaching, research, and practical application of biochemical principles. - Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance
Centres must have strong internal quality assurance systems in place to monitor teaching standards, assessment practices, and learner progression, ensuring compliance with academic regulations. - Learner Support and Guidance
Centres should offer structured learner support services, including academic guidance, research supervision, and pastoral care, to help learners achieve their goals. - Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Staff members delivering the programme should actively engage in CPD to ensure teaching reflects the latest developments and innovations in nutritional biochemistry.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver a rigorous and high-quality postgraduate qualification that prepares learners for advanced roles in nutritional biochemistry, healthcare, and scientific research.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
