MED 103 — Diet and Gene Expression: You Are What You Eat
Quarter: Fall
Instructor(s): Lucia Aronica
Date(s): Sep 29—Oct 27
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Tuition: $385
Refund Deadline: Oct 1
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Fall
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 5 weeks
Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Date(s): Sep 29—Oct 27
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $385
Refund Deadline: Oct 1
Instructor(s): Lucia Aronica
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Imagine having the ability to turn “good” genes on and “bad” genes off through simple, science-based lifestyle choices. The emerging field of epigenetics reveals that genes aren't a fixed destiny—you have the power to influence them. This course is a study of how your diet, environment, and habits can shape your gene activity, offering students practical tools to live healthier longer. By exploring how food acts as information for your genes, you will discover how specific nutrients and lifestyle choices can positively affect everything from metabolism and longevity to mental health. You’ll also be introduced to Epinutrition—Dr. Aronica's framework for how gene expression can be modified by certain nutrients and bioactive food compounds. This course is designed to help you take control of your health through personalized, actionable insights. By the end of the course, you will be empowered to create a customized nutrition plan that enhances your gene expression, supports long-term vitality, and improves your quality of life.
Students should consult their physician or other healthcare professional before modifying their diets.
LUCIA ARONICA
Lecturer, Stanford Genetics and Genomics Certificate Program
Lucia Aronica is an epigenetics researcher with nearly two decades of experience whose work was featured in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. She developed the Epinutrition framework at Stanford, pioneering the university’s first program in nutritional epigenetics, and also created a Clinical Epinutrition Certification for healthcare professionals. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.