BND3041

Nutrition across the lifespan ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Judy Tweedie (Nutrition and Dietetics)

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: Students will gain a basic understanding of the nutritional requirements of normal healthy people over the entire lifespan incorporating the special needs of pregnancy, lactation, infancy and childhood, adolescence, adulthood, menopause and old age. The unit will develop an awareness of the range and diversity of normal food intake and eating behaviours at different life stages. Students will learn the principles of nutrition assessment for different age groups, gain an understanding of the different nutrient requirements over the life cycle and learn how the dietary recommendations for nutrient intakes are derived and applied to different populations.

Objectives: At the completion of the unit the student the student should be able to: 1. recall the nutritional requirements of pregnancy, infants, children, adolescents, adults and older persons; 2. discuss the rationale for the application of different dietary intake recommendations at different life stages; 3. identify the nutritional issues of particular relevance and particular risk behaviours of each age group; 4. assess how lifestyle differences, physical activity, variability of food intake and eating behaviours impact on nutritional intake; 5. interpret dietary information and relate this to normal nutritional requirements; 6. describe how beliefs, values and practices of individuals influence food behaviour and nutritional risk; 7. demonstrate cultural understanding in dietary analysis and in the formulation of dietary recommendations for people from a variety of different ethnic and social backgrounds; 8. value organisational skills and teamwork; 9. demonstrate competency in oral and written communication skills; and 10. exhibit adult learning skills.

Assessment: Examination: 60% + Tutorial, practicals, small group work and WebCT discussion: 15% + Practical reports (x2): 25%

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week (lectures and tutorials)

Prerequisites: Completion of Year 2 Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics