BND3062

Diet related chronic disease ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Judy Tweedie (Nutrition and Dietetics)

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: In this unit the student will gain an integrated understanding of the role of diet in the aetiology, prevention and management of the major life style related diseases in Australia. The unit encompasses the roles of energy intake, dietary composition, body fat distribution, and the roles of antioxidants in diabetes and cardiovascular disease, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in hypertension and the risk factors for cancer. Preventive strategies using a population, community and individual approach will be learned and discussed for effectiveness. Evidence based epidemiology will be critically examined to more fully understand the current treatment modalities.

Objectives: At the completion of the unit the student will be able to: 1. describe and discuss the epidemiology of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and selected cancers in the Australian population, with reference to high risk population groups; 2. examine the role of diet in the aetiology, primary and secondary prevention, and management of the major lifestyle related chronic disease; and 3. evaluate the evidence for the mechanisms underlying the diet-disease relationships, the non dietary factors which may impact on the process, and an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of diet in the prevention and management of conditions.

Assessment: Examination: 40% + Essay: 25% + Class presentation: 5% + Tutorials/case studies: 30%

Prerequisites: Completion of 2 units in semester 1 of Year 3, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, plus enrolment in BND3082