MPH2054 - Nutritional issues in developing countries

Leader: A/Prof M Toole

Offered

Alfred Hospital Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit will cover the following topics: human nutrition from an evolutionary perspective; nutrition and the life cycle; global determinants of population nutrition; determinants of community and household food security; measurement of population and individual nutrition status; nutritional deficiencies of public health importance; management of acute energy malnutrition; nutrition and infection; famine detection, prevention and mitigation; nutritional impact of demographic and epidemiologic transition; maintaining food security and good nutrition; food safety issues.

Objectives

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

1. identify and classify the major nutrients required for good human health and well-being;
2. analyse the major global and local determinants of adequate human nutrition;
3. assess the nutritional status of individuals and populations;
4. diagnose and manage acute malnutrition in children and adults;
5. identify the causative factors in the evolution of population nutrition emergencies;
6. plan programs to rehabilitate malnourished communities and to maintain and strengthen household food security;
7. understand the impact of rapid social, economic, and behavioural change on human nutrition in the form of chronic, non-communicable diseases.

Assessment

Short answer examination (50%)
Written assignment (50%)

Contact hours

3 x 2 weekday contact hours and 3 x 7 weekend contact hours

Prerequisites

Basic computer proficiency