Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to the nutritional roles of food nutrients in human health and well-being. The uptake and metabolism of major nutrients in the human body are examined and major health issues that are related to diet and nutrients are discussed. Nutritional guidelines for dietary planning according to various requirements are explained and the nutritional requirements of pregnant and lactating women, infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults are highlighted. Dietary requirements of individuals to support physical activities are outlined.

Objectives

After completing this unit students should be able to:

1. Define the roles of major and minor food nutrients in the human body and apply nutritional guidelines to plan healthy and balanced diets for various individuals;
2. Describe the digestion, absorption and metabolism of major nutrients in the human body in order to meet the body's needs;
3. Apply the understanding of digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients in the human body to various nutrition-related diseases;
4. Identify the nutritional requirements of pregnant and lactating women, infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults;
5. Describe fitness, nutrients usage and dietary requirements of individuals to support physical activities;
6. Acquire information from scientific resources and demonstrate team work and communication skills in their learning.

Assessment

Assignments: 30%
Presentations: 10%
Tests: 10%
Final examination: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Siow Lee Fong

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures per week and a total of 12 hours of tutorials

Prerequisites

BTH2741