NUT2001 - Health across the lifespan - 2017

This unit focuses on health behaviours, growth and development, physical activity and nutritional requirements for groups across the lifespan from infancy to old age. It will focus on normal nutrition, physiology, physical activity and growth and development for lifespan groups and vulnerable groups. The unit will draw on principles from psychology that will allow students to understand how health beliefs, illness and other factors impact on actions. Concepts of health education and promotion will enhance students' knowledge and ability to communicate nutrition messages effectively to groups. The unit will incorporate elements of personal and professional development such as cultural competency, social justice, translation of technical information into practical advice about food and eating, communication skills, reflection and teamwork.

This unit will focus on Theme 3 (Nutrition fundamentals in Health and Disease) and Theme 2 (Determinants and Influences on Population Health and Nutrition) and Theme 2 objectives but will also include aspects of Theme 1 (Personal development and professional practice) and Theme 4 (Food: from Science to Systems) with an integrated assessment task and Theme 4 (From Science to System).

Site visits to care settings such as child care and/or aged care will enhance the learning experience and provide an applied real life context to theory.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Discuss and apply links between growth and development and health (including nutrition) and human behaviour across the lifespan;
2. Develop skills in integrating knowledge into practice consistent with best available evidence in nutritional needs and health education of groups;
3. Discuss how psychological, cultural, personal, economic and social factors influence health behaviours;
4. Discuss physical activity guidelines, evidence and recommendations across the lifespan;
5. Relate the theoretical basis of health education and health promotion to practice;
6. Plan, implement and evaluate a group education session;
7. Present an innovative approach to nutrition education for groups;
8. Apply the knowledge of health education, nutrition and human behaviour to describe, develop and evaluate education resource material;
9. Extend communication skills in a safe environment considering social, physical and cultural factors;
10. Practice professional attitudes and behaviours including reflection, self evaluation and team work.

Students will be expected to complete a child care and an aged care centre visit to fulfill the requirements for this unit.

• Exam (40%) (Hurdle)
• Menu planning for groups (1,500 words) (15%)
• Group education assignment and presentations (25%)
• Professional portfolio development (2,000 words) (20%)

4 x 2 hours per week lectures/tutorials on campus.

2 x 2 hours practical sessions/tutorials on campus.

12 hours self study and assessment related work are recommended per week in addition.

See also Unit timetable information

Ms Evelyn Volders

Nutrition and dietetics

NUT1001, NUT1010, NUT1101 and NUT1102.

Must be enrolled in courses M2001, 4530 or 3956.