NUT1002 - Evaluating the evidence: Nutrition and population health - 2019

This unit will introduce students to epidemiology and biostatistics as the core of population health and nutrition research and practice. This will include consideration of basic statistics, study design, quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry and ethical issues related to research and population health interventions. Emphasis is placed on a population view of health, nutrition and disease and the social determinants of health and the application of epidemiology and statistics in assessment of disease in population and the effects of nutrition interventions. An introduction to the concepts and approaches to working in population health and nutrition will also be explored

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

1. Interpret the demographics of the Australian population including Indigenous, minority and disadvantaged groups, their nutrition and health issues.
2. Explore the health and nutrition needs of priority population groups in Australia.
3. Evaluate a socio-ecological approach to improving health.
4. Search the scientific literature related to common questions on nutrition and health.
5. Evaluate the scientific literature, including study designs, related to nutrition and health and communicate findings.
6. Design quality research questions on nutrition and health.
7. Identify and apply quantitative statistical analysis using methods common to nutrition research and interpret statistical results.
8. Describe basic methods of qualitative data collection and analysis.

• Analysis of Indigenous program/policy (20%)
• Critical analysis of a scientific paper (2,000 words) (20%)
• Analytical essay (2,500 words) (20%)
• Exams (40%) (Hurdle)

8 hours contact per week plus 16 hours self directed study.

See also Unit timetable information

Nutrition