NUT3002 - Nutrition, activity and health in chronic diseases - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food

Chief examiner(s)

Assoc Prof Maxine Bonham

Coordinator(s)

Dr Simone Gibson

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

NUT2001, NUT2002, NUT2103 & NUT2104 OR NUT1011 and ONE of BCH2022 or BMS2021 and ONE of PHY2042 or BMS2031

Master of Dietetic students are exempt from prerequisites.

Synopsis

Diet and disease is an integrated study of the role of diet in the causation and treatment of chronic diseases that are endemic in westernised societies. This unit builds upon the scientific concept of disease aetiology explored in Integrated Science Systems (BND2103) and the critical interpretation of scientific literature and research skills developed in years 1 and 2. Learners will explore the epidemiology of the major nutrition related diseases, their causal pathways and population based recommendation for prevention. The rationale for the application of dietary modifications for patients with specific disease states and the means of evaluating dietary treatment is explored. Nutrition related emerging issues in disease aetiology and management are also explored and the emphasis on the important role of genetic susceptibility in nutrition science is continued.

Student centered teaching and learning methods will be used to support the delivery of the unit content. Students' participation as adult learners will be encouraged through the curricula with emphasis on extending their scientific communication skills.

Outcomes

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

  1. Assess the role, benefits and limitations of diet, activity and lifestyle in aetiology, prevention and management of chronic diseases;
  2. Evaluate the efficacy of population-based interventions to manage chronic diseases.
  3. Appraise the functional role of nutraceuticals in disease management and prevention;
  4. Apply epidemiology, medical and nutritional principles in the nutritional assessment and management of chronic lifestyle related diseases conditions;
  5. Discuss emerging trends in diet related disease risk and treatment approaches;
  6. Synthesise the scientific evidence using an evidence based approach.

Assessment

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

  • Scientific Essay (2,000-2,500 words) (30%)
  • Development of Evidence-based Resource (A4 page - double-sided) & user-guide (750 words) (20%)
  • Exam (2 hours) (50%) (hurdle)

Workload requirements

Lectures: 3-4 hours/week, Tutorials: 1 hour/week, SDL: 10 hours/week.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Nutrition

Dietetics