Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Dietary intakes and nutritional factors are key contributors to the rapidly increasing burden of chronic disease on global public health and health care systems. This unit explores the most common and significant nutrition related chronic diseases of the world and introduces you to previous and current strategies aiming to prevent or manage these diseases, particularly in the primary health care area.

Aims

By undertaking this unit, you should improve your knowledge, skills and confidence to address nutrition related chronic diseases and their determinants when working in the community and public health nutrition or dietetics areas.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit you are expected to demonstrate sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues as appropriate. At the completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. understand the nutrition care process and its application to individuals and groups
2. demonstrate knowledge of the key features, influential factors and significance of the current major nutrition-related chronic diseases in Australia and internationally
3. review and evaluate previous and current strategies used to prevent and manage the major nutrition-related chronic diseases, at the individual, group and population level
4. communicate in written and oral modes in a variety of contexts for the general public, peers, and industry professionals
5. work both independently and collaboratively with other students to complete required tasks.

Content

Major topics to be covered include: the current global burden of nutrition related chronic disease; etiology, current trends and patterns, key issues and recommended prevention and management strategies relating to diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and micronutrient deficiencies. Relevance through the life cycle and future issues will also be considered.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. It is presented as one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial/discussion block per week. An online (Blackboard) unit page and other resource materials are available. Conventional lectures, discussion forums; independent learning groups and self-directed learning activities will motivate your learning. It is hoped these will facilitate your development of skills such as information literacy, communication, problem solving and team-work; provide a variety of learning experiences; encourage you to take responsibility for your learning and foster a positive attitude to ongoing learning. An active, participative, questioning approach is recommended.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit. Unit coordinator or tutors will be available in person at tutorials or via email to answer questions and provide you with feedback.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Nutrition Communication Presentation
Description: To translate scientific research to communicate information on the link between a specified aspect of nutrition and health outcome suitable for a specified audience in a clear, professional, engaging, organised and logical manner.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: Description: You will be required to complete a written, invigilated exam which will cover all topics presented during the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examiniation Period

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Description: You will be required to use a problem solving approach to address a nutition problem in a group. You will assess the nutritional status of a group, identifying the major nutrition problems and developing a customised plan for interventions to address the problems and monitor and evaluate whether the plan has been effective.
Relates to objectives: 2-3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

A variety of references and resources will be identified throughout the semester.

Risk assessment statement

Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. You must ensure that your workstation is adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 16-Oct-2012