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

This unit focuses on the methods and special features of assessing and monitoring nutrition and physical activity in individuals, groups and whole populations. A good understanding of these methods is essential for those working as public health nutrition professionals. It is also useful for community health professionals to provide an informed basis for planning surveys or evaluating programs to assess community health, implementing screening programs or interpreting the research literature to make policy decisions. There is an equal focus on both assessing nutrition and physical activity within individuals, groups and populations, as well as understanding ecological or environmental frameworks. An understanding of the outcomes of different approaches to assessing behaviours at the individual versus population level is essential in informing decisions that affect the population.

Aims

To critically evaluate the variety of nutritional and physical activity assessment methods, and be able to select the most appropriate method and interpret results in the context of public health and community nutrition practice.

Objectives

At the completion of the unit, you will be able to:
1. describe the variety of methods available to assess and monitor nutrition and physical activity behaviours in individuals, groups, and populations that may be used to inform practice
2. explain the current Australian standards for assessment of nutrition and physical activity to interpret results within the context of individual and/or population level practice
3. identify the strengths and weaknesses of specific measures, and thus be able to select and justify appropriate methods to measure nutrition and physical activity for a specific purpose (e.g., surveillance versus screening versus detection of change in behaviour)
4. demonstrate an understanding of the approaches to assess validity and reliability of measures to assess nutrition and physical activity
5. develop practical skills in the administration and interpretation of nutrition and physical activity assessments methods
6. apply understanding to develop a comprehensive proposal to measure nutrition and physical activity in a practical setting.

Content

The content covers both nutritional and physical activity measures to assess behaviour in individuals, groups and whole populations. Knowledge of suitable measures for each level is required in order to build a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each method in order to accurately identify the most appropriate one and interpret the results in context. For each level the following content will be discussed:
1. tools used for assessing nutrient intakes, dietary patterns, fitness versus physical activity assessment, community infrastructure and resources. What are they? What is involved? What do they measure? How may the data be used?
2. measuring food consumption, nutrient intake and physical activity
* considerations at the individual, group population and ecological level
* practical applications of anthropometric, laboratory based, diet and physical activity markers versus measures suitable for population monitoring and evaluating program efficacy, ecological tools
3. evaluation of methodologies used, reproducibility, validity, identification and minimisation of error
4. interpreting nutrient intake, diets and physical activity data using Australian reference values.
5. designing studies and selecting appropriate methods to assess nutrition and physical activity at the individual versus population level.
6. application to practice through use of case studies and critical readings of the literature and case studies

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in both external and internal mode. Teaching approaches for this unit have been based on the principles of adult learning theory and practice and open learning guidelines have been followed in its design and delivery.
This unit will be taught in both a lecture/tutorial/workshop format and through a flexible delivery mode via a study block or tele-tutorials for external students. This allows you an increased opportunity to study at your own pace and to fit your study into other workplace and family responsibilities. It also allows those who live at some distance from the QUT to undertake study.
Individual components will also be offered as continuing professional development for practitioners.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed by the end of the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Log/Workbook
Description: You will be required to complete a workbook that will take you through the theoretical and practical considerations for each measure. You will collect data from individuals and in a small group setting. You will also choose a small geographical area in order to apply tools for the assessment of community infrastructure and resources. You will be required to apply the Australian standards to the assessment and interpretation of the data you collect and to critically evaluate and discuss these.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Design a study, based on a relevant case study, to assess nutrition and physical activity in a community or population group pertaining to a relevant area of practice - including rationale and justification of method, implementation plan, estimated budget and timeline.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: This assessment requires you to critically assess the two different measures of nutrition/diet and physical activity. That is, you are required to choose two different methods for assessing nutrition/diet and two different methods for assessing physical activity. Using peer-reviewed literature and discussion via an on-line forum, you will compare and contrast the methods used with regard to their suitability to the context in which they were applied, the identification and minimisation of error, reliability and validity, and the accuracy of the interpretation. You will prepare a two page written review on each (nutrition/diet and physical activity) drawing on appropriate evidence to support conclusions.
Weight: 40% (20% for written review, 20% for active participation in forum.)
Relates to objectives: 1,3,5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5

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

There are no materials or resources required to be purchased for this unit.

You will receive a unit outline, a study guide and readings. These will be available via Blackboard

Recommended Text
Gibson RS. Principles of Nutritional Assessment (2005). Second Edition, Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Welk GJ. Physical Activity Assessments for Health-Related Research (2002), Champaign IL: Human Kinetics.

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. Also 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: 13-Sep-2012