Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food

Unit code: HPC1000 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
City Campus
Footscray Park
N/A
Overview
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Overview

Students will be introduced to foods and food groups, the nutrients they provide, and the Australian dietary recommendations for adult human health and will explore individual and populations barriers to healthy eating. This will include gaining an understanding of the sources, role and function of the macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate), key micronutrients, fibre and fluid, as well as the digestion, absorption and metabolism of the macronutrients. Students will be introduced to the concepts of energy balance and the role of diet in maintaining this balance.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Articulate the sources, role and function of the macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate), key micronutrients; fibre and fluid, as well as the digestion, absorption and metabolism of the macronutrients;
  2. Exemplify the principles and methods of measurement of energy balance; energy expenditure, physical activity and fitness; basic anthropometric measurement, nutritional indices and body composition.
  3. Interpret an awareness of the evidence based Australian dietary and nutritional recommendations for adults;
  4. Articulate an understanding of the determinants of food choice, barriers to healthy eating and the implications to individuals and vulnerable populations; and
  5. Critically reflect in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

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Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Three (3) MCQ Quizzes (20 minutes each)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 30%
Written Report Template (800 Words) Individual Case study
Assessment type: Poster
|
Grade: 40%
An Individual Poster Submission with a 3-minute oral explaining content of poster.
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

Required reading

RECOMMENDED TEXTS: Whitney, E. N., Rolfes, S. R., & Crowe, T & Walsh, A. (2022). Understanding nutrition (5th Australian & New Zealand edition). South Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

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