Family Health and Nutrition Through the Lifespan

Unit code: HHN2001 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
HPC1000 - Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food (applicable for HBNT, HCND students ONLY)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit explores the recommended dietary intakes and key nutrients for maintenance of health for individuals throughout the lifespan and for specific population groups. Through problem-based learning, case studies exercises, and real-world scenarios, students will examine nutritional issues related to conception, growth, and development through to aging, including the impact of social, behavioural and environmental factors on food behaviours. Students will develop skills in using evidence-based practice to promote appropriate nutrition messages for a variety of population groups.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Investigate the evidence base associated with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide for Healthy Eating and the practical application of this across the lifespan and for different population groups;
  2. Apply the dietary requirements for the maintenance of growth, development, and health across each stage of the lifespan and for different population groups;
  3. Elaborate on how the physical, biological, social, behavioural and environmental factors change the dietary requirements across the lifespan; and
  4. Critically review and evaluate the literature on health and diet across the lifespan, and justify their selection of scientific evidence to support nutrition solutions.

Study as a single unit

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

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 15%
Critical review. Peer-reviewed journal article (600 words)
Assessment type: Poster
|
Grade: 40%
Poster (for public audience; 3-minute presentation; 20%) with supporting annotated bibliography (800 words; 20%)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 45%
2-Part: Team case study Group Oral presentation for professional audience (20%) and an individual summary report (25%, 1000 words per student)

Required reading

There are no required texts for this unit, however if students wish to purchase a text, the following is recommended for nutrition students.

Understanding Nutrition (Australian Edition)
Whitney E, Rolfes, S.R., Crowe, T., Walsh, A. (2019)| Australia: Cengage.

As part of a course

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

Bachelor of Human Nutrition
HBNT | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics
HCND | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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