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Course Outline

NUT205 Public Health Nutrition

Course Coordinator:Courtney Thompson (cthompson1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Nutrition and Dietetics

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will be introduced to the discipline and practice of Public Health Nutrition (PHN). You will develop values, knowledge and skills needed for work in this field, with a focus on evidence based practice and the first phase of the PHN intervention management cycle. A socio-ecological lens will underpin practice frameworks to provide the basis for exploring PHN, needs assessment, determinant and stakeholder analysis, and community engagement.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Workshop 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Learning materials – A combination of pre-recorded videos, readings and associated activities. 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  • Introduction to public health nutrition practice theory 
  • Orienting practice within the socio-ecological framework 
  • Analysis of and intelligence gathering for public health nutrition issues 
  • Needs assessment process in public health nutrition practice 
  • Determinant analysis, stakeholder analysis and community engagement 
  • Evidence based practice in public health nutrition 

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Apply theory underpinning public health nutrition practice Empowered
2 Examine the multidimensional, multi-factorial determinants of public health nutrition issues Knowledgeable
Ethical
3 Apply systems thinking to examine factors that impact the nutrition and health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
4 Design a search strategy and systematically acquire and appraise research relevant to a specific public health nutrition issue Creative and critical thinker
5 Describe and evaluate methods used for assessing population needs in relation to public health nutrition issues Engaged
6 Assess the needs of a community or subpopulation to understand and prioritise public health nutrition practice Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

(NUT211 or NUT102) and PUB112

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

It is assumed that students will have prior knowledge of sociocultural aspects of nutrition, Australian food systems, and public health theory & methodology.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

In week 3 of this course, your PICO question for Task 1 will be peer reviewed during your tutorial. In week 11/12 of this course, your group for Task 3 will engage in a Zoom consultation and feedback session with your tutor to discuss and gain feedback on your progress with the needs assessment report.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1a Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 0% 
Approximately 30 words
 Week 3 In Class
All 1b Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 30% 
500 words
 Week 5 Online Submission
All 2 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 35% 
90 minutes
 Week 9 Online Test (Quiz)
All 3 Written Piece Group 35% 
3000 words
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1a:PICO
Goal: 
You will develop a PICO question to inform your search strategy.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Format: 
Your PICO question for Task 1 will be peer reviewed during tutorial in week 3.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Design a search strategy and systematically acquire research relevant to a specific public helath nutrition issue
 4
All - Assessment Task 1b:Evidence synopsis
Goal: 
You will follow the evidence based practice cycle to ask, acquire and appraise scientific research studies relating to a specific public health nutrition issue
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Format: 
500 word report plus appendices
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Design a search strategy and systematically acquire research relevant to a specific public health nutrition issue
 4
2 
Appraise scientific research studies relating to a specific public health nutrition issue
3 
Demonstrate effective communication skills and competently integrate the use of appropriate technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Mid-Semester Exam
Goal: 
You will demonstrate your understanding and application of the foundational knowledge and skills needed for public health nutrition practice.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
The mid-semester exam will comprise of a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions, including case-based questions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Eamine the multi-dimensional, multi-factoral determinants of public health nutrition problems
 2
2 
Describe the theory underpinning community and public health nutrition practice and current public health nutrition issues within Australian communities
 1
3 
Collect, assess and interpret information for PHN practice
 6
4 
Apply systems thinking to examine factors that impact the nutrition and health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Needs Assessment
Goal: 
You will analyse and interpret data to assess the needs of a target population and report on your findings.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
3000 word written piece
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Describe and evaluate methods used for assessing population needs in relation to public health nutrition issues
 5
2 
Assess the needs of a community or subpopulation in relation to public health nutrition issues
 6
3 
Demonstrate effective communication skills and competently integrate the use of appropriate technologies

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Roger Hughes 2011 Practical Public Health Nutrition n/a John Wiley & Sons

Specific requirements

There are no specific requirements.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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