Course Outline

NUT500 Applied Public Health Nutrition

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

2024Semester 2

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

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 learn about the practice of Public Health Nutrition (PHN). You will apply the values, knowledge and skills needed for work in this field, with a focus on evidence-based practice. This course is based on a socio-ecological approach to practice, evidence informed and integrates values of justice, equity and collaboration.

How will this course be delivered?

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

Course Topics

  • Philosophy and practice of public health nutrition 

  • Application of practice within the socio-ecological framework 

  • Investigating public health nutrition issues 

  • Conducting a needs assessment in public health nutrition 

  • Determinant analysis, stakeholder analysis, and community engagement 

  • Evidenced based practice in public health nutrition 

What level is this course?

500 Level (Advanced)

Engaging with new discipline knowledge and skills at an advanced level or deepening existing knowledge and skills within a discipline. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

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 Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Dietitians Australia
1 Apply the theory of public health nutrition science in varied and complex practice scenarios Knowledgeable
2.1
2 Analyse the multidimensional, multi-factorial determinants that influence public health nutrition. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Sustainability-focussed
2.3
3 Integrate critical appraisal of evidence to inform and justify public health nutrition practice. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
2.1
4 Assess the needs of a community or subpopulation to prioritise and justify public health nutrition practice. Empowered
Engaged
2.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Dietitians Australia
2.1 Expert Practice: Adopts an evidence-based approach to dietetic practice
2.2 Expert Practice: Applies the nutrition care process based on the expectations and priorities of clients
2.3 Expert Practice: Influences food systems to improve the nutritional status of client

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

Enrolled in MC001

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

Feedback will be provided during workshop activities throughout the semester. Task 1a (formative task) will be reviewed before week 5 to provide students with feedback to complete Task 1b.

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 Plan Individual 0%
1 A4 page
Refer to Format In Class
All 1b Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 50%
3000 words
Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral Individual 50%
20 minutes
Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1a:Evidence Appraisal Plan
Goal:
You will indicate you plan for completion of your evidence appraisal through information such as a search strategy, relevant literature and resources, written piece draft structure.
Product: Plan
Format:
This single A4 page will be peer-reviewed in class during a workshop before week 5.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Determine a plan to complete an evidence appraisal including information such as a search strategy, written piece structure, and relevant literature and resources.
3
All - Assessment Task 1b:Evidence Appraisal
Goal:
You will apply the socio-ecological model and evidence-based practice to critically appraise scientific research studies relating to a specific public health nutrition issue.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Format:
A written report that demonstrates the search and appraisal of relevant literature related to the specific public health nutrition issues provided.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Applies public health theory in the appraisal of evidence for the nutrition issue provided.
1
2
Appraise scientific research studies relating to a specific public health nutrition issue
3
3
Analyse relevant literature for the influence of multidimensional, and multi-factorial determinants on public health nutrition
2
All - Assessment Task 2:Public Health Nutrition Priorities
Goal:
You will demonstrate your understanding and application of the public health nutrition theory, and multi-factorial determinants of public health nutrition.  You will justify your prioritisation of public health nutrition actions in the provided scenario.
Product: Oral
Format:
This oral interview will involve presenting your justification of public health nutrition priorities, and answering questions related to the provided public health nutrition issue.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Apply knowledge of public health nutrition theory and the socioecological model to the provided nutrition issue
1
2
Describe your analysis of the multi-factorial factors influences the provide public health nutrition issue.
2
3
Demonstrate effective communication skills and explanation of the assessment of needs of the subpopulation relevant to the provided public health nutrition issue
4
4
Justify your approach to appraising and addressing the public health nutrition issue provided.
3

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
Required 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?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is 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

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 will be penalised at the following maximum rate (the rates are cumulative):

- 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 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 and supply the required documentation to negotiate an outcome.

Refer to the Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs – Procedures 

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

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