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Unit of study_

NTDT5608: Community and Public Health Nutrition

Semester 2 Early, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study introduces students to the concepts and principles underlying, and issues associated with, nutrition in community and public health contexts. It covers the principles of health promotion and teaches the students how to plan, implement and evaluate nutrition promotion strategies. The scope and distribution of chronic diseases and the role of nutrition in the etiology of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity is examined. This unit of study also investigates the food habits of culturally and linguistically diverse groups, nutritional intakes and requirements of people across the lifespan, and the current nutrition policies and guidelines aimed at preventing chronic diseases.

Unit details and rules

Unit code NTDT5608
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
NTDT5305 and NTDT5307
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Vasant Hirani, vasant.hirani@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Margaret Allman-Farinelli, margaret.allman-farinelli@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam End of semester examination
Online open book without invigilation
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 04 Dec 2020 at 13:00
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO7
Presentation group assignment CALD presentation
Video and Power point Presentation
15% Week 07
Due date: 01 Oct 2020 at 13:00
10 mins and 2 mins questions
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO8 LO5 LO4
Assignment group assignment Program planning assignment
Assignment
35% Week 09
Due date: 23 Oct 2020 at 17:00
6,000 word report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment 1

CALD assessment: Working in a group students will  research the food habits of one (1) culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) group, which will be randomly assigned to you. You will then create a video presentation which should include recording components of your investigations reflecting he following:

  • Briefly describe the country of origin (e.g. geography, demography and politics).
  • Compare and contrast the traditional diets (in terms of foods and nutrients) of the CALD group. Include commonly eaten foods, meal structure, common dishes and eating behaviours.
  • Identify changes that have occurred in the group’s diet and lifestyles since migration and what (dietary) implications this has or might have on their health.
  • Discuss the factors that may influence food habits of your CALD group since their arrival to Australia.

Assessment 2

Working in groups , each group will work on one (1) of the following settings: 

Workplaces;
Children’s institutions; or
Aged care institutions

Use Australian population nutrition and health data to identify one (1) key nutritional (e.g. nutrient deficiency) or nutrition-related health problem (e.g. obesity) and/or challenge in this setting in Australia and provide a brief introduction to this issue.

In your introduction you should describe the extent of the problem in Australia.

Undertake a literature review of a range of nutrition promotion programs that have been used to impact on the issue you identified in this setting in Australia and internationally.

You should include at least eight (8) programs in your review.

Critically discuss each of these programs and their reported effectiveness taking into consideration the: level of evidence; strength of evidence; magnitude of effects; relevance of findings; and internal and external validity of program.

Conclude your review by identifying the most effective strategy/strategies for the Australian context.
Then design and plan the implementation and evaluation of a nutrition promotion program within your chosen setting, based on the findings.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

This assessment is marked according to the Grade Descriptors shown below:

Grade

Description

HD (85-100%)

As for the criteria for ‘Distinction’, however the work also shows a high degree of originality and creativity. There is evidence that the view of teaching and learning in professional, vocational and/or higher education and their application in practice, have contributed to personal learning. There is good evidence of critical reflection on academic practice and identification of strategies for development. There is evidence of the ability to generalise the subject content to areas not covered in formal class session.

D (75 – 84%)

The work shows a good appreciation of the general purpose of the topic. There is good coverage of the topic with relevant and accurate support and a well-developed scholarly argument. The work demonstrates a clear view of how the various aspects of the topic integrate to meet the purpose. There is good evidence of application of assignment content to a relevant context.

C (65 – 74%)

The work is relevant, accurate and addresses several aspects of the topic. There is demonstration of understanding in relation to a reasonable amount of the content and a scholarly argument has been advanced. There is emerging evidence of an overall integrative view of the topic, and growing awareness of application or integration.

P (50 – 64%)

The information in the various aspects of the work is relevant and accurate but is not integrated and only covers core aspects of the topic. There is an attempt at a scholarly argument and the work indicates a limited understanding of the topic.

F (0 – 49%)

The information in the work is irrelevant, inaccurate or has missed the point. The work is insufficient; there is a lack of engagement with learning tasks or a failure to submit in the agreed timeframe.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
- Nutrition promotion - introduction and principles of health promotion Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Library session on literature search for program planning Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3
-Pre-diabetes, diabetes and metabolic syndrome Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Food Habits: Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO4
International Nutrition Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Nutrition Sustainability Lecture (2 hr) LO7
CALD group work Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO8
Diabetes Epidemiology Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Case study Cancer Council Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Obesity epidemiology and prevention Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO6
CALD assessment Group work Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO8
CVD epidemiology and prevention Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Nutrition promotion - Program Evaluation Lecture (2 hr) LO3
Case study- Cardiovascular health Policies, Programs and Interventions Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO6
Case study: policy on labelling and other policy areas Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Case study: Overview of the Healthy Children's Initiative Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Food Systems and security Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Physical activity Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO6
Evidence based review of diets Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Digital Health Promotion Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Program Planning Assessment Workshop (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
CALD assessment presentation Presentation (2 hr) LO4 LO8
Program planning Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO8
Program planning support Workshop (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO8
Older people: sarcopenia, frailty, dementia Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO7
Health promotion: Smoking Workshop (1 hr) LO2
Sleep and health Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Diets workshop part 1 Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Diets workshop part 2 Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Hypertension Epidemiology Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Indigenous Nutrition Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Osteoporosis & falls prevention Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Case Study - Obesity policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO7
Pregnancy Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Food insecurity and systems tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO7
Case study:refugee health Tutorial (1 hr) LO5
HIV lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Case study: Ozharvest Tutorial (1 hr) LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The statues of the University require that students attend at least 80% of tutorials and workshops. Attendance records are kept for tutorial classes in order for you to substantiate your attendance at those classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Lawrence M and Worsley T (Editors). Public Health Nutrition - From Principles to Practice. Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 2007.
  • Mann J and Truswell AS. Essentials of Human Nutrition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 4th Edition, 2012.
  • Hawe P, Degeling D and Hall J. Evaluating Health Promotion – A Health Workers’ Guide. Sydney: McLennan and Petty, 1990.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate understanding of the roles of nutrients, foods and dietary patterns in the prevention of chronic disease and contribution of diet to the global burden of disease
  • LO2. apply the socioecological model and the principles of health promotion and behaviour change.
  • LO3. conduct a needs assessment, formulate a community program, implement the program and develop an evaluation plan for the program.
  • LO4. demonstrate cultural competence in the application of health promotion and public health nutrition policy
  • LO5. develop programs for vulnerable populations including those with inadequate food and nutrition literacy, those with food insecurity and for “at risk” phases of the lifecycle i.e. pregnancy, first 1000 days of life and the aged.
  • LO6. describe the programs currently offered within NSW for healthy eating and prevention of overweight and obesity
  • LO7. demonstrate knowledge of food legislation, regulation and public health nutrition policy and agencies.
  • LO8. display professionalism through collaborative team work, reflective practice, problem solving and ongoing learning and professional development

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
2.1.1. Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food supply data in determining nutritional status.
2.2.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health.
2.2.3. Acknowledges the multiple factors that influence food choice and the provision of service.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
2.3.1. Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, health and disease, food and food preparation methods to tailor recommendations to improve health of individuals, groups and/or populations.
3.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice.
LO2
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.1.1. Reviews and evaluates the impact of own practice on improving nutritional health.
1.5.3. Works respectfully with individuals, groups and/or populations from different cultures.
2.2.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health.
2.2.2. Identifies opportunities and advocates for change to the wider social, cultural and/or political environment to improve nutrition, food standards or the food supply in various settings.
2.2.3. Acknowledges the multiple factors that influence food choice and the provision of service.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
2.3.1. Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, health and disease, food and food preparation methods to tailor recommendations to improve health of individuals, groups and/or populations.
3.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
3.2.1. Identifies and selects appropriate research methods to investigate food and nutrition problems.
3.2.2. Applies ethical processes to research and evaluation.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
LO3
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
2.2.3. Acknowledges the multiple factors that influence food choice and the provision of service.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
3.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
3.2.1. Identifies and selects appropriate research methods to investigate food and nutrition problems.
3.2.2. Applies ethical processes to research and evaluation.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.3.2. Participates in collaborative decision making, shared responsibility, and shared vision within a team.
4.3.3. Shares responsibility for team action, recognising the diverse roles and responsibilities other team members play.
4.3.4. Guides and supports other team members and peers.
LO4
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.4.4. Utilises relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively and safely.
1.5.2. Seeks out culturally specific information to inform practice.
2.1.1. Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food supply data in determining nutritional status.
2.2.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
3.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
3.2.1. Identifies and selects appropriate research methods to investigate food and nutrition problems.
4.2.1. Shares information with and acts as a resource person for colleagues, community and other agencies.
4.3.2. Participates in collaborative decision making, shared responsibility, and shared vision within a team.
4.3.3. Shares responsibility for team action, recognising the diverse roles and responsibilities other team members play.
4.3.4. Guides and supports other team members and peers.
LO5
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
2.2.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health.
2.2.3. Acknowledges the multiple factors that influence food choice and the provision of service.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
3.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
3.2.3. Collects, analyses and interprets qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation data.
4.3.2. Participates in collaborative decision making, shared responsibility, and shared vision within a team.
4.3.4. Guides and supports other team members and peers.
LO6
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
2.1.2. Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information.
2.2.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health.
2.2.3. Acknowledges the multiple factors that influence food choice and the provision of service.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
LO7
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
2.2.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health.
2.2.3. Acknowledges the multiple factors that influence food choice and the provision of service.
2.2.4. Uses food legislation, regulations and standards to develop, implement and evaluate food systems to maintain food safety.
2.2.5. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health.
LO8
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.1.4. Shows a commitment to professional development and conduct and lifelong learning.
1.1.6. Accepts responsibility for own actions.
1.1.7. Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability and resilience and the ability to manage own emotions.
1.2.2. Demonstrates integrity, honesty and fairness.
1.3.1. Uses negotiation and conflict resolution skills when required.
1.3.4. Participates in mentoring.
1.5.3. Works respectfully with individuals, groups and/or populations from different cultures.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.2.1. Shares information with and acts as a resource person for colleagues, community and other agencies.
4.3.2. Participates in collaborative decision making, shared responsibility, and shared vision within a team.
4.3.3. Shares responsibility for team action, recognising the diverse roles and responsibilities other team members play.
4.3.4. Guides and supports other team members and peers.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Video presentation with a power point presentation.

Disclaimer

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