FSC5040 Food, nutrition and health
Faculty of Science
FSC5040 Food, nutrition and health is a level 6, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2021 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 5 tasks
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before FSC5040
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After FSC5040
No unit lists FSC5040 as a prerequisite in the 2021 handbook.
Enrolment rules
COREQUISITE: Enrolment in Master of Food Science and Agribusiness
Overview
This unit focuses on fundamental concepts in human nutrition. It will describe the role and ‘in-body’ function of macro and micro-nutrients found in foods, and identify components which are essential for human health. The concept of energy balance will be introduced and its relevance for the health of populations and individuals. The nutrient reference values (NRV) for optimal nutrition for the Australian population and methods of nutrition assessment will be explored, also focusing on methods used to assess food intake at the population and individual level, data analysis and evaluation of this data to inform recommended dietary intakes for optimal health.
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical reportReport15%
- Portfolio: Case presentationFolio15%
- Portfolio: Written module 1Folio20%
- Portfolio: Written module 2Folio20%
- Policy analysis: Discussion paperThreshold hurdle30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the macro and micro nutrients required for a human health, including the role of key nutrients in human function and the apply nutrient reference values in the context of assessing nutritional status of individuals and populations.
- 2
Critically reflect on current consumption patterns at national, household and individual levels and how this can impact on over and under nutrient consumption and future sustainability of current dietary patterns.
- 3
Assess the role, benefits and limitations of food in the aetiology, prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart-disease and type 2 diabetes.
- 4
Explain the role of governments in formulating, implementing and enforcing modern food law at the national and international level.
- 5
Critically evaluate the role that food labelling and food-related claims play in driving food consumption in the population.
- 6
Critically evaluate how public policy, both health and non-health, may influence food consumption and nutritional status.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars12 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
The unit will have a minimum of 6 hours of directed activities per week, including a combination of teacher directed learning (1 hour seminar and 2 hour workshop), peer directed learning and online engagement. An additional 6 hours per week will be spent in private study time (library searches, reading and preparation of assignments).
Weekly seminars and workshops will incorporate opportunities for active learning, peer assisted learning, and problem- and enquiry-based learning. There will also be online learning content that supports the learning taking place in 'face-to-face' seminars and workshops.
Learning resources
Technology resources
Access will be required for a software program 'Foodworks' for analysing nutrient content of foods. Students may wish to subscribe or purchase this program from https://www.xyris.com.au/ <https://www.xyris.com.au/> . A two week free trial is available and recommended. If you intend to use the free trial, please do not download the software until instructed to do so. It is not compatible with Mac computers.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Margaret Murray
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Margaret Murray
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FSC5040?
FSC5040 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is FSC5040 offered?
In 2021, FSC5040 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does FSC5040 have an exam?
No. FSC5040 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.