Unit Code: DNU501

Unit Name: Introduction to Nutrition

Description: This is a comprehensive course that provides an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of nutrients that are determinants of health and diseases in human populations. It provides useful information about the components of the human diet and how food is processed in the body as well as what happens in the body if these essential nutrients are not adequately supplied in the human diet. The course deals with the chemistry of the main nutrients – proteins, fats, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals and their importance in the diet, energy intake and output. It enables students to apply this information to understand the links between nutrition and health issues such as under-nutrition, obesity, heart diseases and micronutrient deficiencies. The course enables students to grasp the use and limitations of Nutritional Assessment methods in determining the nutritional status of the population, specifically in the use of Body Mass Index BMI).

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to : 1. Explain the principles of nutrition that support human health. 2. Demonstrate proper vegetable gardening techniques supporting good nutrition. 3. Describe the macronutrients needed for the body. 4. Describe the micronutrients needed for the body. 5. Demonstrate nutritional assessment technique such as Body Mass Index (BMI) in an ethical and professional manner to interpret nutritional status (NS).

Prerequisite: Pass in Year 13 examination (or equivalent) and as per Minimum Entry Requirement (MER).

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1