Food and Nutrient Requirements and Nutrition Through the Lifecycle MED5139

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will provide an overview of the structure, function, sources and requirements of nutrients and an overview of differing nutritional requirements throughout the lifecycle.

Timetable

The course is made up of lectures, tutorials and practical classes in semester 1.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

One essay (~2000 words, contributing 45%) (ILO 1,2 and 4)

One blog (~700 words, contributing 20%). This may cover any ILO but is dependent on the article the student chooses.

A weekly quiz - 10%. (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4)

An applied MCQ 20%. (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Reflective Assessment - 5% (300 - 500 words) (ILO 5) 

Course Aims

This course will provide students with an evidenced based overview of the structure, function, sources and requirements of nutrients. This will include an evidence based overview of differing nutritional requirements throughout the lifecycle.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Critically discuss the structure, function, sources and requirements of nutrients and the rationale and evidence on which nutrient recommendations in the UK and internationally were developed.

2. Critically discuss the physiological changes that occur throughout the lifecycle and how these impact on nutritional requirements with reference to the published literature and guidelines.

3. Critically discuss the body's antioxidant defence system and the evidence currently available for a protective effect of antioxidants in protecting against chronic disease.

4. Critically review the current consumption patterns of the main food groups and discuss their significance with regard to their contribution to nutrient intakes in the UK.

5. Reflect on a set of standards for professional behaviour using the AfN standards as an example.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

For students on MSc Human Nutrition with specialisation:

As per the Association for Nutrition accreditation requirements students must submit all assessment components and achieve a minimum grade of D3 in each component.

 

For students on MSc Human Nutrition with Knowledge Transfer:

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.