Family Health and Nutrition Through the Lifespan

This unit explores the recommended dietary intakes and key nutrients for maintenance of health for individuals throughout the lifespan and for specific population groups. Through problem-based learning, case studies exercises, and real-world scenarios, students will examine nutritional issues related to conception, growth and development, through to aging, including the impact of social, behavioural and environmental factors on food behaviours. Students will develop skills in evidence-based nutrition practice and working interprofessionally.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Investigate the evidence base associated with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide for Healthy Eating and the practical application of this across the lifespan and for different population groups inclusive of First Nations people and communities;
2. Apply the dietary requirements for the maintenance of growth, development, and health across each stage of the lifespan and for different population groups inclusive of First Nations peoples and communities;
3. Elaborate on how the physical, biological, social, behavioural and environmental factors impact dietary behaviours and requirements across the lifespan and in different population groups, inclusive of First Nations people and communities;
4. Critically review and evaluate the literature on health and diet across the lifespan and justify their selection of scientific evidence to support nutrition solutions; and
5. Effectively communicate, individually and in interprofessional teams, dietary recommendations for different population groups inclusive of First Nations peoples and communities.