Nutrition and Health for Physical Education
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit introduces students to nutrition, healthy eating practices and the economic and sociocultural reasons behind people's food choices. It explores the main nutrient groups, and how diet and nutrition have a critical role in the promotion of healthy living and the prevention of chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Students investigate nutritional practices and how they affect growth, development and activity levels. While the unit looks broadly at global nutritional trends, it also emphasises current and emerging trends across Australia. The unit takes a sociological approach to understanding some of the cultural and social factors that impact people's food choices, including fad diets, body image, stereotypes and the media.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge of nutritional requirements for health and wellness;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Australian Dietary Guidelines; and,
- Investigate how social and economic factors affect nutrition and food choices.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%
Online tests
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 40%
Dietary analysis report
Assessment type: Case Study | Grade: 40%
Sociological case study (game creation)
Required reading
Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.