NUT509 Community And Public Health Nutrition Theory (8)

This subject introduces students to the determinants of heath and health inequities. It provides an advanced understanding of the principles and practice of public health and primary health care. It introduces concepts of epidemiology, health need, program planning and evaluation. It examines the theory and practice of community nutrition and public health nutrition relevant to the delivery of effective nutrition programs to community groups and wider populations. Students are also required to attend a compulsory five day residential school during the subject.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2020.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Master of Dietetics students only.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the determinants of health;
  • be able to discuss the causes of health inequities;
  • be able to use demographic, epidemiological and anthropometric data in the development of health needs to inform program development and nutrition issues;
  • be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of nutrition related health problems in Australian communities with particular attention to disadvantaged populations including Indigenous, refugee, and rural communities;
  • be able to discuss the role of food and nutrition policy development in public health;
  • be able to describe in detail the underpinning principles of the planning, implementation and evaluation of nutrition programs in a community setting;
  • be able to develop and evaluate appropriate intervention strategies within community and public health settings for different population groups;
  • be able to determine how to conduct a simulated focus group with a defined population group;
  • be able to design a survey/ questionnaire suitable for nutrition education purposes;
  • be able to identify and discuss issues which influence the nature of, access to and effectiveness of community nutrition programs;

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • determinants of health and health inequities.
  • primary health care and public health within the context of the Australian health system.
  • theoretical perspectives in health promotion and poulation health.
  • food and nutrition policy development.
  • the use of epidemiological, demographic and behavioural data in health promotion/ public health programs.
  • the principles of community nutrition education programs: planning (eg. the health issue, target group, stakeholders, aims, objectives, performance indicators, resources needed), implementation and evaluation (using process and impact evaluation methods).
  • communicating with stakeholders (the community, other government and non-government organisations, health professionals).
  • the use of focus groups and surveys in community nutrition programs.
  • factors affecting the success of community nutrition programs in achieving sustainable outcomes.

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a Workplace Learning component. Please contact the subject coordinator for further information.

Residential School

This subject contains a 5 day Compulsory Residential School.

A compulsory 5 day residential school will be provided at the commencement of the session. This will involve lectures, tutorials and guest presenters who will be current dietetic and public health practioners working in primary health care settings.

Special Resources

Students are required to travel for the residential school.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back