Nutrition in the Life Course
Overview
This unit introduces students to the food and nutrient requirements across the human life course in the Australian context. Students will examine the physiological, social and behavioural influences of nutrient and dietary intake amongst non-Indigenous Australians, Indigenous Australians, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia. Students will also critically explore approaches used to address nutritional risks of these groups in different life stages, and learn to develop relevant dietary recommendations to address nutritional risks for individuals and groups within the scope of nutrition practice.
Requisites
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
Rules
Pre-requisite
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
AND
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Explain the nutritional requirements of individuals across the life course as well as the relevant physiological, social and behavioural influences
- Identify nutritional risks relevant to specific life stages and the dietary behaviours that can contribute to or mediate these risks
- Develop relevant nutritional recommendations based on evidence-based approaches to guide food choices for people from a variety of backgrounds across the life stage
- Communicate accurate and relevant nutrition information to a variety of Australian socio-cultural audiences using relevant and appropriate methods
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Workshop | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Specified Activities Various | 5.00 | 12 weeks | 60 |
| Unspecified Activities Readings | 3.50 | 12 weeks | 42 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3 |
| Assignment | Individual/Group | 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Test | Individual | 20% | 1,2,3 |
Content
- Contemporary trends in food intake at different life stages
- The physiological needs at different life stages affecting food and nutrient needs
- Food and nutrition guidance aimed at different age groups
- Food and nutrient intake and recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and CALD communities
- Theoretical approaches and emerging evidence on the life course effects of nutrition and diet on health
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.