What will I learn on this module?
This module introduces the concepts of nutrition as applied to stages of life, from infancy to old age and investigates diet-related health conditions. You will draw on your existing knowledge of dietary reference values and guidelines and explore the different requirements and reasons for these, in different stages of life and states of health. You will also learn the theories of behaviour change so that you understand the ways in which health professionals can plan behaviour change interventions and support populations to make heathier choices.
Topics covered in this module include:
Principles of nutrition and dietetics:
Health promotion theory and practice,
Planning and constructing interventions
Energy balance and energy expenditure calculations.
Under and over nutrition:
Nutritional significance and requirements for nutrients through the lifecycle.
Diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Diabetes mellitus, Cancer and dietary factors
How will I learn on this module?
This module will involve lectures and seminars and tutorials. Lectures will introduce the key concepts and seminars will be used to develop the detail. Seminars will allow students to engage with current primary literature as well as review and evaluate existing health interventions.
Delivery of this module will be supported by the e-learning portal (eLP). Lectures and supplementary learning materials will be available on the module site; the electronic Reading List will be linked to Library Services; key websites and online links in the field will be included.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported in this module by the module tutor who will provide a lecture series designed to develop your knowledge and raise questions regarding changing guidelines and dietary advice. Your will also be supported by the student-led discussions and debates in small group seminars. Directed independent study tasks will allow you to engage more widely with the subject matter.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to explain the nutritional significance and requirements of the basic food components (carbohydrates etc) for a healthy diet.
2. You will be able to explain the basis of diet-related diseases and disorders, causes, characteristics and the role nutrition can play e.g. in prevention and treatment.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be able to apply your knowledge of nutritional requirements during the lifecycle including a theoretical overview of how to construct suitable diets for given life-stages
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will be able apply values, principles and ethical standpoints in relation to contentious issues related to behaviour change.
How will I be assessed?
This module will be assessment by coursework which is worth 60% (MLO 1, 2, 4) and exam, worth 40% (MLO 2,3). The coursework will give you the opportunity to develop a health promotion intervention strategy. The exam will come at the end of the module and allow you to show your ability to evaluate data and apply their knowledge.
Formative assessment will take the form of directed seminar tasks related to the assessment whereby students will be given directed reading or case-studies.
Students will get feedback on summative assessment and formative tasks. There will be group tutorials and seminars where students will get peer and tutor feedback on their coursework ideas.
Pre-requisite(s)
AP0409 Fundamental Nutrition or level 4 equivalent
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
‘Nutrition through the lifecycle’ is a module which enables you to apply your knowledge of dietary guidelines to each stage of life. You will consider the changing physiological requirements and also the social influences on dietary choices and, as part of the assessment, develop a behaviour change intervention based on current research findings. You will also develop your understanding of the impact which diet has on increasingly common chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease. In an area of research which is constantly evolving, you will review current findings and evaluate their impact on accepted advice.
Course info
UCAS Code BD46
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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