FZMR16-Nutrition for specific populations

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 5 [2.5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites: FZMR14 What is Life Long Nutrition?
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: k.e.currie@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Delivered as an intensive campus based workshop of 3 consecutive days of seminars, tutorials and practical sessions delivered by academic members of teaching and research staff from the department of Food & Nutritional Sciences and wider the University of Reading and invited experts in the field from across academia and industry, this module covers discrete groups within our society with specific dietary needs, such as those with eating disorders and allergies through to ethnic groups with specific tastes, beliefs and cultural requirements.

Aims:

The module aims to provide an introduction to, and knowledge of, the role of diet in today’s society; in particular, how the scientific evidence underpinning what constitutes a healthy diet can be related to different specific populations who may have specific needs and health risks. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to critically appraise the dietary requirements of a specific population, and translate this to healthy eating guidelines.  The module will consider the scientific rationale for potentially targeting healthy recommendations to the differing demands of specific population groups in our society.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, learners should be able to:

•    Discuss the dietary needs of specific populations within our society

•    Critically appraise dietary guidelines and foods targeted to specific populations

•    Evaluate gaps in the market in light of differing dietary needs in society

•    Critically appraise the composition of food items in relation to healthy eating targets for people with different lifestyles and needs

•    Discuss the potential for the food industry in ethical and effective targeting of foods for specific populations. 

Additional outcomes:

The following transferable skills will be developed in this module:

•    Critical evaluation of data from a variety of sources

•    Effective communication of scientific information in oral and written format with scientific rigour

•    Debating skills

Outline content:

This module is designed to provide an understanding of the role of diet in distinct populations in the UK. Areas of particular focus include people with eating disorders, allergies and food intolerances, athletes, diabetics, pre-diabetics, people with specific beliefs, cultural and ethnic needs and requirements, hospitalised and institutionalised people, the raging population. Students will appraise the UK diet and consider the potential role of the food industry in ensuring the population achieves appropriate dietary guidelines.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will be delivered via a 3-day intensive on campus workshop that will include 20 hours of academic-led seminars and group discussions supported by expert outside speakers and 10 hours of independent learning and group work. The final report, which seeks to apply the learning to the participant’s business situation, accounts for 20 hours of student time.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written Report

A critical review (2000 – 2500 words) of how the student will reflect the learnings from this module back into their workplace such that food industry practitioners can work towards potentially targeting healthy recommendations to the differing demands of specific population groups in our society. For submission within 6 weeks of the completion of the course - 80%

Group Presentation

A group presentation / debate / facilitated discussion / role play delivered during the workshop. Half of the marks will be for the group and half for the individual student’s contribution - 20%

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall in all assessed work.

Reassessment arrangements:

In the event of a student failing the module they will be reassessed based on resubmission of failed coursework assignments or equivalent pieces of work.  Module marks are capped at 50% for passes at 2nd attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 10 April 2019