FB3COM-Nutrition Communication

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: FB2NS Nutritional Science
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Orla Kennedy
Email: o.b.kennedy@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Charlotte Mills
Email: c.e.mills@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module you will begin to develop the professional skills that as a UKVRN Registered Associate Nutritionist you will need to demonstrate to achieve your registration and progress to Registered Nutritionist Status. We will explore who the various actors are in the nutrition and health ecosystems, the role they play in local, national and global nutrition policy and practice and wider food systems (e.g  Government and NGO’s, health systems, WHO (Sustainable development goals, industry)).  

Aims:

The aim of this module is for students to develop the essential skills for effectively but professionally communicating as a nutritionist.  The module is designed around the Association for Nutrition’s Core competency - Professional Conduct and Practice. We will explore how as a professional you can demonstrate ethical and professional practice, including working within your own (potential) scope of practice and that of other practitioners.  You will learn to apply appropriate communication skills throughout all areas of your practice, underpinned by an evidenced based nutrition/science approach. And you will gain the tools to undertake relevant continuing professional development and reflective practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Appreciate how to work within the standards of ethics, conduct and performance of the Association of Nutrition.


• Critically evaluate current scientific evidence to underpin your practice and activities.


•  Identify and uphold best practice standards, legislation, official guidelines, policy and protocols related to Nutrition practice.


• Develop communication skills for different audiences using a number of different channels.  

Additional outcomes:

The module will support development of communication skills and support critical thinking skills beyond nutritional sciences, in the broader scientific setting alongside developing skills to support your continuing professional development.

Outline content:

This module focuses on effective communication of nutrition. Indicative module content includes

• Who’s who in nutrition?


• Evidenced based nutrition and critical evaluation of the scientific evidence


• Global nutrition and Sustainable development goals


• From science, to policy to practice- the case for folic acid fortification


• Association for Nutrition- standards, ethics, performance and core competencies


• Professional portfolio development


• Ensuring equity, equality, diversity and inclusive nutrition


• Nutrition Communication in industry, media and social media

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module consists of a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops self-directed learning,   evaluating and creating collateral for different audiences and channels, and portfolio development. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		16
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		14
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for presentations		20
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Reflection		20
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two pieces of course work:

• (1) vlog or written article (50%)


• (2) AFN core competency portfolio (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be able to submit one ‘mock’ press release, or one vlog/oral presentation and one competency reflection that they will receive feedback on prior to submitting the associated coursework. We will hold two workshops to support the assessment in this module.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% in each element of coursework.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: No special equipment, bring your own smart phone device and laptop/ipad

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023