Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Public Health School
This course provides an understanding of the significance of nutrition across the lifespan, using a public health perspective. This course reviews the nutritional and dietary requirements of humans for different periods of their lifespan and for specific physiological states. It covers requirements for good health and normal development, and for some specific diseases. The course will also provide the student with an insight into the major nutrition issues at each stage of life and the effects of psychosocial and cultural factors on nutritional health.
Welcome to Nutrition in the Lifespan. This course will use a public health approach to understanding nutritional needs of the population. This course will provide the student with an understanding of the principles of nutrition, anᅠintroduction to food-based dietary guidelines, and insight into the basis for changing dietary requirements throughout life in a number of different contexts.This course reviews the nutritional and dietary requirements of humans for different periods of their lifespan (infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood) and for specific physiological states (such as pregnancy and lactation). The course covers requirements for good health and normal development, and for some specific diseases, including the relationship between dietary intake and nutrition at one stage of the lifespan and health at another.ᅠ Students will take a closer look at the role of food and diets in a life course perspective and how they affect populations nutritionally, physically, developmentally, psychologically and socially. The lifecycle is seen as a whole, with each stage intimately related to outcomes at other stages. The course will take a public health approach in understanding issues related to each life-stage.
Course requirements
Assumed background
1st year level courses in biological sciences.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LF224
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note that this course is held at HERSTON campus. Students are required to have their laptops with them for in-class online activity during some workshopᅠsessions.ᅠ
ᅠ
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide a firm grounding on the basis for nutrition and health,ᅠand changing dietary requirements throughout life. The course also aims to emphasise the importance of nutrition in public health.ᅠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Have a broad understanding of the importance of nutrition in population health.
LO2.
Describe the changing nutritional needs throughout the lifespan, including for infancy, childhood, adolescence, adult, maternal- pregnancy and lactation, and elderly.
LO3.
Identify and describe the basis for dietary requirements, and major nutritional problems during each stage of the lifespan.
LO4.
Critically analyse fads and trends at various stages in the lifespan that may influence nutritional status.
LO5.
Demonstrate a wide understanding of factors which can affect nutritional requirements and vulnerabilities that may affect people belonging to different cultural, socioeconomic and other special groups.
LO6.
Understand the appropriate use of dietary and anthropometric methods to assess the nutritional status of individuals.
LO7.
Critically analyse how current issues in nutrition or the food supply could have an impact on different stages of the lifespan.
LO8.
Search, locate and identify appropriate resources and demonstrate the ability to critically analyse these resources.
LO9.
Demonstrate an ability to communicate your findings effectively in written forms.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Food intake and nutrient analysis exercise
|
15% |
27/08/2025 2:00 pm |
Examination | Exam | 45% |
2/10/2024 9:00 am
The exam will take place at the usual workshop time and location. Exam details will be posted during the semester. |
Essay/ Critique | Communicating Contemporary Issues in Nutrition | 40% |
25/10/2024 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Food intake and nutrient analysis exercise
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
27/08/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06, L08, L09
Task description
All students will need to be present during the workshop in week five to complete part B of the assesment.
Part A is individual-based (completed outside of class time), Part B will be completed in small groups and submitted during the workshop.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the Policies and guidelines
Exam
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
2/10/2024 9:00 am
The exam will take place at the usual workshop time and location. Exam details will be posted during the semester.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L09
Task description
In this assessment piece, you will complete an in class exam to test your understanding of the course content. The exam will be held during the usual lecture time and location in week 10.
Exam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 90 minutes |
Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the Policies and guidelines
Communicating Contemporary Issues in Nutrition
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
25/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Professionals concerned with nutrition should be able to have a basic understanding of the basic principles of, and contemporary issues in nutrition, and be able to critically review and present this information.
In this assessment piece, you will complete a short essay which will give you an opportunity to critically engage with current debates in the field of nutrition.
This is an individual exercise. Students are required to request permission for extensions via myUQ in good time, with appropriate supporting documentation.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the Policies and guidelines
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 0 - 19%) |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 20 - 44%) |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: (typically 45 - 49%) |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 50 - 64%) |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 65 - 74%) |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 75 - 84%) |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 85 - 100%) |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only, and a passing grade will be awarded if, and only if, the student receives at least 50% of the marks on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assignment Submission:ᅠ
Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when they upload an assignment.ᅠ Students need to download their receipt manually and keep a copy as proof of submission.ᅠ ᅠ
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and/or using Tunitin.ᅠ
Before submitted any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ’sᅠcompulsory onlineᅠAcademic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment, you need to manually download your receipt and keep a copy as proof of submission as Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when an assignment is uploaded.ᅠ ᅠ
It is the responsibility of the student to check the assignment preview and confirm that the assignment has been successfully submitted.ᅠᅠ
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot)
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again
- If you cannot submit again, immediately email your course coordinator.ᅠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Nutrition Principles One Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
Nutrition Principles Two Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L07 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
Nutrition during preconception & pregnancy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Nutrition & Breastfeeding *Online Week* Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Workshop |
Infant Nutrition & Assesment 1 group task Students must be present in this workshop to complete the group task and submit part B of assessment one Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Toddler/Preschool and school children nutrition Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Workshop |
Nutrition in Adolescence Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Workshop |
Nutrition during adulthood Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Workshop |
Nutrition for Older Adults & Exam revision Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 10 (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
Workshop |
Exam Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09 |
Week 11 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
Guest presenter & Assessment Three Q&A Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09 |
Week 12 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Workshop |
Guest presenter & Assessment Three Q&A Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09 |
Week 13 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
Feedback Assessment Three Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L07, L08, L09 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
School of Public Health (SPH) Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment - Preamble
To apply for an extension to the due date for a piece of progressive assessment (eg assignments, oral presentations and computer-based assignments) students should complete the online request at https://my.uq.edu.au/node/218/1
Information regarding deferral of in-semester exams and end-of-semester exams is available from https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam
If requesting an extension on medical grounds, a medical certificate must be provided. The extension will be approved for the number of days included in the medical certificate that the student was not fit to study or work, eg if the medical certificate is for 3 days, an extension will be approved for 3 days maximum regardless of the student's request.
If requesting an extension using a Student Access Plan for Disability (SAPD) as evidence, a maximum of 7-day extension will be approved in the first instance. Updated medical documentation, as well as a copy of the SAPD, is required if requesting an extension for more than 7 days.
The maximum time for an in-semester extension is four weeks.
The following SPH guidelines are consistent with the UQ policy. However, the SPH Guidelines contain specific rules and interpretations for SPH courses, and requests for extension and penalties for late submissions will be judged according to the guidelines outlined in this document. You should read both the information in your my.UQ at the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1 and the SPH guidelines (below) before submitting a request for an extension. The SPH Guidelines apply to all courses offered by the School of Public Health unless the ECP explicitly states otherwise.
SPH Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment
Initial extension for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator decides.
This could be for medical or compassionate reasons, or if, in the opinion of the Course Coordinator, there are exceptional circumstances.
Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for an extension are listed at the following link, along with the required evidence to be provided: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
All requests should be lodged at least 24 hours prior to the due date for the assessment.
If applying for an extension after the due date and time of the assessment item, your request may not be approved. An explanation as to why your request was not submitted prior must be included.
If approved, a new due date will be set. This would generally be no later than 7 days after the original due date, however this can be modified to take account of the circumstances of the request and the time that would have been lost from studies.
If the new due date is past the date for submission of end-of-semester results, the student will receive an INC (incomplete) result.
Second and all subsequent extensions for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Program Director together with the Course Coordinator decides.
This would only be approved for exceptional circumstance with supporting documentation.
- Online requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the due date from the first extension.
- The SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator will consult with the Program Director, who will make the final decision.
- If approved, the new due date would generally be no later than 7 days after the first extension due date.
- The Program Director should consider if remedial or other support should be offered to the student.
- The Program Director should provide a report on these matters as needed at SPH Examiners’ Meetings.
Please Note: In order to support course progression, extensions that total more than 14 calendar days from the original due date of an assessment item will only be approved in very exceptional circumstances. These requests are assessed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty.
Penalty for late submission
Submission of assignments, practical reports, workbooks, and other types of written assessments after the due date specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP) will receive a penalty.
The penalty will be a deduction of 10% RELATIVE PERCENTAGE per day (24 hour period or part thereof, including weekends and public holidays) or for work graded on a 1-7 scale, a deduction of one grade per day, e.g If the original mark is 73%, then 10% relative percentage is 10% of this value, ie 7.3%, The final mark for this assessment item after applying the penalty for 1 day late submission would be 73 -7.3 = 65.7% The same outcome is achieved by multiplying the original score by .9; ie 73 x .9 = 65.7%
The penalty for multiple days late is the relative percentage multiplied by the number of days late.
A submission that is not made within 10 days of the due date will receive a mark of 0% for that assessment item.
Where a student has sought more than one extension, the due date for calculating the penalty will be the due date for the most recently approved extension.
Submission of Medical Certificates
Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation they submit is authentic and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Such practitioners can be identified via the AHPRA website. Also note that:
- Not all online medical services are staffed by registered practitioners
- If the registration status of the practitioner cannot be verified, then an alternative practitioner should be sought
- Students will be held fully responsible for all documentation they submit, even if done so in ignorance of the practitioner's registration status
Medical documentation may be subjected to an audit by the University.
School of Public Health (SPH) Assessment Guidelines
The School of Public Health assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may us AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.