Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Human Movement & Nutrition Sci
This course explores the scientific principles underpinning the relationship between diet and disease, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the aetiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of common nutrition-related conditions. Through an evidence-based approach, students will examine the role of specific nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in disease prevention and management, drawing on mechanistic insights and epidemiological data. Students will develop critical skills in interpreting and evaluating contemporary nutrition research. The course also offers practical training in nutrition data collection and analysis techniques, preparing students for advanced study or professional practice in nutrition science and dietetics. This course equips students to critically appraise nutrition evidence and contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of diet and disease.
This course builds on prior studies in nutrition science (NUTR2101), physiology and biochemistry. The course content is focussed around the major chronic diseases and the application of nutrition for prevention. The course explores a broad range of non-communicable diseases and their relationship to nutrition including: obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, malnutrition, cardiovascular, cancer, upper and lower GI, the gut microbiome and genetics. Students will learn foundational knowledge to be carried into a profession of nutrition science and or further study in masters of dietetics.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOC2000 + NUTR2101 + physiology at year 2 level (either PHYL2730 or BIOM2011 or BIOM2015)
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
BIOC3006
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
NUTR2201
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Nathan Cook
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures are recorded live on Zoom each week and made available on Blackboard. Workshops are not recorded, however, I strongly recommend your attedance.
You are required to allocate to a workshop group to attend the sessions throughout the semester. There are no workshops in week 3 due to public holiday for Ekka show.
The weekly workshops are integral to the course and each include in-semester and final semester exam questions practice. We will also discuss your assignment in one of these workshops.
There is a maximum class size for each workshop.
Aims and outcomes
- To provide a level understanding of the science underpinning diet and disease.
- To provide skills for critical thinking, analysis of nutrition data, and nutrition and dietetic data collection skills in preparation for further studies in this field
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the aetiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of common nutrition-related diseases
LO2.
Explain the role of specific nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in the prevention and management of nutrition-related diseases, supported by mechanistic and epidemiological evidence.
LO3.
Interpret, and critically evaluate contemporary scientific publications examining the relationship between nutrients, dietary patterns, and nutrition-related diseases.
LO4.
Appraise the strengths, limitations, and applicability of nutrition research methodologies including clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and systematic reviews, in the context of disease prevention and management.
LO5.
Perform, analyse and interpret the principles and methods of nutrition data collection and analysis techniques
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique |
Assignment
|
30% |
26/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
ﾠ |
| Examination |
End of Semester Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Assignment
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
26/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The assignment is on the topic of dietary intake data collection methodology, analysis and interpretation. We will discuss this in workshop of week 4. The assessment details will be released in week 4 before the workshop begins. You will need to collect a 24 hour recall from a student in the class (and they will collect yours), then you will need to analyse this data using a multitude of methods.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT 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 generative AI or MT 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 and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission portal on the course Blackboard site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-semester exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
ﾠ
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The exam covers content from weeks 1 to 5. Details on the format of the exam will be communicated via Blackboard and during workshops.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Unmarked language dictionary |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submission via Inspera
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
End of Semester Examination
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The exam covers the second half of semester weeks 6-13 content. Details on the format of the exam will be communicated via Blackboard and during workshops.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Unmarked language dictionary |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submission via Inspera
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Clear deficiencies in understanding and performance but evidence that some basic requirements have been met. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fails to satisfy all basic requirements for pass but is close to satisfactory overall and has compensating strengths in some aspects. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performances to be considered satisfactory in the course. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course going beyond mere replication of content knowledge and skills to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills and some originality or insight. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness of deeper and more subtle aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to evaluate new ideas, and ability to incorporate relevant scientific knowledge to address topics. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or excellence in metacognition, based on proficiency in all learning objectives of the course; work is interesting, surprising, and commendable. |
Additional course grading information
A final percentage mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g. 64.50 and above will be rounded to 65 and 64.49 and below will be rounded down to 64.)
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
WHAT TO DO IF:
I've missed a Workshop?
Students are not penalised for missing workshops without approval; however, it is important to note that you will be at a disadvantage to complete the in-semester and end of semester examinations to your full potential without attending all workshops and learning all content and skills.
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) |
Lecture |
Course introduction, Diet and disease Course introduction and "housekeeping". Exploring the relationship between diet and disease overall. Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Obesity & metabolic syndrome Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for obesity. Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Under/malnutrition Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for undernutrition Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Endocrine system (diabetes) Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for diabetes Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Hepatic system Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for the liver. Sub-activity: Tutorial. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Assignment drop in session We will discuss question on your assignment (if you have any). Sub-activity: IN SEMESTER EXAM REVISIONS. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Cardiovascular Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for obesity Cardiovascular disease Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Cancer Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for cancer. Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Upper & Lower GI Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for Upper GIT and Lower GIT Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Public holiday - - Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Gut microbiome Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for the gut microbiome Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Genetics I Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for genetics (part 1) Sub-activity: Tutorial Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Genetics II Exploring the relationship between diet and disease for genetics (part 2) Sub-activity: Exam revision Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: