NUTD3107 Public Health and Community Nutrition

This topic develops students' understanding of public health and community nutrition, within the context of health promotion practice. Public health nutrition applies a population-level perspective to preventing diet-related health problems, and promoting healthy eating, while community nutrition takes a local-level perspective, defined by a smaller geographical area. Both public health and community nutrition are informed by theoretical frameworks of comprehensive primary health care and health promotion, which recognise the social and environmental determinants of health and illness. Students will be introduced to health and nutrition policies which guide public health and nutrition interventions. They will develop knowledge and skills in systematic nutrition program development, encompassing needs assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation. Programs will be based on principles of evidence-based practice, cultural safety, ethical interventions, multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral practice.

This topic aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in public health and community nutrition practice. Specifically it aims to develop knowledge about the theoretical and policy context for public health and community nutrition practice, and skills in program development.

1. Integrate knowledge of a socio-ecological approach and health promotion principles within a public health and community nutrition context
2. Analyse major health and nutrition policy within a public health context
3. Develop a Community nutrition program incorporating evidenced based planning, implementation and evaluation methods, health promotion principles and major health and nutrition policies
4. Discuss collaboration with broader disciplines and the role of stakeholders in nutrition program development.