The overall module aims are to:
- Understand the key food systems and diets related to risk factors for chronic diseases.
- Assess nutrition-related risk factors as they relate to mechanisms, epidemiology and systems.
- Identify, summarise and interpret a range of evidence to determine the potential priority actions in a range of contexts.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the relationship between nutrition and chronic disease and the likely mechanisms involved.
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of epidemiological methods available to assess nutrition-disease relationships.
- Critically evaluate the validity of consensus views of common nutrition-related chronic diseases through the appraisal of the epidemiological evidence.
- Critically evaluate strategies to prevent nutrition-related chronic diseases and the evidence base required to implement policy.
Session Content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics:
- A detailed introduction to the principles of nutritional epidemiology, including key tools such as the measurement of dietary intake.
- A thorough discussion of the evidence base linking nutrition to major chronic diseases – cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and bone health – involving talks from experts and student-led group work.
- An exploration of nutrition-health policy issues in relation to NCDs, including how evidence is translated into policy.
- Sessions on topics including genetics, physical activity and nutrition of the elderly.
- Throughout the module, examples are taken from a variety of settings and the themes of the food system changes, nutrition transition and globalization are emphasised.
Mode of delivery
This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).
Assessment
Assessment will be based on the preparation of an individual report on an issue currently relevant to the field of nutrition-related chronic disease. This assessment will constitute 100% of the module marks.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
This module is compulsory for MSc Nutrition for Global Health (NfGH) students. It will also be useful to students interested in health promotion sciences, health policies and the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases. A strong background in a biological science is recommended.
Applications for Term 2 D2 modules are currently open and will close on 20 January 2025. Applications should be made online via our .