dtn404 nutritional epidemiology
NUTRITIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RESEARCH SKILLS
DTN404
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject you will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of epidemiology, the main study designs and research concepts of direct relevance to the role of food and nutrition in the prevention and causation of disease. Nutritional epidemiology techniques for the assessment of diet and body composition of individuals and populations are covered in depth. The course covers sources of data on mortality and morbidity, measures of disease prevalence, incidence and risk, chance, bias and confounding. Standard and non-parametric statistical techniques will be reviewed and you will have the opportunity to analyse a population dataset. You will acquire knowledge and skills that form the foundation for research practice in nutrition.
SchoolSchool of Allied Health
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorMatthew Quigley
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be admitted into one of the following courses: HBFN, HBFNX or HOUA and must have passed DTN201.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects DTN4EPI
Equivalent subjects DTN4EPI
Special conditions This subject is offered via Open Universities Australia. La Trobe University students can undertake this subject as part of a cross institutional enrolment under certain circumstances, and must seek approval from the Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Course Coordinator for eligibility. Due to the nature of the subject content and online delivery, enrolments are generally not permitted past the published OUA enrolment date for the study period.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introduction to Epidemiology: Distribution and Determinants of Disease | Prescribed | Macera C.A., Shaffer, R., Shaffer, P.M. (2013) | Cengage Learning |
| Readings | SPSS Survival Manual | Prescribed | Pallant, J | Allen & Unwin |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate and apply understanding of epidemiological terms, definitions and concepts used in measurements of disease
- Activities:
- Online learning activities.
02. Critically review and evaluate the methodologies of different study designs used in nutritional epidemiology
- Activities:
- Online learning activities.
03. Apply skills in nutrition related data collection and management including measurement and assessment of anthropometry, dietary assessment and body composition of individuals
- Activities:
- Students conduct an anthropometric and dietary self-assessment to compile a population dataset
04. Analyse small population datasets using biostatistics and interpret results in accordance with the NHMRC ethical code of conduct
- Activities:
- Students analyse data from a dataset comprised of student self-assessed data and interpret results of statistical tests in a report format
Subject options
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Online, 2018, OUA Study Period 4, Online
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMatthew Quigley
Class requirements
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 49
One 3.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day in week 49 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment task 1: 3 Part Research report (2,000-words equivalent) | 1) Conduct an anthropometric & dietary self-assessment (5% milestone). Individual data is collated to form a database for subsequent analysis (Due Week 3). 2) Data cleaning & descriptive analysis (Hurdle requirement). Students must complete cleaning & descriptive analysis of data collected in Milestone task, in order to be able to independently work towards completion the assignment (Due Week 9). Feedback | 45 | 01, 03, 04 |
| 3 x Module Quizzes (total time 2 hours - 1500 words equivalent) | Module 1: MCQ, multiple attempts, timed (10%) (Week3); Module 2: single attempt, timed (10%) (Week 6) Module 4: short answer (15%) (Week 12) | 35 | 01, 02, 04 |
| Assessment task 2: Critical appraisal (equivalent 1000 words) | Students use a given critical appraisal checklist (ADA) and skills developed during lectures, workshops and reflective critiques to critically appraise a given journal article (Due Week 6) | 20 | 02 |
Online, 2018, OUA Study Period 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMatthew Quigley
Class requirements
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 22 - 34
One 3.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 22 to week 34 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment task 1: 3 Part Research report (2,000-words equivalent) | 1) Conduct an anthropometric & dietary self-assessment (5% milestone). Individual data is collated to form a database for subsequent analysis (Due Week 3). 2) Data cleaning & descriptive analysis (Hurdle requirement). Students must complete cleaning & descriptive analysis of data collected in Milestone task, in order to be able to independently work towards completion the assignment (Due Week 9). Feedback | 45 | 01, 03, 04 |
| 3 x Module Quizzes (total time 2 hours - 1500 words equivalent) | Module 1: MCQ, multiple attempts, timed (10%) (Week3); Module 2: single attempt, timed (10%) (Week 6) Module 4: short answer (15%) (Week 12) | 35 | 01, 02, 04 |
| Assessment task 2: Critical appraisal (equivalent 1000 words) | Students use a given critical appraisal checklist (ADA) and skills developed during lectures, workshops and reflective critiques to critically appraise a given journal article (Due Week 6) | 20 | 02 |