1. COURSE OUTLINE
Academic Organisation: School of Public Health
Faculty: Griffith Health
Credit point value: 10
Student Contribution Band: Band 2
Course level: Undergraduate
Campus/Location/Learning Mode: Gold Coast / On Campus / In Person
Convenor/s: Ms Melinda Spencer (Gold Coast)
Enrolment Restrictions: Nil
This document was last updated: 16 January 2007
BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course presents a comprehensive intorduction to the science of nutrition. The focus is on human
nutrition requirements, describing the need for macronutrient and micronutrient needs, their food sources,
digestion, absorption, storage, and metabolism. Students will also gain an understanding of energy
requirements, metabolism, and energy balance, and how body composition is affected, as well as
problems associated with maintaining a healthy body weight, and nutrition-related health conditions.
Students will be introduced to the dietary guidelines, nutiriton recommendations, and food guidance
systems. Methods for measuring food consumption of individuals, and assessment of nutrient intakes from
food composition data, will allow students to undertake dietary self-assessment. They will learn to assess
their nutritional status using anthropometric assessment mehtods, and in conjunction with dietary
assessment, be able to plan a basic diet.

2. 1
SECTION A – TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
COURSE AIMS
This course presents a comprehensive introduction to the science of nutrition. With the focus on human
nutrition requirements, students will be introduced to the dietary guidelines, nutrition recommendations,
and food guidance systems. Students will learn the need for macronutrient and micronutrient needs, their
food sources, digestion, absorption, storage, and metabolism. Students will also gain an understanding of
energy requirements, metabolism and energy balance, and how body composition is affected, as well as
problems associated with maintaining a healthy body weight, and nutrition-related health conditions.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
These are listed in sequence of content presented throughout the semester of study.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Discuss the key nutrition concepts that represent basic truth and serve as the foundation of our
understanding about normal nutrition.
2. Analyse outrageous and harmful, misleading and fraudulent, sound and beneficial nutrition
information.
3. Identify and discuss the standards of food and nutrition labelling, and evaluate basic nutrition
content and value of food products.
4. Describe the relationship, and change over time of lifestyle behaviours, genetic makeup, and
environment, to the impact on health and longevity.
5. Discuss the rationale for the development of Dietary Guidelines and other nutrient intake
recommendations.
6. Describe the process of digestion and absorption, and metabolism of the macronutrients;
understand the interplay of accessory body systems; and elucidate the resulting consequence of
gastrointestinal problems.
7. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the various classes and food sources of the macronutrients –
carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
8. Describe the metabolism of the digested macronutrient end products, and the major regulatory
controls of homeostatic mechanisms following the fed and fasted state.
9. Understand the factors affecting energy balance, and describe the mechanisms controlling energy
expenditure and regulatory control of food intake.
10. Describe the differing characteristics of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, their chief
functions, food sources, and consequences of deficiency and toxicity.
11. Discuss the major roles of water, and minerals in the body, and their regulatory control of various
homeostatic mechanisms.
12. Discuss the implications of both deficiency and excess consumption of energy and each of the
macronutrients and the impact of certain dietary components on health and diet-related diseases.

3. 2
CONTENT, ORGANISATION AND TEACHING STRATEGIES
LECTURE PROGRAM – 2007
Lectures: 2 x 1 hour per week
CONTENT SUMMARY
Week Date Module Topic
1 Introduction to 2210PBH Nutrition
Key Nutrition Concepts and Terms
1 26 Feb – 2 Mar
2 Ways of Knowing About Nutrition / The Science of Nutrition /
Quackery and Sensationalism
3 Understanding Food & Nutrition Labels
2 5 – 9 Mar
4 Nutrition, Food Choices & Human Health
5 Introduction to Macro- and Micronutrients
3 12 – 16 Mar 6 Nutrition Recommendations, Dietary Guidelines, Food Guidance
Systems
7 Digestion and Absorption – How the Body Uses Food
4 19 – 23 Mar
8 Nutrient-Hormone Relationships / Digestive System Disorders
5 26 – 30 Mar 9 & 10 Carbohydrates – Sugars, Starches and Fibres
6 2 – 6 Apr 11 & 12 Lipids
7 16 – 20 Apr Mid-Semester Exam
8 23 – 27 Apr 13 & 14 Proteins and Amino Acids
15 Alcohol / Water and Fluid – Electrolyte Balance
9 30 Apr – 4 May
16 Metabolism and Energy Budget
17 Energy Balance – Intake and Expenditure
10 7 – 11 May
18 Problems of Energy Balance
19 Vitamins – Fat Soluble
11 14 – 18 May
20 Vitamins – Water Soluble
21 Major Minerals
12 21 – 25 May
22 Minor Minerals / Trace Elements
23 Nutrition and Heart Disease
13 28 May – 1
Jun Review and Evaluation

4. 3
TUTORIAL PROGRAM – 2007
Tutorials: 4 x 1 hour sessions
Tutorial
Group
Day Start Finish Location Weeks
1 Wednesday 11:00 12:00 G16_1.13 4, 6, 10, 13
2 Wednesday 10:00 11:00 G16_1.15 4, 6, 10, 13
3 Tuesday 15:00 16:00 G16_1.11 4, 6, 10, 13
4 Wednesday 14:00 15:00 G06_1.12 4, 6, 10, 13
5 Friday 12:00 13:00 G02_1.26G 4, 6, 10, 13
6 Thursday 13:00 1400 G30_1.13 4, 6, 10, 13
7 Thursday 14:00 15:00 G06_2.35 4, 6, 10, 13
8 Wednesday 13:00 14:00 G06_2.35 4, 6, 10, 13
9 Friday 13:00 14:00 G02_1.26G 4, 6, 10, 13
ORGANISATION OF TEACHING METHODS
Lecture Program
The lecture program of this course will be presented entirely online. The modules scheduled for each
teaching week as indicated in the lecture content program on the previous page will only be accessible
online during the designated week. This approach ensures students take responsibility in keeping abreast
of the lecture program as though each module were delivered in person at a scheduled lecture session. In
this manner, students have to manage their workload in order to stay up-to-date with each module and the
associated tutorial workbook activities for progressive learning.
Online Forum Discussion
The online course discussion forum will provide the means by which you are encouraged to engage in
addressing queries or concerns regarding the course content on a regular basis. It is a useful medium by
which you can all participate in sharing knowledge with each other, to the benefit of all.
Tutorial Program
In-person on campus tutorial sessions have been scheduled at pertinent times throughout the semester –
prior to submission dates of the tutorial workbook, and the timetabled exams. These provide an
opportunity for students to further review and discuss the major concepts presented throughout the course
of study, for consolidation and application of the knowledge to their assessment items.
ASSESSMENT
Tutorial Workbook
The tutorial workbook consists of review questions, critical thinking, and application exercises. Review
questions enable a simple manner of some of the key points, and serve as a basic study guide. Critical
thinking exercises use case histories to guide students through the logical thought processes involved in
solving nutrition problems. Application exercises give students an opportunity to apply critical thinking
skills, and to relate the knowledge gained throughout their study to their own diets, lifestyles and
experiences. Marks for each of the activities and questions of each Module are indicated in the Tutorial
Workbook Booklet.

5. 4
Examinations
Mid-Semester Exam
You will be required to sit the mid-semester exam online, following the mid-semester break in Week 7
between Monday 16 and Friday 16 April.
End of Semester Exam
The final exam, yet to be scheduled, will be held during the central examination period; it is the
responsibility of each student to ascertain when and where it will be held.
Supplementary Exams
At the discretion of the Course Convenor and School of Public Health Assessment Board, a
supplementary exam may be recommended to those students within 5% of a Pass (P) grade of their
overall cumulative semester grading. Should students fail the supplementary exam (i.e. below 45% of
the weighting); a Pass Conceded (PC) can only be awarded as the overall grade.
Summary of Assessment
Item Assessment
Task
Length Weighting Total Marks Relevant
Learning
Outcomes
Due Day
and Time
1 – 6
Modules 1 – 7
Week 4
23rd
March @ 5pm
6, 7
Modules 8 – 14
Week 8
27th
April @ 5pm
1.
Tutorial
Workbook
Submitted to the
Assignment boxes
outside Learning
Centre G05_3.36/2
45%
Marks for
the activities
and
questions of
each
Module are
indicated in
the Tutorial
Workbook
Booklet
6, 8 – 12
Modules 15 – 22
Week 12
25
th
May @ 5pm
2. Mid-Semester
(Online) Exam
50 mins
time limit
15% 1 – 7 Week 7
3. End Semester
Exam
3 hours 40% 6 – 12 Weeks 15 – 16
During central
examination
Return of Assessment Items
Assessment items will be returned to the student as soon as is practical upon completion of them being
marked. Arrangements will be posted on the Learning@Griffith website, as to when and where they can
be collected.
Notification of Availability of Feedback on Assessment
As soon as is practical upon completion of each assessment item being marked, summative (and
formative) assessment where applicable, will be given.
GRADUATE SKILLS

6. 5
The Griffith Graduate Statement lists the graduate skills that students should develop during their degree
programs at Griffith University.
Graduate Skills
(select appropriate boxes )
Taught
Practised
Assessed
Effective communication (written, oral and interpersonal)
Information literacy
Problem solving
Critical evaluation
Work autonomously / in teams
Creativity and innovation
Ethical behaviour in social / professional / work environments
Responsible, effective citizenship
TEACHING TEAM
Course Convenor
Convenor Details Gold Coast
Campus Convenor Melinda Spencer
Email Melinda.Spencer@griffith.edu.au
Office Location Health Sciences, Room 3.09 (G05_3.09)
Phone 07 5552 8352
Fax 07 5552 8042
Consultation Times Available by appointment
COURSE COMMUNICATIONS
Communication with the Course Convenor may be done so by way of email or telephone contact. If face-
to-face consultations are required, appointments can be made by directly contacting the Course Convenor.
TEXTS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS
Prescribed Text
TO BE ADVISED – New and updated editions are currently under review.
Supporting Materials and Recommended Readings
TO BE ADVISED – New and updated editions are currently under review.
During the semester, you will be notified of other useful references, or required readings will be web-
posted on Learning@Griffth. To access Learning@Griffith, go to the Griffith University home page at
www.griffith.edu.au and click on the link to "Learning@Griffith".

7. 6
Useful Websites
www.foodwatch.com.au - Foodwatch: for the facts - not the fads - on healthy eating. A site
devoted to healthy eating issues. From the Home page, click on ‘Links’ at the bottom left, a new
window ‘Best sites on nutrition’ links to sites that offer sound sensible advice on nutrition and
health, both government and commercial. This site are recommended to consumers looking for
responsible advice on what to eat or answers to special dietary problems. These are the links the
site contains:
www.xyris.com.au - Food Works
www.nhmrc.gov.au - National Health & Medical Research Council
www.foodstandards.gov.au - Food Standards Australia New Zealand

8. 7
SECTION B – ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
ASSESSMENT - Submission of Assessment Items - Extensions and Penalties
GRADE DESCRIPTIONS
Allocation of course marks will be according to the guidelines of the Griffith University criterion based
assessed policy:
High Distinction (HD) 85% or greater
Distinction (D) 75 – 84.9%
Credit (C) 65 – 74.9%
Pass (P) 50 – 64.9%
Pass Conceded (PC) 45 – 49.9%
Fail < 45%
Students should note that a Pass Conceded (PC) grade would not allow that course to be counted as a
prerequisite for another course for which it is listed as a prerequisite.
ASSESSMENT – Submission of Assessment Items – Extensions and Penalties
Students are required to submit assessment items by the due date, as advised in the Course Outline.
Assessment items submitted after the due date will be subject to a penalty unless an extension of time for
submitting the item is approved by the Course Convenor.
Requests for Extension
- Requests for extension of time to submit an assessment item must be made in writing to the
Course Convenor. Where the request is made on medical grounds, an appropriate medical
certificate must be submitted.
- The request for an extension should be lodged by the due date for the assessment item. A copy
of the extension request should be attached to the assessment item when it is submitted.
Penalties for Late Submission
- An assessment item submitted after the due date, without an approved extension, will be
penalised. The standard penalty is the reduction of the mark allocated to the assessment item by
10% of the maximum mark applicable for the assessment item, for each day or part day that the
item is late. Weekends count as one day in determining the penalty. Assessment items submitted
more than five days after the due date are awarded zero marks.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION, EXTENSION OR DEFERRED ASSESSMENT
Students may apply for Deferred Assessment if they were prevented from performing an assessment item
on the ground of illness, accident, disability, bereavement or other compassionate circumstances.
Students applying for deferred assessment on medical grounds must submit a medical certificate from a
registered medical or dental practitioner stating:
(i) the date on which the practitioner examined the student;
(ii) the severity and duration of the complaint;
(iii) the practitioner’s opinion of the effect of the complain on the student’s ability to undertake
the assessment item.
A Statement that the student was “not fit for duty” or was suffering from a “medical condition” will not be
accepted unless the information required in (i), (ii), and (iii) above is included.
Students applying for Special Consideration, Extension or Deferred Assessment on other grounds must
submit suitable documentary evidence, such as a funeral notice.

9. 8
SECTION C – LINKS TO KEY UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Students must conduct their studies at the University honestly, ethically and in accordance with accepted
standards of academic conduct. Any form of academic conduct that is contrary to these standards is
academic misconduct, for which the University may penalise a student. Specifically it is academic
misconduct for a student to:
present copied, falsified or improperly obtained data as if it were the result of laboratory
work, field trips or other investigatory work;
include in the student's individual work material that is the result of significant assistance
from another person if that assistance was unacceptable according to the instructions or
guidelines for that work;
assist another student in the presentation of that student's individual work in a way that is
unacceptable according to the instructions or guidelines for that work;
cheat; (Cheating is dishonest conduct in assessment);
plagiarise (Plagiarism is knowingly presenting the work or property of another person as if it
were one's own.)
Visit the University’s Policy on Academic Misconduct for further details.
KEY STUDENT-RELATED POLICIES
All University policy documents are accessible to students via the University’s Policy Library website at:
www.griffith.edu.au/policylibrary. Links to key policy documents are included below for easy reference:
Student Charter Academic Standing, Progression and Exclusion Policy
Student Administration Policy Policy on Student Grievances and Appeals
Assessment Policy Examinations Timetabling Policy and Procedures
Academic Calendar Guideline on Student E-Mail
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT RESOURCES
The University provides many facilities and support services to assist students in their studies. Links to
information about University support resources available to students are included below for easy reference:
Learning Centres - the University provides access to common use computing facilities for educational
purposes. For details visit www.griffith.edu.au/cuse
Learning@Griffith - there is a dedicated website for this course via the Learning@Griffith student portal.
Student Services facilitate student access to and success at their academic studies. Student Services
includes: Careers and Employment Service; Chaplaincy; Counselling Service; Health Service; Student
Equity Services (incorporating the Disabilities Service); and the Welfare Office.
Learning Services within the Division of Information Services provides learning support in three skill areas:
computing skills; library skills; and academic skills. The study skills resources on the website include self-
help tasks focusing on critical thinking, exam skills, note taking, preparing presentations, referencing,
writing, proof reading, and time management.

10. 9
SECTION C – KEY UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Students must conduct their studies at the University honestly, ethically and in accordance with accepted
standards of academic conduct. Any form of academic conduct that is contrary to these standards is
academic misconduct, for which the University may penalise a student. Specifically it is academic
misconduct for a student to:
present copied, falsified or improperly obtained data as if it were the result of laboratory
work, field trips or other investigatory work;
include in the student's individual work material that is the result of significant assistance
from another person if that assistance was unacceptable according to the instructions or
guidelines for that work;
assist another student in the presentation of that student's individual work in a way that is
unacceptable according to the instructions or guidelines for that work;
cheat; (Cheating is dishonest conduct in assessment);
plagiarise (Plagiarism is knowingly presenting the work or property of another person as if
it were one's own.)
Visit the University’s Policy on Academic Misconduct for further details.
KEY STUDENT-RELATED POLICIES
All University policy documents are accessible to students via the University’s Policy Library website at:
www.griffith.edu.au/policylibrary. Links to key policy documents are included below for easy reference:
Student Charter Academic Standing, Progression and Exclusion Policy
Student Administration Policy Policy on Student Grievances and Appeals
Assessment Policy Examinations Timetabling Policy and Procedures
Academic Calendar Guideline on Student E-Mail
Health and Safety Policy
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT RESOURCES
The University provides many facilities and support services to assist students in their studies. Links to
information about University support resources available to students are included below for easy
reference:
Learning Centres - the University provides access to common use computing facilities for educational
purposes. For details visit www.griffith.edu.au/cuse
Learning@Griffith - there is a dedicated website for this course via the Learning@Griffith student portal.
Student Services facilitate student access to and success at their academic studies. Student Services
includes: Careers and Employment Service; Chaplaincy; Counselling Service; Health Service; Student
Equity Services (incorporating the Disabilities Service); and the Welfare Office.
Learning Services within the Division of Information Services provides learning support in three skill areas:
computing skills; library skills; and academic skills. The study skills resources on the website include self-
help tasks focusing on critical thinking, exam skills, note taking, preparing presentations, referencing,
writing, proof reading, and time management.