Module: BIO4205-20 Nutrition and Exercise for Health

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Tracey Lewarne

Module Tutor Contact Details: t.lewarne@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides an introduction to nutrition and exercise and their scientific relationship with health. It will look at how a healthy diet and being physically active can maintain good health and reduce the risk of a number of diseases. It will review different population groups to understand the challenges some may face in consuming a healthy diet and being physically active.

The module will look at the role of public health strategies used to drive health policy at a global, national and local level. Consideration will also be given to improving  health at the individual level by introducing strategies for behaviour change through the introduction of counselling and consultation skills. These skills will be set within the context of professional ethics and standards and the legal framework. 

Specialist nutrition software will be used to analyse diets and allow recommendations for improvements to be made.

Graduate attributes attained through this module include:

·         Employable: you will use specialist dietary analysis software to analyse diets and physical activity levels.

·         You will be able to manage complexity and change as you discuss recommendations to improve the diet and physical activity levels of specialist

2. Outline syllabus:

The module will begin by introducing you to the scientific principles and epidemiological evidence underlying the relationship between a healthy diet, physical activity and health. You will review the role of nutrients and physical activity on energy balance and undertake basic body composition measurements. You will conduct a dietary analysis and compare the results to the UK recommended values.

Nutrition and physical activity will be reviewed through the life stages and their role in the development and/or treatment of common conditions such as obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

The module will draw together your knowledge on nutrition and exercise and look at the psychology of food choice and participation in exercise and why different population groups may have such different diets and lifestyle behaviours. You will be introduced to the subject of public health and look at some of the strategies that are employed to try and improve diet, promote healthy eating and encourage physical activity. You will also be introduced to behaviour change skills through counselling and consultations. During these sessions you will be introduced to professional ethics, standards and responsibilities and to the legal framework from which you may operate.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

You will have a total of 69 contact hours which will include a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Information provided in lectures will be explored in greater depth in workshops and seminars and further reading.

Seminars and practical workshops will be staff-led but requiring student contributions based on directed study. Seminars and practical workshops will aim to identify student needs and teach fundamental science concepts through group work and discussion.

These will also aim to instruct and advise students in writing scientific reports and undertaking oral presentations. In particular, the key skills of use of communication, application of number, working with others, information technology, problem solving and improving own learning and performance will be developed through taught sessions and tutorials and assessed

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay 2000 words

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Food Diary (2000 words Equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%