module specification

This module focuses on public health policy in relation to nutritional problems, in a global context.  It critically examines public health policies from international and national perspective and considers the implementation, evaluation and effectiveness of these. Finally, the module will look to future developments in this arena.

Postgraduate Course entry requirements apply

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the development, challenges, implementation and limitations of International Nutritional Public Health policy in developed, developing and transitional countries. Specifically to identify the key players in nutritional public health at the global, national and local level. To consider the monitoring and management of the global food supply and global nutritional status.

A critical examination of international bodies with a responsibility for nutritional public health (eg: WHO, FAO, EU, International Food Policy Research Institute). Case studies of national and local public health nutrition policies. Emerging public health systems, their regulation and financing and management.  The impact of politics, economics and socio-cultural factors on nutritional status and in the development of nutritional policies. The monitoring and management of the global food supply and global nutritional status. Evaluation of the effectiveness of nutritional public health initiatives, in the context of health disparities and health inequalities.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars  (48 hours), directed activities (24 hours).  The remaining hours will be devoted to student centred learning (150 hours) and directed activities related to the coursework. Students are expected to read literature and research in the area of nutritional public health policy.

PDP:  on completion of this module students will evaluate how the module allowed them to develop skills in information technology, organisation and planning, communication, time management; they will also be asked to reflect on their ability to research literature effectively. They should record this in a pro forma that will form the basis of their final PDP record submitted with their Dissertation.

On completing this module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the current nutritional public health policies on a global, national and local level.
2. Identify major public health nutrition problems in an international context and be able to propose evidence based solutions.
3. Critically appraise  the major determinants of health and nutritional status in diverse populations
4. Identify and evaluate nutritional influences on health.

To pass the module an aggregate mark of at least 50% must be obtained.
Assessment will comprise of two pieces of coursework.  A presenation focused on a critical evaluation of nutrional public health policy in a named country. Also a case study (2500 words) where students will evaluate nutrional public health policy in a named country. Students will be required to give a fully referenced and critical account of an aspect of nutritional public health policy in a named country. They will have to comment on funding, implementation, evaluation and effectiveness.

Component  Marks  Learning outcomes
presentation  50%  2,3
Case study  50%  1,2,3,4

Benson (2004) Africa's food and nutrition security situation. Where are we and how did we get here? 2004 International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Dept Health (2007) Foresight Report Tackling Obesities, Future Choices. HMSO
Gibson RS (2005) Principles of Nutritional Assessment, Oxford University Press,
National Obesity Observatory  (2010) Dietary Surveillance and Nutritional Assessment in England, HMSO
World Health Organisation (1996) Jelliffe, DB The assessment of the nutritional status of the community.  World Health Organization Monograph no. 53 WHO.
World Health Organisation (2001), Global Database on National Nutrition Policies and Programmes,  WHO
World Health Organisation (2004) Global Database on Obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Adults, WHO