module specification

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the application and limitations of nutritional public health initiatives, in a national and international context. You will develop knowledge of the major national and international public health bodies and their aim(s), field(s) of influence, terms of reference and sources of funding. Students will also develop practical skills in communication to enable them to design and present nutritionally balanced diets to meet the needs of individuals, propose epidemiological studies and evaluate nutrition initiatives in public health. The module focuses on the factors which affect the nutritional needs of individuals and communities. The effects of the social determinants on health inequity are examined. Overnutrition, food insecurity and the association of deprivation on health are explored in detail. The impact religious practices, cultural beliefs on accessing healthcare, and their impact on dietary intake is investigated. The theories of behaviour change and their application is considered and scrutinised in relation to improving nutrition. The module offers training on the role of the UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Outcomes Framework, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and the Health and Wellbeing Strategies. Public health initiatives to reduce inequalities in health are examined and critically evaluated. Experts in the nutrition arena from governmental, non-governmental organisations, charities, the food industry and The Association of Nutrition are also invited as external speakers.

The role of national, international, governmental and non-governmental agencies in the arena of public health. Public health funding: Types of funding bodies (national, international, governmental and non-governmental), sources of income, policies, stakeholders and accountabilities. Nutritional public health policies: theoretical basis, aims, effectiveness and evaluation; national and international; historical and contemporary. Social and direct determinants of health in relation to diet. MECC (Making Every Contact Count) to support behaviour change. AfN standards of ethics, conduct and performance. Planning of school meals. Effectiveness of health education and evaluation of health promotion campaigns. Detailed review of the evidence for the sugar tax and use of artificial sweeteners. Theories and application of behaviour change. Food Safety and digital health. National and local data analysis including Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF), Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWBS).

The module will be delivered through a combination of keynote lectures (12 hrs) and workshops (12 hrs) to underpin the theoretical aspects of public health. Tutorials and student led seminars (12 hrs) will be used to expand and explore the subject area. Student centred learning (114 hrs) will form the majority of the learning time.
Tutorials will be used to expand knowledge into both theoretical and applied areas of public health nutrition. Students will be expected to prepare for tutorial sessions by reviewing appropriate material and devoting study time.
A web-based virtual learning environment is available to support through access to additional learning resources.  Students would be expected to use the on-line resources for assisted study.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the organisations involved in the public health arena, both nationally and internationally.
2. Design and or modify nutritionally balanced diets for individuals with specific nutritional needs
3. Design and critically evaluate the methodological approaches, outcomes, effectiveness of public health interventions to improve nutrition and health in communities.
4. Illustrate a critical understanding of nutrition health promotion and nutrition education initiatives.
5.  Interpret, assimilate and evaluate population health using PHOF, ONS, JSNA and JHWBS. LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment will comprise of a presentation (5 minutes) to design a nutritionally balanced diet to meet the needs of individuals with specific nutritional needs (Learning outcomes 2 and 4) and a piece of coursework to propose a nutritional public health intervention (2500 words). The latter is to include: the selection of an appropriate problem, the research design and timetable, methodologies to be used, measurements to be made, outcomes expected, and how these will be analysed (appropriate statistical methods) and evaluated. The report must be fully referenced (Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 5).

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/9635EADE-E4D9-2EA7-9646-85B0D6C7611E.html?lang=en