Module Details

Module Code: BIOL7029
Title: Nutritional Epidemiology
Long Title: Nutritional Epidemiology
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will describe principles of epidemiological research in relation to the study of nutrition and disease and provide an understanding of current public health nutrition programs.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe and apply epidemiological study designs for research in nutritional epidemiology.
LO2 Describe the global extent and distribution of diseases and factors affecting these distributions.
LO3 Recall and interpret dietary and nutrient intake data in Ireland, Europe and globally.
LO4 Analyse public health nutrition programs for promoting health.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Epidemiological study design
Experimental and observational studies; including cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, intervention study designs. Critical appraisal of studies. Moral and ethical considerations in nutrition research/investigation and guidelines; AfN Standards of Ethics, Conduct and Performance and European Commission Guidance Note on Ethics and Food-Related Research. Strategies to adjust for other dietary and lifestyle factors than can influence relationships of diet and disease. Relevance of the research governance framework in nutrition research.
Factors affecting disease distribution
Incidence of nutrition related disease in Ireland, EU and globally. Variation in prevalence between countries and cultures, impact of acculturation on dietary intake, nutritional status and health. Role of nutrition, genes, socio-economic and cultural factors in aetiology of major chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, dental caries, osteoporosis. Introduce the role of food insecurity in malnutrition.
Dietary and nutrient intakes
Source and interpret data from national and international nutrition surveys.
Identify and critique public health nutrition programs.
An overview of Food and Nutrition policies and their effectiveness and limitations; to include fluoridation, folic acid fortification, salt iodisation. Impact of these food/water fortifications on the nutritional quality of food and diet.
Intellectual Property
Licensing/commercialisation issues, consultation with technology transfer offices, national IP protection protocols - explored during preparation of research proposal
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Design epidemiological study. For example “Design an epidemiological study to investigate the role of phytoestrogens in breast cancer”. Due in Week 12.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact On theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Study design workshops Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Stein, N.. (2015), Public Health Nutrition Principles and Practice in Community and Global Health, Jones and Bartlett Learning, [ISBN: 9781449692049].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Gibney, M.J., Margetts, B.M., Kearney, J.M., Arab, L.. (2004), Public Health Nutrition, Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 9780632056279].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 7 Mandatory