Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Global Issues in Food and Health
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner::
  • Edel Healy
  • Suzanne Linnane
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This module aims to foster debate about global issues in food and health, in particular in relation to the crisis situations that affect food security, e.g. economics, political agendas, trade issues and inequality around trade agreements, conflict, environmental disasters, etc. and the resulting implications for the world’s population and food security.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Explore and analyse the key interlinked, interdisciplinary concepts and theories that underpin the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a clear focus on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
MLO2 Analyse and understand the key aspects of a global food system/sustainable food system, sustainable diets and reduced food waste/food poverty.
MLO3 Discuss nutritional challenges both regionally and globally in the context of cultural, economic, social and environmental realities that may impact human health.
MLO4 Critically appraise appropriate responses and intervention strategies to address nutritional issues including hunger, malnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, disease and food security, especially in terms of disaster zones/crisis situations.
MLO5 Discuss the key policies and drivers in relation to global nutrition, in particular the current World Health Organisation (WHO) global nutrition targets.
Pre-requisite learning
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” are part of UN Resolution 70/1, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States including Ireland in 2015. The 17 SDGs provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity through partnership for people and the planet (the 5 Ps), now and into the future. Goal 2 states that by 2030 hunger and all forms of malnutrition should cease. However, this cannot be achieved in isolation and the interconnectedness of the goals will therefore be explored throughout this module. Development Perspectives will deliver an opening set of workshops exploring the themes of this module with a focus on Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
Global and sustainable food systems
The links between nutrition, poverty, education, agriculture and waste using a systems thinking approach. Topics will include the food production and distribution system and who it serves; the availability/access to and consumption of food; food waste - the scale of the issue and potential solutions; and regenerative agriculture and permaculture. The links between SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) will be explored.
Nutritional challenges
The global importance of nutrition and the main determinants of malnutrition including an examination of methods of nutritional assessment and the health impact of poor nutrition - in addition to the impact of diet on both communicable and non-communicable diseases; Understanding the impact of income and wealth inequality on physical and mental health; Exploring the social determinants of health and wellbeing with a focus on context and culture. Exploring the links between SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) will be used to foster debate.
Responses and intervention strategies
International and national health systems; Health and nutrition in humanitarian and emergency settings including conflict, post-conflict and environmental disasters including climate change - with a focus on refugees, asylum seekers and migrants; Role of government agencies and NGOs in crisis situations. Concern Worldwide will deliver guest lectures/workshops to discuss their role and response globally to hunger in emergency situations. SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land) will be among the SDGs underpinning this theme.
Key policies and drivers in relation to global nutrition
The Global Institutional Framework around global nutrition to include but not limited to The World Health Organisation (WHO) global nutrition targets; The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO); The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and The Irish Global Health Network. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) will underpin this theme.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Semester long assignment: Completion of SDG Academy's Nutrition and Food Systems: Pathways to Sustainable and Healthy Diets - self paced, 10 units, 2-4 hours per unit accessible at any time. This course may be vary depending on updates, etc.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 5 Learning Outcome 1,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
SDG challenge with a clear reflection requirement and a focus on SDG 2 - this will vary from year to year depending on the guest workshops and lecture content.
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Electronic portfolio: Case study - each student will prepare a global case study relevant to a module theme/s of their choice. A variety of formats can be included e.g. essay style, PowerPoint, video, policy brief, infographic, etc.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

DKIT 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 No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact In-class interactive activities relating to the various themes - these will vary yearly depending on the political, economic, environmental and social realities at the time. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jeffrey Sachs, Christian Kroll, Guillame Lafortune, Grayson Fuller, Finn Woelm. (2022), Sustainable Development Report 2022: From Crisis to Sustainable Development, the SDGs as Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond, Cambridge University Press, p.493, [ISBN: 978-1-009-21003-4].
  • Jessica Fanzo, Claire Davis. (2021), Global Food Systems, Diets, and Nutrition: Linking Science, Economics, and Policy, 1. Palgrave Macmillan, p.204, [ISBN: 978-3-030-72762-8].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources