Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Nutritional Epidemiology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Bruna PucciMcKenna
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: To provide students with the ability to evaluate the methods and findings of nutritional epidemiology relevant to the interactions between environmental factors, lifestyle, diet and diseases and to understand how this informs and influences public health strategies and the primary prevention of diseases.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Identify the principles of epidemiological study design, including limitations of methodology.
MLO2 Interpret different methodologies used for nutrition research
MLO3 Analyse challenges in epidemiology and how they impact quality of evidence and application to public health and policy
MLO4 Compare socio-ecological influences on food choice and food policy in practice in vulnerable population groups.
MLO5 Justify relationship between dietary exposures and health outcomes, taking into account issues of exposure measurement, bias and quality of evidence.
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
Unit 1 - Epidemiological studies
Descriptive & Analytical methodologies; systematic reviews and meta-analysis; methods for assessing nutrient intakes and their validity; population survey methods for anthropometry and nutritional status; diet and disease interpretation. Concept of individual optimal nutrition. Experimental and observational studies; Critical appraisal of studies. Moral and ethical considerations in nutrition research/investigation and guidelines; 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.
Unit 2 - Factors affecting health, illness and injury distribution
Socio-ecological influences on food choice, nutritional challenges of vulnerable population groups and the importance of nutrition policy. 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. Incidence of injury and illness in sport.
Unit 3 - Dietary and nutrient intakes
Source and record of dietary intake, report and interpret data from national and international nutrition surveys. IOC consensus statements
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Interpretation of epidemiological data (case studies x 2)
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Epidemiological evidence for the associations between diet and chronic disease
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

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 Lecture Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Walter Willett. (2013), Nutritional Epidemiology, Oxford University Press, p.547, [ISBN: 9780199754038].
  • Judith L. Buttriss,Ailsa A. Welch,John M. Kearney,Susan A. Lanham-New. (2017), Public Health Nutrition, John Wiley & Sons, p.48, [ISBN: 978-1-118-66097-3].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources