Unit Outline

CXA324 Advanced Concepts in Nutrition is designed to provide you with extended knowledge by investigating current developments in the knowledge base for nutrition science and extending upon the information that you have acquired throughout your degree. The unit is designed around a focus on independent student learning to assist with the scaffolding of new content knowledge, both in collaborative and individual settings. Several important areas surrounding the role of nutrition in both contributing to, and in the prevention of the most common chronic diseases will be investigated. This will include analysing current scientific literature and discussing the evidence-base for these areas in the context of current dietary guidelines and guidelines for several chronic diseases.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Dissect and analyse current knowledge detailing the role of nutrition in the causation and prevention of chronic diseases.
2	Develop applied skills relevant to producing evidence-based guidelines in the nutrition and health area to a wide range of individuals, with or without chronic disease.
3	Communicate and convince knowledge and practical recommendations using terminology appropriate to academics, health professionals, peers and community members.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CXA385

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit has been updated to include clearer guidance for assessment tasks and better alignment with the expected workload. These changes are designed to make the unit easier to navigate, help you manage your workload more effectively, and strengthen its relevance to your future study and professional practice.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Student Presentation	Week 5	30 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Evidence-Based Report	Week 12	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Student Presentation

Task Description:

Present a comprehensive overview of a systematic review that examines the most recent evidence for the use of a dietary/herbal supplement, food component or dietary pattern in either the prevention or treatment of a disease.
Due by date
Weeks 5 and 6.

Task Length:

5 minutes + 10 minutes question time

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	An introduction outlining the systematic review, current evidence for topic area and research question.	LO1
2	Description of methodology used in the systematic review.	LO1, LO3
3	Discussion of findings and comparison to current literature base.	LO1, LO3
4	Preparedness and knowledge of the chosen systematic review.	LO1, LO3
5	Delivery of the presentation using verbal and non-verbal skills.	LO3
6	Use of visual aids to engage the audience whilst presenting.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Evidence-Based Report

Task Description:

This assessment requires you to develop an evidence‑based report presented in the format of an abridged systematic review, examining the role of dietary patterns, specific food components, or supplements in the prevention and/or management of a chosen disease or medical condition. You will formulate a focused nutrition research question, systematically identify and justify relevant literature, and critically appraise and synthesise findings across studies. The task also involves clearly communicating your conclusions for both professional and lay audiences, while demonstrating transparent and ethical use of generative AI as a declared and evaluated assistive tool.

Task Length:

3000 words+ appendix

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Inclusion of plain language summary at the start of your report.	LO2, LO3
2	Summary of current evidence base and framing a question for your report.	LO1
3	Identify the methods used in the selection of journal articles and provide a results section that summarises the key findings and their significance in relation to the objectives of your report and primary research question.	LO1, LO3
4	Appraisal of major findings compared to current literature, comparison to current guidelines for topic area, and discussion if a sufficient body of evidence exists to implement findings into practice.	LO1, LO2, LO3
5	Conclusion provided on major findings identified and a ranking provided based on the NHMRC levels of evidence and recommendation gradings for the strength of these findings.	LO2, LO3
6	Provided to unit coordinator a brief one (1) paragraph description of your proposed topic area and potential research question.	LO3
7	Communicate in scientific writing.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Examination

Task Description:

Your final exam will be held as an online take home exam. Exam questions will assess your understanding of all unit content covered in Weeks 1–12, including online materials, workshops, and required readings.

Task Length:

24 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate current knowledge detailing the role of nutrition in the causation and prevention of chronic diseases.	LO1
2	Apply skills relevant to producing evidence-based guidelines in the nutrition and health area to a wide range of individuals, with or without chronic disease.	LO2
3	Communicate knowledge and practical recommendations using discipline specific terminology.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.