AHS201 Nutrition in Practice

Unit Description

In AHS201 Nutrition in Practice, students explore the importance of correct dietary intake in order to maintain healthy skin and body. Students will focus on how bodily functions are directly related to biochemical interactions and nutrition. In addition, this unit will cover nutritional requirements of the body, nutritional makeup of the modern diet/foods and clinical manifestations of nutritional deficiencies.

Topics discussed in the unit include:

• the main nutrient groups (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and water)
• nutritional supplementation for skin enhancement
• obesity and weight loss
• additives and allergies
• exercise, ageing and lifestyle habits to optimise skin health

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

• Identify the macro and micronutrients necessary for daily bodily functioning and describe and discuss their role in skin health
• Understand a nutritional plan that considers a client’s specific health condition, dietary requirements and lifestyle needs
• Describe the homeostatic maintenance of the skin and body, with specific reference to fluid and electrolyte balance and macro and micronutrient deficiencies and excess
• Discuss the nutritional requirements of skin and core elements of nutritional healing
• Apply knowledge of nutritional requirements for body weight management and its commonly related skin conditions, and understand the changing nutritional needs of skin across the lifespan
• Summarise the effect of dietary and lifestyle choices on wellness and preventing common skin conditions
• Explain how various nutrients/minerals/vitamins may interact with each other

Graduate Attributes (GA)

In addition to the unit-specific learning outcomes listed above, the following graduate attributes are taught, developed and assessed in varying degrees within this unit:

• In-depth knowledge and skills in the fields of applied health science and awareness of the complexity of health care delivery systems.
• Confident, lifelong learners who have the ability to respond to change, engage in reflective practice and critical thinking.
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients, peers and the wider community
• The ability to demonstrate in-depth competence in their area(s) of specialisation
• The ability to formulate and apply therapeutic interventions in their area(s) of specialisation
• The capacity to lead, manage and/or work effectively with multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse teams
• Awareness of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Key Dates