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NUT501 - Principles of Nutrition Science

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Nutrition & Dietetics

Credit Points

Unit Level

500

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Human biology and /or human development

Unit Description

This unit provides students with knowledge of how human nutrient requirements are met through the digestion, absorption and metabolism of food. The roles and functions of macronutrients, micronutrients, and functional components in food and the health consequence of nutrient imbalances (excess and deficiencies) will be covered. Students will learn techniques for measuring ad assessing the nutritional adequacy of diets of individuals and populations (anthropometry, biochemical markers, clinical assessment, nutrition and dietary guidelines and dietary intake). Students will refer to the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Integrate information on digestion, absorption, and metabolism of food in the human body and its relation to determining nutritional status of individuals.
2.	Synthesise the role and function of macronutrients, micronutrients, and functional components in food for maintaining health.
3.	Investigate nutritional status of healthy individuals using techniques including anthropometry, biochemical markers, clinical assessment, dietary intake.
4.	Appraise the derivation, purpose and application of Australian evidence-based nutrition requirements and dietary guidelines
5.	Examine the principles of energy balance in the body, in relation to foods consumed, energy expended, and energy stored

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Online quizzes (1 x 10 minutes, 2 x 25 minutes)	25%	1,2,4,5
2.	Report (1500 words)	40%	1,3,4
3.	Presentation (10 minutes)	35%	2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)