This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of metabolic demands and nutritional requirements at key stages of the lifespan, and introduce evidence relating nutrients, diet and lifestyle-related factors to health and chronic disease prevention.
Robert Gordon University is ranked No. 1 in the UK for Food Science subjects
Complete University Guide (2019)
This module will develop your knowledge further in relation to nutritional requirements throughout the various stages of the lifespan: pre-conceptual, foetal life, pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, ageing and senescence. A particular emphasis will be placed on the factors affecting nutritional requirements and food choice at these stages including, genetics, physiological and metabolic changes, age, gender, socioeconomics circumstances, psychology, beliefs, ethnicity, religion, culture, lifestyle, food sustainability and physical activity. You will explore current nutritional recommendations and guidelines, and how these can be implemented on both a personal and public health basis.
The learning outcomes for the module are:
- Explain the nutritional requirements throughout the stages of the lifespan.
- Explain food patterns and factors affecting food choice throughout the stages of the lifespan, and implications for menu planning.
- Discuss the implications of food and lifestyle choices on growth and development, and healthy ageing.
- Identify the policies and guidelines to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities throughout the lifespan.
Learning Methods
Directed study activities will be given each week over the duration of the course. In addition, online ‘live’ tutorials will take place, supplemented by online discussion forums.
Assessment
- Written exam
Independent Study
Independent study is expected throughout. In addition to reading around the topic to enhance your knowledge, you will be directed to do particular tasks and submit your findings. A full brief of what you are required to do, and when, will be provided at the start of the module.
Staff Delivering on This Course
All staff delivering on the course are either Registered Dietitians (HCPC) or Registered Nutritionists (AfN).
This ‘top-up’ module in nutrition is appropriate for those, who have completed relevant previous studies, who wish to progress to undertaking a PDGE in Home Economics teaching.
- HS2132 Food, Culture and Human Nutrition (or equivalent)
* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry.
Academic Year 2025/2026
- All students: £290
Student Funding
Some students may be eligible for funding via SAAS. For more information, please see:
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Any questions?
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