Key facts
UNE unit code: NUTR410
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Add a new dimension to your approach to diet and health, whether you are interested in biomedical science, exercise physiology, sports science, or other life sciences. Gain knowledge in human nutrition and explore current issues and controversies in the field.
This unit provides you with a broad introduction to the theories and technical knowledge underpinning human nutrition, and the ways in which an evidence-based approach is used in this field.
You will explore a range of topics including the role of diet in the development of various diseases and in the maintenance of health, and the use of dietary assessment in evaluating the adequacy and health of diets.
This unit offers opportunities to extend your critical thinking and communication skills, as you discuss controversial statements about the contribution of diet to health, framed by current evidence for best practice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply advanced theoretical knowledge to analyse the nature of human nutrition and critically discuss the application and implications of the evidence-based approach in this field;
- apply a systematic body of theoretical and technical knowledge to explain the complex interplay between dietary components and the pathogenesis of various diseases, as well as the mechanisms supporting health maintenance;
- exercise judgment and responsibility to analytically discuss and deconstruct controversial statements about the contribution of diet to health, drawing upon relevant theoretical knowledge and evidence; and
- analyse and evaluate dietary intake and energy expenditure data to determine whether diets are adequate and healthy.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 Online Quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Online quiz. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Critique of nutritional literature and oral report. It is mandatory to attempt and submit this assessment. |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Essay. Analysis of dietary intake and a written report. It is mandatory to attempt and submit this assessment. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | The final examination is mandatory to pass in order to pass this unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Understanding Nutrition
ISBN: 9780170457972
Whitney, E.N., Rolfes, S.R., Crowe, T. and Walsh, A., Cengage Learning Australia 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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