PNI imageThis module aims to develop the student’s understanding of personalised and individualised nutrition as an approach to the prevention and management of functional imbalances and chronic disease.  Scientific research continues to emerge on the potentially devastating effects of inappropriate nutrition, environmental toxins and lifestyle factors on a wide range of issues relating to human health throughout life.  Nutrigenomics also links nutrition to the genetic expression of health and illness.   Increasingly scientific discovery unfolds a genetic basis to a range of chronic degenerative disease afflicting the Western world. Students will develop an understanding of complexity in health and explore nutritional intervention strategies to support optimal function and health aging while taking into account social, cultural and ethical factors influencing an individual’s health and wellbeing.

The individual’s responsibility for taking charge of their own health is a growing concept as is the development of corporate and community health culture. This module aims to explore the changes in individual responsibility for health over the past century, at present and what the future might bring. In the context of individual responsibility for health the module will explore inequalities in health care provision and the ability of individuals to assume such responsibility for their health. Students will analyse data, theorise and evaluate cultural drivers and barriers to change as well as critically and reflexively review their own leadership ideas and business practices to inform the design of engaging, ethical and sustainable change management interventions across a range of healthcare business environments.

The boundary between herbal medicine and nutrition is not clear-cut. The use of culinary herbs is an accepted part of the day to day culture of eating. Herbal medicines and botanicals are continuing to be a contentious issue in context of European legislation. This module aims to expand on CND531 in relation to drug/nutrient interactions and will consider drug/nutrient/herbal interactions and the clinical applications and safety of a range of standardised extract herbal medicines and botanical based products.

This module develops from CNS/D 513 Research Methods in providing the opportunity for students to progress from concepts and planning of scientific research including ethical and resourcing issues to the execution of a piece of novel research in the form of an individual project undertaken over the course of the year. Students are expected to produce an account of their project written in the style, format and discipline compatible with published work as found in a peer reviewed scientific journal. Working within an appropriate epistemology, students are welcome to research in areas that are practical or theoretical, experimental or literature based, qualitative or quantitative, objective or phenomenological. Students must seek ethical approval for their project if it involves human participants or human data before commencing their research.

This module aims to consolidate the development of professional skills in preparation for the workplace and to increase awareness of the context of nutrition in the workplace, which may be varied and controversial.  Through development of a thorough understanding of the health and nutrition workplace environments, including corporate, clinical practice and community-based projects within local, national and international environments, the module will provide opportunities for students to evaluate the actions required to attain their professional goals.  This will be supported through the generation of a professional portfolio to demonstrate a range of experiences, competencies and skills in preparation for the workplace and via formulation of a network of contacts and work opportunities to enhance career options.