Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledesc
ript/index.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Fundamental Public Health Nutrition
Module code
2055
Module Organiser
Dr Cécile Knai; Suzanne Filteau
Contact email
Cecile.Knai@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
This module is weighted as equivalent to 35 credits, within the larger 60-credit
Term 1 super-module for each MSc course. Credits are not awarded for this
module individually, but only for successful completion of the Term 1 supermodule.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Nutrition; food; measuring health status; physical activity; globalization;
quantitative methods; international/global.
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To introduce major principles of the science of nutrition and their applications
focusing on nutritional needs, and the assessment of dietary and nutritional
status of individuals and populations.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to understand, critically
discuss and where appropriate, implement the following concepts and tools:
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The processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, metabolism, and
utilization of nutrients and other food constituents by the body;
The principles of setting, defining and meeting macro- and micro-nutrient
requirements;
The factors that influence dietary patterns and food choices, including
social, cultural and economic determinants;
The genetic and epigenetic determinants of nutritional needs;
The available methods for the assessment of food availability, dietary
intake, food quality and dietary patterns relevant to health and nutritional
status;
The available methods for the assessment of nutritional status (clinical,
anthropometric, biochemical, functional);
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Target audience
The processes involved in establishing nutrient recommendations and food
based dietary guidelines for optimal health and nutrition of populations
groups;
Global trends in food supply and dietary patterns, and their impact on
health and nutrition of populations;
Food and nutrition policy processes and options.
This module is compulsory for the MSc in Nutrition for Global Health.
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
 Concepts, methods and principles of nutritional science relevant to public
health;
 Dietary intake and energy expenditure methods;
 Food composition tables and food balance sheets;
 Nutritional assessment methods;
 Nutrition and infection;
 Nutrition transition, food quality and food security;
 Food and nutrition policy;
 Background information essential for more specific discussion of public
health nutrition in Terms 2 and 3.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Readers and online materials will be provided to students.
Teaching and learning
methods
Teaching consists of 30 half day sessions. Teaching methods include lectures,
group participation, discussions with invited experts and computer practicals.
Assessment details
By written examination in June. Students are required to select and answer
two out of four available questions and provide written responses in an
examination with a total duration of 3 hours.
Assessment dates
Assessment will take place in June. For students who are required to re-sit, or
granted a deferral or new attempt, the next examination date will be the
following June.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 10 weeks at 1.5 days per week; this module runs on
Mondays (all day) and Wednesday morning.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Monday 5 October 2015 and finish on
Wednesday 16 December 2015.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot Term 1.
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 350 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 110 hours
Directed self-study ≈ 110 hours
Self-directed learning ≈60 hours
Assessment, review and revision ≈ 70 hours.
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
None.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 20-30 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
This module is compulsory for the MSc in Nutrition for Global Health.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a
place in the order applications are received, until any cap on numbers is
reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next
time the module is run.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
 For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline is the end
of Term 1 Orientation Week, Friday 2 October 2015.
 If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. The School gives priority to the needs of students registering for
Masters and Research Degrees, and so places on any module may be limited
- early application is therefore advised. Formal registration will take place
on the morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 29 May 2014 by Cécile Knai; Minor changes 10th July 2015 Sarah Bathie
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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