This unit provides a critical and practical exploration of contemporary public health nutrition, addressing the complex socioecological, cultural, and systemic factors that influence food supply, food security, and population health in Australia and globally. Students will develop advanced skills to critically evaluate existing policies and regulatory frameworks, including the application of national nutrition guidelines and food standards. A key focus is placed on promoting equity and ensuring culturally safe practice when analysing and addressing nutritional issues in diverse and vulnerable communities, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Practical application is emphasised through conducting data analysis on consumption trends and learning to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based community nutrition promotion initiatives. The unit culminates in the ability to communicate professional research and strategies to foster healthier food environments and drive positive public health change.

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator and Head of Course self reflection, SUTE feedback.

The unit’s learning content, structure, and assessment tasks may require revision to better align with student learning needs, with consideration given to updating topics and incorporating alternative areas if appropriate.

Consider reviewing the unit’s weekly content delivery, overall structure, and assessment tasks to ensure they align with student learning needs. This may include revising weekly learning booklets, updating lecture materials, and incorporating alternative or updated assessment topics where appropriate.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator and SUTE feedback.

Students valued the applied nature of the assessment tasks, particularly the opportunity to collect and analyse real data. They noted that preparing a written report and oral presentation based on their own findings enhanced their understanding and supported the development of practical, transferable skills.

Maintain the applied focus of assessment tasks, ensuring students continue to engage in data collection, analysis, and presentation activities that build practical skills and reinforce real-world application of knowledge.