PHNU/PHHP 640 Public Health Nutrition (3 Credits)

About the Course

A study of the principles of nutritional science and their application to the health of the public throughout the life cycle. This course also examines nutrition intervention programs for the prevention and control of nutrition-related diseases. Field experience.

Who Needs This Course?

• • Graduate students:
    • MPH (Emphases: Health Promotion and Nutrition)
  • This course may also be taken by
    • Health promoters for continuing education
    • Health promoters as a non-degree course for professional development
    • Graduate students of other schools can use transfer credit

Time Investment

At least 3 hours per day

Required Textbooks

Edelstein, S. (2023). Community and public health nutrition (5th ed.). Burlington, MA:  Jones and Bartlett Learning. [Kindle] 

Edelstein, S. ed. (2015).  Life cycle nutrition: An evidence-based approach (2nd ed.). Burlington, 

MA:  Jones and Bartlett Learning. [AIIAS Library]

Course Outcomes

Upon the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Explain public health nutrition in terms of its philosophy, goals, concepts, and scope.

2. Describe the special nutritional needs of each age group throughout the life cycle.

3. Present emerging issues in public health nutrition.

4. Research current nutrition programs and policies that have proven successful
   in improving nutrition in the different life stages at local and international levels.

5. Apply principles of assessment in determining the nutritional needs of a community.

6. Conduct a public health nutrition program at the community level.

7. Evaluate the public health nutrition programs conducted by the government or private
   sectors.

8. Appreciate the wisdom inherent in God’s dietary plan for humans and the advantages of the Seventh-day Adventist diet and lifestyle.

Topics to Cover

Unit 1:  Public Health Nutrition Philosophy, goals, basic concepts, and scope

        PHN: World Challenges, Policies, and Programs

Unit 2:  Community Nutritional Needs and Assessment

        Assessment of the Target Population’s Resources

        Evaluating PHN Programs

Unit 3:  Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation

Unit 4:  Nutrition in Infancy

        Nutrition in Childhood

Unit 5:  Nutrition in Adolescence

Unit 6:  Nutrition in Adulthood

Unit 7:  Nutrition in the Elderly

Unit 8:  Food Security & Adequate Food Access to the Public

          Local and International Emerging Issues, Controversies, and Policies in Public Health Nutrition.