Issues in Food Choice

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
Aims:
? To provide an understanding of the socio-economic factors (social class, age, gender, family, ethnicity, culture, religion, income) that influence food choice in individuals and populations.
? To gain an insight into the political and societal factors that influence food availability and impact on food choice and behaviour.
? To gain an understanding of the role of nature and nurture in the development of eating behaviours.
? To consider models of food choice at different stages of the life course, with a focus on food choices in infancy and in ageing.
? To consider the ethical consequences of our food choices, in relation to health, sustainability international development and animal welfare
Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
? Describe the main factors that influence food choice.
? Outline the degree and impact of factors such as age, gender, disease states, family, religion, cultural traditions and economics that influence food behaviour.
? Describe the specific issues that impact on food choice and availability in institutions such as hospitals, schools and old peoples homes and in areas of deprivation
? Outline the effect of government and community campaigns and commercial advertising strategies on individual food choice.
? Appreciate the ethical implications of our food practices and be able to defend ones on food choices
? Suggest strategies to improve food choices through the lifecourse

Additional outcomes:
Outline content:
This module is designed to provide an understanding of the factors that influence food choice and behaviour in individuals, groups and populations. These include factors such as age, gender, disease states, family, religion, cultural traditions and economic influences. In addition, the specific issues associated with situations in which food choice is limited or controlled such as in hospitals and schools will be explored. The influence of commercial advertising and of healthy eating and other campaigns will be explored.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This course comprises lectures in the areas and food choice and regulation; the coursework assignment is on food legislation and constitutes 30% of the module mark.

Contact hours:
Lectures 20
Seminars 10
Guided independent study 70
Total hours by term 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 70
Written assignment including essay 15
Set exercise 15

Other information on summative assessment:
Written exam - 2 from 4 essay questions - 70 %
Food ethics presentation/debate - 30 %

Length of examination:
2 hours

Requirements for a pass:
overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Written examination during the University examination period (August)