This module aims to develop an understanding of the physiological changes and resulting nutrition needs of individuals and groups across the lifecycle; from pre-conception through to healthy ageing. The student will learn about foods, nutrition and typical dietary patterns across the different ages and life stages. With prior nutritional biosciences knowledge, this module will give a more in-depth understanding of human nutritional requirements and outline the role of the dietitian in promoting health or intervening with therapeutic dietary interventions where needed.

Explanation and illustration of the physiological changes and adaptations occurring during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, middle and late adulthood with gender differences defined; Presentation of how and why the different life stages impact on nutritional needs. Evidence base for benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers in comparison to formula. Assessment of dietary recommendations and special nutrition concerns for each lifestage and identify challenges in addressing these. Presentation of medical conditions and selective dietary choices that affect nutritional needs and outcomes in different lifestages; Applied methods of dietary assessment, nutritional analysis of diets and comparisons to recommended dietary guidelines for age groups. Formulation of dietary recommendations for individuals considering cultural and social backgrounds and dietary practices. Current evidence based dietary practices and interventions for common nutrition and health issues in the different life stages. 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of tutorials per week for 12 weeks Year 1 Semester 1 Autumn - 48 hours of contact

1. Identify the physiological changes that occur during different stages of the life cycle. 2. Evaluate the different nutritional requirements of pregnancy, lactation, infancy, children, adolescents, middle aged and older adults. 3. Recognise the nutritional needs of specific subgroups and evaluate the impact of culture, socioeconomic status, disability and beliefs on dietary intakes and nutritional status. 4. Incorporate knowledge of physiological changes throughout the lifespan with nutritional requirements, dietary issues and behaviours to then the application of dietetic management in meeting individual and group needs. 5. Undertake a nutritional analysis and evaluation of individuals diets in different life stages. 6. Critique the qualitative and quantitative methods of dietary assessment based on nutritional analysis. 7. Synthesise an individual dietary plan or group programme based on recommended dietary guidelines or recommendations for a particular life stage.

1. Display an appreciation on the impact of cultural and social backgrounds, beliefs and values on individual and group food practices. 2. Interpret the impact of health conditions or medical disorders, psychological aspect of aging and financial constraints that are barriers to individuals meeting their age specific nutritional requirements. 3. Recognise the barriers to breastfeeding and appraise the value of support networks to successful breastfeeding practices in communities.

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Lectures, Workshops/Tutorials, PBL, EBL, Online materials, Case based learning and Specialist clinicians