An assessment task
based on a real life situation was introduced as a part of the curriculum in the Diet and Nutrition course at
Victoria University. This core unit was offered to second year Biomedical Sciences and Nutritional Therapy students in the Sc
hool
of Biomedical and Health Sciences. The students were required to assess their own dietary intake and energy expenditure over a
seven
-
day period, and compare their nutritional status with the national recommendations outlined by the NHMRC. The primary
aims of this assessme
nt task were to enhance the students’ understanding of nutrition and energy balance, and improve the quality
of learning experience and in turn the learning outcomes. Furthermore, this assessment task provided an opportunity for stude
nts
to develop their data analysis, problem solving and communication skills. Students believed the assessment task was useful, and
their knowledge about nutrition and communication skills had improved through the completion of assignment.