Epidemiology and Nutritional Surveillance

The teaching methodologies adopted in this curricular unit include theoretical-practical classes, where the contents are presented in a structured way, followed by moments of analysis, discussion and debate to delve deeper into the topics. The interrogative and interactive methodology is used to stimulate critical thinking, encouraging the active participation of students before the introduction of fundamental concepts. The demonstration and exemplification of the contents are applied through their practical use in nutritional and epidemiological surveillance contexts, reinforcing the link between theory and practice. The analysis of case studies allows us to explore nutritional surveillance systems, interpret epidemiological indicators and evaluate the effectiveness of public health intervention programs.
Furthermore, integrative exercises are developed that relate the analysis of epidemiological data with the theoretical and normative framework, allowing students to apply the knowledge acquired to real scenarios. Holding guided debates and discussions contributes to the exploration of different approaches to nutritional surveillance and the assessment of the nutritional status of populations, promoting a critical and multidimensional understanding of the topic. These methodologies guarantee dynamic and applied learning, facilitating the development of theoretical and practical skills essential for student training.

The assessment of the course unit reflects this theoretical-practical approach, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of the content and their ability to apply it critically. The periodic assessment consists of a summative written exam (60%), with open-ended questions to assess students’ analytical capacity in interpreting epidemiological data and nutritional surveillance strategies, and a group case study (40%), where a critical analysis of a nutritional surveillance system or a set of epidemiological data will be carried out, encouraging collaborative work and the application of the content to real-life scenarios. Alternatively, students may choose a final written exam consisting of open-ended questions. The passing grade will follow the academic regulations in force, requiring a minimum of 9.5 points.

1. Manage methodologies in nutritional epidemiology that enable the conceptualization, coordination, and application of procedures and/or instruments for collecting, evaluating, and interpreting information about nutritional status.
2. Systematically identify, assess, diagnose, and monitor nutritional and food-related problems in population groups across the life cycle.
3. Identify determinants of food consumption and food insecurity.
4. Evaluate the associations between dietary and nutritional exposures and population health status.
5. Critically analyze secondary health data.
6. Analyze, systematize, interpret, report, and technically communicate data/information on the food and nutritional health status of a population and its constituent groups.
7. Promote, manage, and/or integrate multidisciplinary teams for the surveillance of food and nutrition-related diseases.

1. Fundamentals of Nutritional Epidemiology
2. Nutritional Diagnosis and Monitoring in Populations
3. Determinants of Food Consumption and Food Insecurity
4. Associations between Food Exposure and Health Status
5. Data Sources and Indicators in Nutritional Epidemiology
6. Analysis, Interpretation, and Communication of Nutritional Data
7. Surveillance and Management of Nutrition-Related Diseases

NAO