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What if I can’t finish the course in my 6-month contract?

If you require more than six months to complete the course, you can purchase up to three extensions of two months each. You must apply for a course extension at least one month before the end of your contract. A form for this can be found at myAU.

Do I have to know both American and Canadian content?

No. You can ignore American (US) statistics unless you are specifically instructed otherwise. The course and its exams focus on Canadian content.

Can I use any version of Canada’s Food Guide?

No. To write your assignment and your exams, you are expected to use the most current version (2007) of Canada’s Food Guide, called Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.

If I communicate with my tutor by email, what is expected?

When you contact your tutor via email, please make your communications clear. Put your name and course number in the subject line—some tutors teach in more than one course. A vague subject line (e.g., “hi” or “help,” etc.) may lead to your message being quarantined by AU’s anti-SPAM program, meaning that your tutor may not receive your message. This is especially true if you use a hotmail account or send your emails from a public access terminal, like those in a library. Make sure to include your first and last name and correct student ID number in any email and any attachment you send to your tutor.

How long does it take for my tutor to respond to my calls/emails?

Emails and phone calls are usually returned within two business days. If your tutor is on holiday for two weeks or more, you will be assigned to another tutor while s/he is away. If your tutor is away for less than two weeks, leave a message and the tutor will contact you when s/he returns.

I’m not able to call my tutor during his/her tutoring hours. Do I have any other options?

Yes. Sometimes tutoring hours and student schedules are incompatible. If this is true for you, your options include

  • email.
  • leaving a detailed message on the tutor’s voice mail. The tutor can respond with a detailed message on your voice mail. Include your first and last name, course number, your phone number, and detailed questions.
  • leaving a message on the tutor’s voice mail (or in the tutor’s email inbox), in which you give options of when you are available. The tutor may be able and/or willing to accommodate you outside of regular tutor hours.

Can I send my assignment electronically?

No. You must send the assignment by post mail, not email. The assignment must be typed, not handwritten. Submit it in a simple, non-bulky folder.

What does the exam cover, and what kinds of questions can I expect?

The exam covers Units 1–8. You have two hours to write it. It is made up of 18 multiple-choice questions (1 point each), 6 definitions (2 points each), and 3 short-answer/essay questions (10 points each). Each short-answer/essay question has 2–5 parts that may not cover the same topic. Use the learning objectives at the beginning of each unit as a guide to important concepts. Exam questions will focus on these objectives.

The final exam covers the entire course. You have three hours to write it. Doing your assignment is great preparation for the final exam. You will need to know nutrient functions, rationale for recommendations, health problems by dietary factors, diseases of lifestyle, and the aspects of a good diet (prevention). Tables 7–3 and 7–4 (p. 245): The Vitamins: Functions, Deficiencies and Toxicity and Table 8–11 (p. 297): The Minerals forms a good review for the micronutrients. The final exam is made up of 20 multiple–choice questions (1 point each), 5 true/false and explain questions (2 points each), a diet evaluation (20 points), and 3 short essays (10 points each).

How do I arrange to write an exam?

Information on ordering exams is found in the Student Manual and at myAU. You can order exams online. Please ensure that you allow adequate time for processing your request (15 business days in Canada; 21 business days overseas). Your exams must be written before the end of your course contract.

If I fail an exam, can I rewrite it?

If you fail an exam, you can apply to re-write it within three months of the original write date. After requesting the exam, you have another 30 days to write the exam. Only one supplemental exam is permitted per examination. There is a fee for supplemental exams.

How can I find out my grades for assignments and exams?

You can access your grades for both exams and assignments through myAU.

What referencing style do I need to use in my assignment(s)?

You are unlikely to need to reference many sources in NUTR 331, but if you do cite references, you may use the referencing style of your choice. Common styles used in sciences courses are American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), and Council of Biology Editors (CBE or CSE). You may also use Chicago Manual of Style.