The essay should address the following points (this list can be used as a rough

The essay should address the following points (this list can be used as a rough
outline, with the points providing headings to structure the essay):
• Describe the particular aspects of the immune systems of this vulnerable group;
• Describe the importance of nutritional status for this group;
• Discuss the consequences of the vicious cycle of the relationship between
infection and nutrition, include why this vulnerable group might be at higher risk
of malnutrition;
• What nutrients are most at risk in this group? Is there evidence of an interaction
between any specific nutrients and infection?
Presentation
This assignment requires you to write an essay. This involves literature search,
scientific reading (critical appraisal) and scientific writing and argumentation (clear,
highly structured, and logical).
The following hints are to help you get started:
Use the module materials (refer to the relevant sections or pages), but also
search for additional information yourself. Try to use a variety of information
sources (e.g. original papers, reviews, technical summaries, reports, textbooks,
etc). The internet is a useful tool for literature searches.
Structure the essay clearly (use headings and if needed also subheadings), and
organise the text so that it is clear, easy to read, logical, focussed and coherent.
A clear introduction will help to define the focus, and a concluding
‘discussion/conclusions/recommendations’ section reinforces the focus,
summarises the information, and provides a neat ending to an essay.
Remember, scientific writing has to be clear and precise, and all statements
made should be based on evidence (provide reference) or argued (use
constructive, logical argumentation).
Using short, simple sentences will help to
make the text clear and easy to follow.
Read up first, then choose a clear focus, make a rough outline, then read up
some more so that you can work out the different parts: background
information, which aspects are important to build your storyline on? Collect the
evidence you need for your argumentation, you should have a good idea of
your conclusion already before you start writing. Specific points that are assessed are: content and understanding, structuring of the
text, organisation of the content, argumentation, referencing.