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Monash University

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics

Course code: 3404 ~ Course abbreviation: BNutrDietet ~ Total credit points required: 192 ~ 4 years full-time ~ Managing faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton - F/T only)

Course description

The Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics aims to prepare graduates with the professional and personal qualities required for future dietetic practice. The course integrates academic teaching and learning with clinical, population health, research and management experience and is undertaken in both academic and professional practice settings.

Course objectives

To provide a 4 year integrated undergraduate program in dietetics and human nutrition. It is expected that this course will meet the accreditation requirements of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA). The graduate will: have knowledge in: human nutrition science; food use in society; food science; nutrition education and behavioural science; nutritional assessment; clinical dietetics; community health and population health; organisation and management; nutrition research and evaluation; have the professional skills and ability to: interpret and translate nutrition science into practical information; conduct timely and appropriate clinical nutrition assessments; manage nutrition care in clinical and community settings; manage nutrition programs in the community; influence and contribute to a safe secure and nutritious food supply; conduct research and evaluation; maintain professional and ethical conduct as outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct; manage self-development using skills acquired in: communication as a team member; priority setting; record maintenance; self evaluation, and continuing education.

Special requirements

Health requirements

In order to meet health requirements for working in the wards of teaching hospitals and for protection of other students and themselves, students in the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics need to comply with certain precautionary procedures. These consist of confidential tests for immune status (including blood tests and skin tests), receiving vaccines and having x-rays where the evidence indicates these are appropriate and there are no specific contraindications in individual cases.

This policy is in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council advice that educational institutions training students in health sciences should ensure that such students are protected as far as possible by vaccination against risks of infection.

The faculty recommends that all students accept responsibility for having up-to-date immunisations before commencing the course. Recommended immunisations include diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis and hepatitis B.

Prospective students should note that on enrolment, students are provided with detailed written information and, as appropriate, counselling about the effect that HIV or hepatitis B infection may have on the ability of health care workers to practise their profession. Additional information is provided to students in their third year when they are in contact with patients as part of their clinical studies.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police and Working with Children checks regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. All enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain Police and Working with Children checks prior to undertaking their course. Working with Children checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police checks must be applied and paid for annually. However, in some community partnered programs, there may be a requirement to have a police check renewed every six months.

Course structure

Areas of study

The curriculum has been carefully designed to integrate a thorough theoretical background with hands-on clinical experience. The first two years of the course draw on the expertise of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to provide a solid understanding of the science of dietetics, as well as examining the broader societal aspects of food, and include core units from the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc). The second two years take place primarily in the professional practice setting and provide experience in practical dietetic skills, nutrition management of illnesses, food service operation and management, health care systems, public health and nutritional program planning. In addition, issues relating to rural health, primary care and community health will be explored.

Course requirements

First year

First semester
  • BME1130 Human being in health and illness
  • BMS1011 Biomedical chemistry
  • BMS1021 Cells, tissues and organisms
  • BND1010 Human nutrition: an introduction to nutrients
Second semester

Second year

First semester
  • BMS2011 Structure of the human body
  • BND2011 Nutritional physiology
  • BND2021 Nutritional biochemistry
  • BND2031 Health psychology for dietitians
Second semester

Third year

First semester
  • BND3011 Food science and skills
  • BND3021 Nutrition assessment skills
  • BND3031 Health education and promotion
  • BND3041 Nutrition across the life span
Second semester

Fourth year

First semester
  • BND4011 Clinical and therapeutic dietetics I*
  • BND4021 Food service management
Second semester
  • BND4032 Clinical and therapeutic dietetics II
  • BND4042 Program planning*

    * Equivalent to three units

Contact details

Telephone: +61 3 9594 5510, email: nutrition.dietetics@med.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nutrition-dietetics