NUT5006 - Practice and research in dietetics - 2018

This unit fosters student's problem solving skills. It aims to extend students' research and dietetics knowledge and skills across a range of practice contexts to solve strategic and priority dietetics practice problems and scenarios in preparation to enter the workforce. This unit prepares students to enter the profession through consolidating professional practice skills and integrating learning across typical work contexts of practice of a dietitian.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Critically review nutrition and dietetic practice, identifying gaps in knowledge and apply valid and relevant conclusions and recommendations for practice improvement.
2. Utilise research, leadership, communication (including negotiation, advocacy and conflict resolution) and management principles and skills in approaching solutions to practice problems.
3. Work effectively as a member of a team creating innovative solutions to nutrition and dietetics practice problems.
4. Apply the principles of human resource management, budgeting and risk management to project management and research.
5. Synthesise and analyse information/data collected from practice and communicate scientifically.
6. Plan and evaluate own personal and professional development in preparation for entry into the profession.
7. Synthesise key learning from the degree as an entry level Dietitian and articulate areas of strength and areas for development post-graduation.

• Scientific paper (Individual) (Quantitative research project: 4, 000 words) (Qualitative research project: 5,000 words) (40%) (Hurdle)
• Peer review (1,000 words) (10%)
• Competency review and CPD plan (2,000 words) (20%)
• Teamwork assignment: Oral presentation (20 minutes) (5%) and report (2,500 words) (25%)
• Attendance and participation (At least 85%)
• Professional behaviour appraisal form (Ungraded) (Hurdle)

This 12 credit point unit requires an equivalent of 24 hours per week of study including contact and private study hours. This unit will be front loaded at the beginning of the semester and towards the end of semester Week 10-12 with an intensive teaching block). The remaining time during semester is allocated for self directed learning and private study to progress learning in the unit during the clinical placement. A significant amount of learning is self directed and autonomous in this unit.

See also Unit timetable information

Dietetics