303531 v.3 Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food Science - Dietetics) (Honours)

Introduction

This honours course involves the study of those medical aspects of disease that have a nutritional component in prevention or treatment. Dietetics is concerned with the science and art of providing nutritional care for individuals and groups differing widely in economic, social, psychological and physiological conditions. Dietitians find professional satisfaction as a recognised member of a health team, in such areas as hospital, community or public health. Dietitians also work in food service, the food industry, research teams and private practice.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

In order to be eligible, applicants must have completed the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food Science) and have achieved a weighted average of 65 per cent where units are undertaken at Curtin (assuming the third year of study is completed full-time). Limited places are available due to the low availability of dietetic placements. Applicants are ranked on the basis of course average (90 percent of grading) and an interview (10 percent of grading). Applicants with a dietetic qualification are ineligible to apply.

Specific Requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication. A satisfactory performance in Medicine and Dietetics 481, Advanced Nutrition Topics 480 and Dietetic Practice Techniques 480 is a pre-requisite for Dietetic Placement 482. Performance will be judged satisfactory if the student achieves a weighted aggregate of 65 or more in the combination of Medicine and Dietetics 481, Dietetic Practice Techniques 481 and the first semester component of Advanced Nutrition Topics 480 (=65% of the assessment of the unit). Students are required to participate in preliminary placement activities during the inter-semester break and the major placement activities continuing beyond the end of second semester.

Duration and Availability

This honours course is one year full-time study with the dietetic placement extending beyond the end of second semester.

Professional Recognition

The dietetics program is accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) on a regular basis. Graduates of the accredited program are automatically accepted for membership of the DAA.

Additional Course Expenses

Students are required to obtain a food handlers safety certificate as part of Dietetics Project 481 with a fee applicable. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.