309105 v.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics

PGradDipDiet(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 053468C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year

Introduction

Dietetics 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

Applicants must have completed the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition), undertaking a full-time load in the third year and have achieved a course-weighted average of 65 per cent. Units studied elsewhere will not contribute to the course-weighted average. Eligible applicants must also pass a selection interview designed to assess their suitability to the course. Limited places are available due to the low availability of dietetic placements. Applicants are ranked on the basis of course-weighted average (90 percent of grading) and an interview (10 percent of grading). Applicants with a dietetic qualification are ineligible to apply.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

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

Course Organisation

A satisfactory performance in Medicine and Dietetics 581, Advanced Nutrition Topics 581 and Dietetic Practice Techniques 581 is a prerequisite for Clinical Placement 582. Performance will be judged satisfactory if the student achieves a weighted aggregate of 65 or more in the combination of Medicine and Dietetics 581, Dietetic Practice Techniques 581 and Advanced Nutrition Topics 581. Students are required to participate in preliminary placement activities during the inter-semester break and the major placement activities continue beyond the semester.

Professional Recognition

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

Career Opportunities

Graduates find employment as a member of a health team in such areas as hospital, community or public health, food service, the food industry, sporting groups, research teams and private practice.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
309099	v.1	Dietetic Counselling 581	3.0	25.0
309100	v.1	Food Service 581	4.0	12.5
310088	v.1	Dietetic Practice Techniques 581	3.0	12.5
310091	v.1	Advanced Nutrition Topics 581	5.0	25.0
310235	v.1	Medicine and Dietetics 581	5.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
309102	v.2 *	Clinical Placement 582	4.0	50.0
310092	v.1	Dietetic Clinical Support 582	3.0	25.0
310093	v.1 #	Community and Food Service Placement 582	16.0	25.0
				100.0

#		This unit is full time for 5 weeks
*		This unit is full time for 10 weeks

Availability

Year	Location	Period	All*	Internal	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 1		Y
2008	Bentley Campus	Semester 2		Y

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.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.