POST GRADUATE TRAINING: NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
Programmes
• Honours Baccalaureus Scientiae (B Sc Hons), NUTRITION (G626P)
• Magister Scientiae (M Sc), DIETETICS (G851P / G875P)
• Magister Scientiae (M Sc), NUTRITION (G870P / G871P)
• Philosophiae Doctor (Ph D), NUTRITION (G960P) / DIETETICS (G905P)
Course content:
The focus in these postgraduate training courses is Nutrition Research. You will have the opportunity to obtain practical experience in research by executing your own research project, in cooperation with the study leader and other students. The project will be on a relevant approved subject in one of the following specialities: the nutrition transition, micronutrient malnutrition, child nutrition, lipids in health and disease, nutrigenetics, haemostasis, or sports nutrition. The project will train you in the scientific process, such as the method of research, data acquisition and processing, literature research, presentation of results, scientific writing and communication through oral presentations and poster exhibitions. A research report will be submitted in the form of a mini-dissertation for B Sc Hons (G626P), a dissertation (G871/5P) or mini-dissertation (G851P / G870P) for Masters in Nutrition or Dietetics, respectively, or a thesis for Ph D (G960P/G905P).
In the B Sc Hons and M Sc Dietetics or Nutrition programmes, depending on previous learning experience, certain modules have to be selected (see Programme G626P and G870P). It is strongly recommended that all students take Advanced Nutrition (VOED 680).
Hons. B.Sc. Nutrition
The program consists of 96 credits in coursework and a research project of limited extent, which will prepare the student for further postgraduate studies.
Duration of study:
• Full-time: minimum 1 year, maximum 2 years
• Part-time: minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years
Admission requirements:
• B.Sc. degree in Nutrition or a similar qualification, approved by the University, based on knowledge and expertise obtained through previous training,
• a mark of at least 60% in Nutrition in the undergraduate programme (comparable to VNDL311, VOED323 at North-West University),
• approval by the School Director, and
• Introductory Descriptive Statistics (STTN111) or similar qualification is a pre- or co-requisite.
Programme G626P: Nutrition
• VOED678 Research report (32 credits)*
• VOED676 Nutrigenetics (16 credits)
• VOED677 Nutritional epidemiology (16 credits)
• VOED679 Public Health Nutrition (32 credits)
• VOED680 Advanced Nutrition (32 credits)
• VOED681 Sports Nutrition (32 credits)
• FLGX612 Cardiovascular Physiology A (16 credits)
• FLGX625 Endocrinology (16 credits)
• MBWB682 Biokinetics: Clinical (16 credits)
• MBWK686 Child wellness and health promotion (16 credits)
* Compulsory. Select further modules to complete 128 credits, however it is strongly recommended VOED680 (Advanced Nutrition) is included.
MBWB682 and MBWK686 (Human Movement Sciences) may be chosen as substitute for VOED679.
The focus in the modules is the latest research findings on highly relevant topics.
Outcomes of B Sc Hons study:
This study gives admission to M Sc study and will enable you to function as an entrepreneur in a private practice or established institution by:
• identifying and analyzing nutrition related health programmes in individuals and communities, and
• planning creative and innovative nutrition intervention programs.
M Sc Nutrition
This programme consists of two options:
• a research focused programme (G871P) consisting of a dissertation, or
• a lectured programme (G870P) consisting of THREE modules and a mini-dissertation, based on a research project.
Duration of study:
• Minimum duration: 1 year
• Maximum duration: 3 years
Study may be either part-time or full-time.
Admission requirements:
• An appropriate B Sc Hons degree or similar qualification in the applicable field of expertise, and
• a mark of at least 60% in the B Sc Hons study.
• A student with a MB Ch B degree may be admitted to the M Sc Nutrition degree, provided that the lacking subject knowledge is obtained to the satisfaction of the School Director.
• Introductory Descriptive Statistics (STTK 111) or similar qualification is a pre- or co-requisite.
Programme G870P: Nutrition
• VOED873 Mini-dissertation
• VOED874 Public Health Nutrition
• VOED875 Advanced Nutrition
• VOED876 Sports Nutrition
Programme G871P: Nutrition
• VOED871 Dissertation
M Sc Dietetics
For this programme you have an option of THREE modules and a mini-dissertation, based on a research project.
Duration of study:
• Minimum duration: 1 year
• Maximum duration: 3 years
Study may be either part-time or full-time.
Admission requirements:
• A four-year Baccalaureus degree in Dietetics,
• a mark of at least 60% in subjects comparable to VNDL311, VRTP321 and VOED323 in the undergraduate programme, and
• Introductory Descriptive Statistics (STTK111) or similar qualification is a pre- or co-requisite.
Programme G851P: Dietetics
• VOED873 Mini-dissertation*
• VOED874 Public Health Nutrition
• VOED875 Advanced Nutrition
• VOED876 Sports Nutrition
• VOED877 Therapeutic Nutrition
• VOED880 Nutrition support of the paediatric patient
• VOED882 Nutrition support in critical care
*Compulsory, and select any THREE modules, however it is strongly recommended that VOED 875 Advanced Nutrition is selected.
Programme G875P: Dietetics
• VOED871P Dissertation
Outcomes of M Sc study:
The M Sc study gives admission to Ph D study and will equip you with advanced knowledge and expertise to:
• identify a relevant research question within the field of Nutrition or Dietetics,
• plan and execute an appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative research design in a scientific and ethical way through applying appropriate research methods, techniques and procedures,
• interpret the research findings in a scientific accountable way,
• compile a research report from the data, and
• be a leader in nutritional care in South Africa.
Philosophiae Doctor Nutrition / Dietetics
Duration of study:
• Minimum duration: 2 years
• Maximum duration: 4 years
The study may be full-time or part-time.
Admission requirements:
• An appropriate M Sc degree in Nutrition or Dietetics or similar qualification,
• a mark of at least 60% in the M Sc study.
Programme
The programme consists of a thesis based on original research on an approved subject in the applicable field of expertise.
Programme G960P: Nutrition
• VOED971 Thesis
Programme G905P: Dietetics
• DIET971 Thesis
Outcomes of Ph D study:
In addition to the outcomes for an M Sc, a Ph D will give you competence to:
• practice on a highly specialised level as a dietician or nutritionist,
• act as a leader in the profession and the functions of the profession,
• solve nutrition-related problems,
• lead research programmes,
• act as a promoter / co-promoter for students up to Ph D level,
• obtain research funds, and
• present research results through oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.
"Whether You Think You Can or Can't, You're Right"--Henry Ford