Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Medical Nutrition Therapy will explore the role of the dietitian in individual case management settings. The unit will focus on application of the nutrition care process (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation) to a range of disease states. Students will be introduced to theory necessary to underpin placements in individual case management.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to understand the theory of medical nutrition therapy and apply the nutrition care process in major areas of individual case management.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit you will be expected to demonstrate sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues as appropriate. On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. understand the role of nutrition in the aetiology of selected medical conditions and apply knowledge in the context of nutrition practice
2. explain the diet-disease process using appropriate terminology for diverse contexts
3. demonstrate the process of nutritional assessment through use of appropriate tools and anthropometric, biochemical, clinical dietary and environmental data.
4. develop logical and comprehensive nutrition diagnosis statements
5. identify appropriate nutrition interventions to address nutrition problems including development of goals and strategie
6. Develop a plan for monitoring and evaluation of individual cases
7. understand the roles of other health professionals in selected conditions.

Content

Major topics include: application of the nutrition care process in areas of individual case management including: nutrition support; obesity and related syndromes; diabetes mellitus; undernutrition; paediatric nutrition; cancer; and selected gastrointestinal disease.. You will have an opportunity to develop practical skills through a case study approach to the above disorders.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures will comprise an overview of the underlying theory and evidence, presented by QUT lecturers, followed by discussion of the practical application of the theory to management of cases, presented by guest dietitians currently working in individual case management settings such as hospitals.

Tutorials will involve interactive sessions in which students have the opportunity to apply and develop the knowledge and skills essential for medical nutrition therapy practice. During these sessions, case histories on nutritional management of diseases will provide the focus of class presentations and discussion. To enable provision of formative assessment students will be required to complete the assessment section of a case study for selected weeks before the tutorial. In small groups within tutorials students will work in groups on the diagnosis, intervention and monitoring and evaluation of the case.

Workshops in the food skills laboratory will enable students to develop practical skills in the planning and preparation of nutrient-altered foods suitable for selected therapeutic diets.
Students will have the opportunity to attend practical observational learning experiences and will complete a workbook supporting these activities as part of their formative assessment.

In this unit the Blackboard website will be used for important messages and uploading lectures. Students are requested to make their own copy of lecture notes before class (pending availability from invited lecturers). Students will be encouraged to be responsible for their own learning and develop a critical questioning approach.

Assessment

Different forms of feedback will be provided throughout the semester including formal and informal, formative and summative assessment. Case study work completed before and during tutorials will provide valuable feedback on application of the nutrition care process which directly relates to the mid-semester exam and case study assignment.

Item: Case studies: data interpretation and calculations
Objective: 3
Due Date: Prior to specified workshops and tutorials: wks 2 to 11

Item: Case studies: diagnosis, intervention and monitoring/evaluation
Objective: 1-7
Due Date: Prior to specified workshops: wks 2to 11

Tutorials and workshops also include questions and activities which will provide further feedback on knowledge and understanding to inform student's preparation for the final exams. Tutorials in the final weeks of semester will be tailored towards developing study skills and exam technique. There will be time available in all tutorials for students to ask questions on any concepts covered during the lectures to enable clarification.

Assignment information included on Blackboard provides detailed criteria and tasks for completion of the assignment which students can check their work against to ensure all aspects are completed. Time will be available in tutorials to clarify understanding.

Students are encouraged to speak with their unit co-ordinator/tutor before or after class or to contact the unit co-ordinator by email with questions or concerns relating to interpretation and clarification of the assessment items. Responses to frequently asked questions will be made available to all students through Blackboard announcements.

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: You will be required to complete a written, timed and invigilated exam.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: You will be required to complete a problem solving task involving a case history.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 11-12

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: You will be required to complete a written, timed and invigilated exam comprising short and long-answer questions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended
Mahan, L., and Escott-Stump, S. (2011). Krause's Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy (13th ed.). Philadelphia PA: Saunders.

Stewart, R. Griffith Handbook of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (latest edition). Southport, Queensland: Griffith University.


Optional
Escott-Stump, S. (2011). Nutrition and Diagnosis Related Care (7th ed.). Baltimore, Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Risk assessment statement

As noted above, assessment for this unit will involve a workplace-based assignment. Students should make themselves aware of and abide by the health and safety requirements of the workplace and are expected to undergo any induction or other training provided in the workplace for employees or visitors to the workplace as appropriate. In addition, substantial computer-based work will be required. Students should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the Guidelines to Students.

Requirements for Placement

1: Blue Card
2: Hepatitis B vaccination report and serology immunity report
3: Tuberculosis Screening report, immunisation and immunity
4: Student Health Assessment & Declaration Forms
5: Queensland Health Orientation Checklist & Forms (Only relevant for QLD Health Placements)
6: Criminal History Check (If relevant)

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012