Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

Practice in community nutrition is vital to integrate theory with practice. To develop effective nutrition programs/strategies, you need an understanding not only of appropriate theories, but of the real-life food and nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs and issues of different community groups. You need to be provided with opportunities to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to understand how community programs interlock with other health services.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the opportunity, in real world settings, to further develop your knowledge, confidence and skills to apply many of the theoretical principles covered in earlier years in the area of community and public health nutrition practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to demonstrate entry level competency in the areas of community and public health nutrition practice. This will involve being able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge sufficient to ensure safe practice in the community and public health nutrition area
   
2. interpret and translate scientific knowledge and principles related to nutrition into practical information
   
3. collect, organise and assess data relating to the health and nutritional status of groups
   
4. manage components of programs which deal with nutrition issues in the community as part of a health care team
   
5. demonstrate basic skills in research and evaluation
   
6. demonstrate an organised, professional and ethical approach to work.

Content

You will attend one community or public health nutrition site and undertake project work as designated by the placement supervisor. You may be required to attend placement out of the Brisbane metropolitan area. You will be required to attend your allocated placement site for the equivalent of six weeks, five days per week during the allocated six week time period with some flexibility required to cater to placement supervisor and project needs. Wherever possible you will attend the placement in pairs.

You are also required to be involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of small group education sessions at various times throughout the year.

Specific skill and graduate capabilities you will develop include:

• knowledge and skills relevant to community and public health nutrition
  
• critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving
  
• effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
  
• the capacity for life-long learning
  
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
• social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of Indigenous and international perspectives
  
• characteristics of self-reliance and leadership
  
• competencies required to practice as a Dietitian or Public Health Nutritionist.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. You are placed with supervisors either individually or in pairs. You will receive help from these supervisors as well as QUT staff. You are expected to demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. Tutorial assistance is provided by QUT.

Requirements for Placements:
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)

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semester. You will need to complete each component of assessment to a satisfactory level in order to pass this unit.

Designated unit
This is a designated unit. Designated units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills, and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities, and are deemed to be critical to progress in your course. If you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit on two occasions you will be issued with an unsatisfactory academic performance notice and could be excluded from the course. Supplementary Assessment will NOT be granted to students enrolled in designated units.Assessment will be spaced throughout the year to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit.

You should complete the placement competency forms throughout your placement and discuss these and seek feedback with your supervisor and tutor on a weekly basis. This will ensure you will have the opportunity to meet all required competencies and identify as early as possible any areas where further improvement may be required. Personal development and reflection are encouraged throughout.

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: (PU40 Nutriton students)
You will be required to complete four online career development modules (available via QUT blackboard). Certificates of completion should be submitted along with the final report.
Relates to objectives: 6
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: October

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: (PU43/HL22 Dietetic students)
During the year you will be required to undertake a series of nutrition education sessions. These sessions require you to complete the proformas and to get ratification from a participant within the group.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: April & October

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: (All cohorts)
You must complete the required time at the placement (30 days) and achieve satisfactory competence to meet the Dietitians Association of Australia accreditation requirements, including demonstrating appropriate professional conduct, as described in the DAA Code of Professional Conduct guidelines. Competency statements must be completed by you and confirmed by your supervisor. Placement performance will also be assessed by supervisor and tutor feedback. You will need to complete all components of this unit to a satisfactory level. This includes the completion of an end of project report and presentation.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During Placement

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

There are no specific texts used, as projects may differ. Lecture materials for other units are expected to form the theoretical background to the unit. Other resources which may be of assistance are listed on the Nutrition Workplace Integrated Learning website at QUT Blackboard site.

Risk assessment statement

Blue card
The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000) requires that students undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a blue card by the Commission prior to undertaking field experience in a school or centre, or undertaking activities in any unit which may involve contact with children. You will require a blue card for clinical placement/practicum in this unit. You should apply for a blue card at least 12 weeks before any clinical placement/practicum. Current blue card holders must register their card with QUT. For more information visit www.bluecard.qut.edu.au

Assessment for this unit will involve a workplace-based assignment. You should be aware of, and abide by, the health and safety requirements of the workplace and you are expected to undergo any induction or other training provided in the workplace for employees or visitors to the workplace as appropriate. See the Nutrition Workplace Integrated Learning website for further details including vaccination and working with children requirements. Refer to QUT's Faculty of Health Student Immunisation Policy for recommendations and student requirements regarding vaccine preventable diseases. You will be required to undertake an orientation to health and safety as part of your orientation and to sign that you have completed this before proceeding to placement.

Substantial computer-based work will be required and you will need to take care that you are working in a safe and ergonomically-sound environment (that is, avoidance of eyestrain, headaches, and physical stress on neck, back, arms and hands). Please consider your seating (heights, angles and distances) and the lighting in your work area (to avoid glare). The physical placement and organisation of peripheral devices, cables and extension cords should be managed to reduce danger to persons or property. Do not use unsafe electrical cords.

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: 14-Nov-2012