University of the Free State

Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview:

  • Purpose: Train and qualify dieticians to register with the HPCSA, Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition, possessing Graduate-level scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice independently in therapeutic nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.

  • Learning Outcomes:

    • Equip learners for independent practice in public and private sectors.
    • Provide research methodology skills for postgraduate studies or research careers.
    • Foster self-development and adherence to professional ethics.

Rationale:

Nutrition is crucial for a country's health and development, where South Africa faces challenges of undernutrition and over nutrition. The demand for dieticians is evident to provide therapeutic nutrition, food management, community nutrition, sport nutrition, and research. This qualification aims to address nutrition-related diseases and improve health and well-being in the country through dietary interventions and education.

Outcomes

  1. Assess nutritional status and the concomitant health risk of clients/patients and groups in communities/institutions by applying evaluation of socio-demographic, anthropometric and body composition status, as well as clinical signs and biochemical profiles.
  2. Plan, implement, evaluate and document nutrition service delivery regarding intervention strategies.
  3. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, facilitate community or public participation in nutrition care and education.
  4. Plan, execute and control food procurement, storage, production, distribution and consumption of the final product.
  5. Apply food quality standards.
  6. Communicate effectively with individuals and groups, using different methods.
  7. Apply appropriate human resource management principles to effectively manage finances, operational procedures and resources.
  8. Interpret, implement and integrate internal and external policy and legislation.
  9. Access, critically review and apply relevant scientific information.
  10. Initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of a research process, including identifying a research problem, designing a research project, presenting and disseminating results, writing a research report, and recommendations on the practical application of research results.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

  • Apply the basic principles and techniques related to the content.

  • Apply the principles and techniques of and differentiate and solve problems related to the content.

  • Apply the advanced principles and techniques of, and synthesise, differentiate and solve problems related to the content.

  • Apply the advanced principles and techniques of, analyse, order and critically evaluate information related to the content.

Integrated Assessment:

  • The qualification follows a continuous assessment approach.
  • The assessment activities focus on different dimensions of the qualification's purpose.
  • Theory and practice are integrated and aligned with the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Learners are expected to:
    • Apply research methods and techniques.
    • Interrogate knowledge relevant to Dietetics.
    • Solve complex or abstract problems and transfer processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems within the subject field.
    • Critically review data.
    • Present and communicate academic ideas.

Assessment Methods:

  • Practical work
  • Assignments with written reports
  • Oral seminar presentations
  • Written and oral tests and examinations
  • Clinical practice demonstrations

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of the Free State
University of the Free State
Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a public research university located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It was established in 1904 and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, natural and agricultural sciences, law, health sciences, education, and economic and management sciences. UFS is known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and it strives to provide quality education and promote social justice. The university has a strong research focus and collaborates with national and international partners to address societal challenges and contribute to knowledge creation. UFS also has a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, sports facilities, and cultural activities.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.