Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics for 2009

Course overview

The degree provides the practical skills and expertise to practise in dietetics, including the management of nutrition for individuals, communities and populations. While the context of the course is the Australian health-care system, the skills, knowledge and competencies learnt are transferable to other countries. First year provides students with a strong scientific background in biomedical chemistry, molecular biology, the biology of cells, tissues and organisms, and the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics. It also covers aspects of food chemistry, the sociology of food and health and the psychology of people during health and illness. Second year covers nutritional biochemistry and physiology, health psychology, anatomy and health care systems, while in third year, students gain practical professional skills and units in public health nutrition and health education, and nutrition related to chronic diseases. Students also undertake a two-week rural placement. In their final year, students undertake two months of supervised project fieldwork and an extended clinical placement.

Major study area description

Duration, campus, fees and application information

Career outlook

Graduates will be able to work in a variety of nutrition-related areas. Most will initially work as hospital or community-based dietitians. Other options include working in private practice in areas such as sports nutrition and workplace health promotion, with the food industry in nutrition advice and product development, or with government in public health and regulatory and policy advice.