Doctor of Philosophy in Food and Nutrition

Purpose

The learner will be able to apply advanced knowledge, skills, principles and methods to conduct independent, original research and to render a specialised professional service in Food and Nutrition, according to the needs of the University, the country. This will be in compliance with international trends and standards in response to the needs of the community, of business and industry as well as to the needs of the consumers. The research must be of a quality that will satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Rationale

This qualification aims to provide the learners with an in-depth knowledge of a specialised area in Food and Nutrition as well as the ability to make an original contribution to science through scientific thought and independent investigation. It further equips the learner with the proven skills and ability to write scientific research papers for peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The Doctor of Food and Nutrition programme aims to provide qualifying learners with

• An in-depth knowledge of a specialised area in Food and Nutrition.
• The ability to make an original contribution to science through scientific thought and independent investigation.
• The proven ability to write scientific research papers for peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition, NQF Level 9.

A Research Thesis, with a minimum of 360 Credits is required to obtain the qualification.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the body of knowledge in the field of food and nutrition with development of expertise and specialist knowledge in an area that is at the forefront of the field of professional practice.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies in the food and nutrition field.
3. Participate in scholarly debates in this area of specialisation.
4. Apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical and theoretical problems.
5. Conduct substantial, independent research and advanced scholarship resulting in the interpretation and expansion of knowledge in the field which is judged publishable by peers.
6. Identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex, ill-defined problems in the food and nutrition field.
7. Undertake a study and evaluation of the literature and current research in the food and nutrition field independently.
8. Defend and communicate the results of research, an opinion to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of an academic discourse.
9. Produce a thesis which meets international standards of scholarly writing.
10. Operate autonomously in specialised, complex, ill-defined and unpredictable contexts.
11. Demonstrate intellectual independence and research leadership through managing advanced research and development in the food and nutrition field professionally and ethically.
12. Critically evaluate own and others' work on the basis of independence criteria.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Identification of a suitable research problem which contributes significantly towards knowledge expansion and problem solving in Food and Nutrition.
• Planning a research project and selecting and implementing appropriate research methods.
• Writing a critical review of the literature according to accepted scientific practices.
• Analysing the data, utilising relevant qualitative or quantitative methods and integrating theoretical knowledge with the empirical data.
• Evaluating research findings, formulating relevant conclusions and making applicable recommendations.
• Presenting a thesis that conforms to the required standards.
• Understanding the nutritional problems and needs of the country and, based on new knowledge, proposing solutions that would satisfy national and international standards of excellence.
• Making a contribution to the profession by demonstrating an authoritative knowledge and understanding of the specialised field of study for the benefit of the national and international community.
• Publishing in an accredited journal.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are formatively and summatively assessed. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations.