Master of Medical Science in Nutrition

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train nutrition researchers who will be expert, critical and reflective thinkers and problem-solvers as well as confident practitioners in research, as is necessary for further PhD studies. In the process, advanced knowledge of and insight in a selected area in nutrition sciences, as well as Biostatistics.

The purpose of this qualification is to allow professionals with Bachelor's level qualification to develop skills further to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively; develop competency in research, develop self-direction and originality in thought and solving problems as well as ability to communicate important information/findings clearly to other professionals and members of the general public in the specialisation of Nutrition.

Rationale

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. The RPL implies that learners who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to a Bachelor's qualification may apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Dietetics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Nutrition, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

• Collect, analyse, organise and critically appraise information from various sources, and can interpret and make judgements based on evidence and sound reasoning.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and or written persuasion.
• Shows numeracy skills and can apply quantitative logic to problems.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact of nutrition sciences and related health problems on society.
• Understand the necessity of keeping abreast of up-to-date nutrition science and nutritional health-related research and information as part of lifelong learning.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically, taking responsibility within one's limits of competence, and exercising judgement commensurate with nutrition health-related knowledge.
• Able to identify, assess, formulate and solve nutrition science and associated nutritional related health problems creatively and innovatively.
• Apply appropriate research designs, methods/techniques, as well as statistical analyses in this process.
• Show extensive competence in verbal and written communication of research results.

• Demonstrate adequate research problem formulation and development.
• Demonstrate familiarity with and integration of the relevant and specialised literature that informs the research question.
• Apply relevant theoretical approaches and key research techniques.
• Demonstrate systematically and sustained discussion and argumentation and integration of findings.
• Address the normative issues that might attend the study.
• Show an appreciation of the methodological of the study.
• Use of the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment of the Master of Medical Science in Nutrition qualification uses supervised full dissertation research.

Research that involves human participants or animal use for research or teaching must undergo ethics review, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Review generally entails prior approval of a research proposal by a Research Ethics or Animal Ethics Committee. In cases where prior approval is not appropriate, the research proposal must include appropriate deliberative procedures, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Research papers or dissertations that involve human participants or animal use may not be submitted for examination if they have not undergone any ethics review process.

The University has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department.