Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with specialist knowledge and to equip them with skills that will enable them to engage critically in solving problems relating to food and nutrition security.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Understand societal challenges in food and nutrition security and find innovate ways to address them.
• Apply systems frameworks to solve problems through reflection, transforming own and other's attitudes, developing personal competences and taking ownership, and through this, build the capacity of those involved in the food system, particularly in terms of leadership.
• Select a research topic related to food and nutrition security.
• Conduct research with the appropriate expertise in order to contribute to the development of food and nutrition security.
• Discuss the problem of macro- and micronutrient malnutrition and the role and implications of evidence-based approaches and strategies and also develop a food based health promotion programme to address a nutrition problem in a specific community.

Rationale

The Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security is designed to provide learners with specialist knowledge and skills required to meet challenges related to food and nutrition security. South Africa and the international community acknowledge that there are complexities in the food system. The United Nations has prioritised the issue of food and nutrition security as one of the urgent matters that need to be addressed. One of the targets in the Millennium Development Goals is "Achieving Food Security by Eradicating Hunger", and this is at the heart of endeavours of international organisations such as Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) which exist to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food leading to active and healthy lives. This qualification is developed to train and equip learners with skills relevant to critically solve problems through research specifically in the area of food and nutrition security.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University has an Assessment Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place.

The Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security conforms to the University's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL).

The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The APRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is

• A four-year cognate Bachelors' Degree at NQF Exit Level 8; or equivalent.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Modules

• Conceptualising Food Systems, 10 Credits.
• Food Safety, Hazards & Risks, 10 Credits.
• Human Economic Development, 10 Credits.
• Agriculture-Nutrition Linkages, 10 Credits.
• Food Processing & Preservation, 10 Credits.
• Food & Nutrition Policies, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Epidemiology, 10 Credits.
• Macro & Micronutrients & Health, 10 Credits.
• Functional Foods & GMO's, 10 Credits.
• Food Chains and Consumers, 10 Credits.
• Assessing Food Security, 10 Credits.
• Food Security Project Analysis, 10 Credits.
• Research Assignment, 60 Credits.

1. Understand societal challenges in food and nutrition security and find innovate ways to address them.
2. Apply systems frameworks to solve problems through reflection, transforming attitudes, developing personal competences and ownership, and through this build the capacity of those involved in the food system, particularly in terms of leadership.
3. Select a topic related to food and nutrition security.
4. Conduct research with the appropriate expertise in order to contribute to the development food and nutrition security.
5. Discuss problems of macro and micronutrient malnutrition and the role and implications of evidence-based approaches and strategies and also develop a food based health promotion programme to address a nutrition problem in a specific community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The various types of food and nutritional assessment at individual, household, community and population levels are explained and food security indicators are interpreted in reliable, valid and cost-effective ways and monitoring of food security risks are conducted.
• The methods of assessments of social determinants such as poverty and hunger and implications on food security, nutritional status and nutrition related outcomes are explained.
• The importance of nutrition surveillance systems is motivated including its development, choice of indicators and development of monitoring and evaluation tools.
• The implications of assessment methods on the selection of appropriate and sensitive data collection methods, data analysis and software is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge and skills in food and nutrition security are integrated and applied to the development and analysis of food and nutrition policies.
• The effectiveness of food and nutrition policies is evaluated.
• The role of food security in developing and monitoring food and nutrition policies is identified.
• The different policies that are relevant in South Africa are identified and described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A clear definition of food and nutrition security related research problem including the well-defined study objectives, research questions, the limitations of the study and its place in the whole food system is identified and designed.
• A well-defined methodology for the collection of food and nutrition data and an appropriate analysis supported by a critical and correctly presented; literature study is designed.
• A concise, correctly presented scientific report, showing the necessary independence, motivation, dedication and initiative is developed and presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A research topic is defined and formulated.
• Appropriate technology is set up.
• Data is collected, processed and analysed.
• A manuscript is drawn up.
• The results of scientific research are communicated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The social determinants of health and the association between poverty and health and how to measure socio-economic status is interrogated.
• The role of nutritional epidemiology is evaluated and the types of nutritional surveys are critically appraised.
• Measures of disease occurrence and measures of effect/association are predicted.
• Sources of measurement error are located and methods to correct them applied.
• Evidence-based approaches and strategies to address malnutrition and related health outcomes are proposed.

Integrated Assessment

The University requires the Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Security learners to follow a programme approved by the University with set outcomes pertaining to knowledge and skills. The number and type of assessments for each module are contained in the module descriptor - Form B. There will be formative and summative assessments. Final marks for theoretical modules will consist of class mark (35% - SUNLearn discussions, assignments, tasks) and examination (65%). A minimum of 50% is required for all individual modules.

The final mark for the Degree will be calculated as per section "5.4 general provisions for Masters research assignments and Master's thesis, sub-section 5.4.3.3 "of the University general regulations. This translates to: 65% from course work and 35% research assignment contributions to final Degree mark.

More than one assessment is required per module. Assessment formats include online learning discussions and longer written assignments.