NUTD9145 Independent Studies in Nutrition

This topic gives students the opportunity to undertake an elective field placement or in-depth study in an area of personal interest related to research, evaluation, quality management or development of an innovative resource or intervention and relevant to the field of nutrition and dietetics. Students will also identify and implement tasks related to their own professional development. Students will work collaboratively with their host site and peers but independently with minimal supervision. A description of the proposed study, with the recommendations of the supervising staff member, should be submitted to the course coordinator for approval. A range of activities is permissible by negotiation.

This topic aims to:

• Foster personal and professional development, including the attainment of fundamental skills necessary for independent learning and reflective practice required of nutrition-related health professionals
• Enable students to apply theory learnt in other topics to real situations

1. Apply theory learnt in previous topics to practice and the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement and critically evaluate an independent study for personal professional development
2. Analyse critically, reflect on and apply established theories to a body of knowledge or practice
3. Formulate explicit learning intentions, learning strategies and outcomes
4. Develop autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility by working independently with minimal guidance and connect across boundaries
5. Make use of collaborative working skills with practitioners, academic advisor, stakeholders and peers and demonstrate ethical behaviour
6. Apply skills in effectively communicating with individuals, groups, organisations and communities including dissemination of findings and results
7. Model productive and critical self and peer reflection regarding own learning and practice