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Unit of study_

NTDT5307: Medical Nutrition

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The broad objectives involve learning and applying the nutrition care process (NCP) using evidence-based interventions to improve nutrition outcomes in various medical conditions. The importance of client focused factors in dietary modification; education and interpretation of theory for client understanding are key discussion points. Specialist dietitians and medical specialists significantly contribute to the teaching in this unit of study, and includes a paediatric program at the Children's Hospital Westmead.

Unit details and rules

Unit code NTDT5307
Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 12
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
NTDT5503 and NTDT5601 and NTDT5602 and NTDT5604
Corequisites
? 
NTDT5305 and NTDT5608
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anna Rangan, anna.rangan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Juliana Chen, juliana.chen@sydney.edu.au
Anna Rangan, anna.rangan@sydney.edu.au
Margaret Nicholson, margaret.nicholson@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Merryl Ireland, merryl.ireland@sydney.edu.au
Wendy Stuart Smith, wendy.stuartsmith@sydney.edu.au
Fiona O'Leary, fiona.oleary@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home short release) Type D final exam Assessment 6: Final exam
Short answer questions
50% Formal exam period 3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO11
Small continuous assessment Assessment 5: E-portfolio evidence
Six written reflections to be added to student's e-portfolio.
0% Ongoing
Closing date: 12 Nov 2021
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO9 LO10 LO11
Online task Assessment 1: MNT lectures test
Short answer questions
15% Week 05 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Online task Assessment 2: NCP Quiz
Short answer and MCQ
15% Week 06
Due date: 15 Sep 2021 at 15:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO6
Presentation hurdle task Assessment 3: Counselling video and reflection
Video presentation of counselling skills and reflection on performance
0% Week 08
Due date: 08 Oct 2021 at 17:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO9
Small test Assessment 4: Case study exam
Short answer questions
20% Week 13
Due date: 10 Nov 2021 at 09:00
2.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type D final exam = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Assessment 1: Mid-semester test: Students are assessed on two case studies based on the first few weeks of the lecture series.
  • Assessment 2: NCP quiz: Based on the first few weeks of MNT workshops.
  • Assessment 3: Video presentation of counselling skills and reflection: Students are required to record themselves undertaking a counselling session, and submit a written reflection on their performance.
  • Assessment 4: Case study exam: Simulated case review. Students are required to estimate dietary intake, make a nutritional assessment, select appropriate diagnoses, develop appropriate strategies, identify barriers, monitor and evaluate.
  • Assessment 5: E-portfolio evidence: Students record reflections on MNT workshops throughout the semester and upload to their e-portfolio.
  • Assessment 6: Final exam: Students are assessed on case studies based on the medical nutrition lectures (excluding lectures delivered by medical practitioners).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Dietetic practice Lecture (12 hr) LO2 LO6 LO11
Week 01 Introduction to medical nutrition therapy Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 12 Malnutrition screening Clinical practice (7 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6 LO10
Revision/exam briefing Tutorial (1 hr)  
Weekly Medical nutrition Lecture (79 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Medical nutrition Workshop (39 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to:

  • Attend all MNT Workshops and assessments at the scheduled times; if unable to attend, students are required to notify the course coordinator.
  • Not eat in lecture rooms/computer labs where indicated and ensure mobile phones are turned off.
  • Prepare and keep up with readings and activities for each week/ learning module.
  • Participate fully in class activities and discussions.
  • Take advantage of free class time (i.e. when there are no sessions scheduled) to work on assignments.
  • Communicate immediately with the course coordinator concerning any problems that arise regarding attendance, completion of activities and assignments, and demonstrate initiative in planning alternatives.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop knowledge in the nutrition assessment and management of common medical conditions
  • LO2. develop skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of health, social and nutritional data to assess nutritional status of individual clients
  • LO3. develop skills in formulating a nutritional diagnosis and identify priority nutrition issues
  • LO4. prepare evidence-based, goal-oriented interventions in collaboration with clients to manage nutritional diagnoses
  • LO5. develop plans to monitor progress and compliance of nutritional interventions, and evaluate outcomes
  • LO6. document the NCP using accepted standards
  • LO7. apply client-centered nutrition counselling skills to empower clients and facilitate positive health outcomes
  • LO8. display effective communication and interpersonal skills through active listening, interviewing and translating technical information into practical advice, based on the client’s cultural and socioeconomic background
  • LO9. evaluate own and peers’ performance through reflection and critical thinking
  • LO10. apply nutrition assessment and communication skills in a hospital setting to commence practicing safely and professionally
  • LO11. demonstrate an understanding of the different roles, responsibilities and expertise of other health professionals.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.1.2. Recognises own professional limitations and the profession’s scope of practice and seeks assistance as necessary.
2.1.1. Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food supply data in determining nutritional status.
2.1.2. Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information.
2.1.3. Prioritises key issues, formulates goals and objectives and prepares goal oriented plans in collaboration with patient/client or carer, community/population/service, other members of the health care team, key stakeholders and partners.
2.3.1. Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, health and disease, food and food preparation methods to tailor recommendations to improve health of individuals, groups and/or populations.
2.3.3. Uses client-centred counselling skills to negotiate and facilitate nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle change and empower clients with self-management skills.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
4.1.3. Translates technical information into practical advice on food and eating and other relevant topics.
4.1.4. Adapts and tailors communication appropriately for specific audiences.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO2
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares appropriate documentation according to accepted standards.
1.4.4. Utilises relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively and safely.
2.1.1. Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food supply data in determining nutritional status.
2.1.2. Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO3
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares appropriate documentation according to accepted standards.
2.1.2. Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO4
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares appropriate documentation according to accepted standards.
1.5.2. Seeks out culturally specific information to inform practice.
1.5.3. Works respectfully with individuals, groups and/or populations from different cultures.
2.1.3. Prioritises key issues, formulates goals and objectives and prepares goal oriented plans in collaboration with patient/client or carer, community/population/service, other members of the health care team, key stakeholders and partners.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO5
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares appropriate documentation according to accepted standards.
2.1.4. Implements, evaluates and adapts nutrition care plans/programs/services in collaboration with patient/client or carer, community/population/service and other members of the health care team or key stakeholders and/or partners.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO6
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares appropriate documentation according to accepted standards.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO7
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.3.1. Uses negotiation and conflict resolution skills when required.
1.3.5. Demonstrates initiative by being proactive and developing solutions to problems.
1.5.2. Seeks out culturally specific information to inform practice.
1.5.3. Works respectfully with individuals, groups and/or populations from different cultures.
2.3.3. Uses client-centred counselling skills to negotiate and facilitate nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle change and empower clients with self-management skills.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.1.2. Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build an effectiven relationship with client, carers, families, colleagues, community and other key stakeholders.
4.1.3. Translates technical information into practical advice on food and eating and other relevant topics.
4.2.3. Empowers individuals, groups and/or the broader community to improve their own health through engagement, facilitation, education and collaboration.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO8
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.3.1. Uses negotiation and conflict resolution skills when required.
1.3.5. Demonstrates initiative by being proactive and developing solutions to problems.
1.5.1. Reflects on own culture, values and beliefs and their influence on practice.
1.5.2. Seeks out culturally specific information to inform practice.
1.5.3. Works respectfully with individuals, groups and/or populations from different cultures.
2.3.1. Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, health and disease, food and food preparation methods to tailor recommendations to improve health of individuals, groups and/or populations.
2.3.2. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, carers, groups and key stakeholders to inform approaches and influence change.
3.1.3. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.1.2. Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build an effectiven relationship with client, carers, families, colleagues, community and other key stakeholders.
4.1.3. Translates technical information into practical advice on food and eating and other relevant topics.
4.1.4. Adapts and tailors communication appropriately for specific audiences.
4.2.3. Empowers individuals, groups and/or the broader community to improve their own health through engagement, facilitation, education and collaboration.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
LO9
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.1.2. Recognises own professional limitations and the profession’s scope of practice and seeks assistance as necessary.
1.1.5. Consistently demonstrates reflective practice in collaboration with supervisors, peers and mentors.
1.3.3. Seeks, responds to, and provides, effective feedback.
1.4.2. Utilises suitable evaluation tools to review effectiveness of practice.
1.5.1. Reflects on own culture, values and beliefs and their influence on practice.
3.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
4.3.4. Guides and supports other team members and peers.
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.4.3. Identifies and assesses risks, follows risk management protocols and develops basic risk management strategies for services.
1.5.3. Works respectfully with individuals, groups and/or populations from different cultures.
2.3.2. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, carers, groups and key stakeholders to inform approaches and influence change.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2015) - DAA
1.1.2. Recognises own professional limitations and the profession’s scope of practice and seeks assistance as necessary.
4.1.1. Practises in a manner that encompasses the needs, preferences and perspectives of others.
4.1.2. Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build an effectiven relationship with client, carers, families, colleagues, community and other key stakeholders.
4.3.1. Promotes a high standard of nutrition care, while respecting the goals and roles of clients and other professionals, key stakeholders or groups.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

New workshops introduced in simulation and tele-health.

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

Work, health and safety

Up to date immunisations and Australian police check are required for hospital visits.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.