Research Project
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
To meet the accreditation requirements of Dietitians Australia (DA) and their accrediting body the Australian Dietetic Council (ADC), students are required to complete a minimum of 100 days professional practice placement. This unit will consist of 40 days of full-time research placement with an approved healthcare provider or research institution. Research is core to safe and innovative dietetic practice. This unit will support students to develop skills in research project management, as well as data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination. Students will be supported to develop and undertake a research project relevant to dietetic practice. This will include consideration of ethical aspects of the project, as well as the development and justification of a research methodology. Students will conduct their project, analyse and interpret the results and develop skills in dissemination of findings through written and oral media.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- In the context of Research Practice, exemplify the consolidation of dietetics knowledge and experience to support effective dietetics practice in line with the National Competency Standards for Dietetics, the Code of Conduct for Dietitians and Nutritionists, and the Dietitians Australia Scope of Practice requirements;
- Articulate all considerations in the planning and conduct of a research project relevant to dietetic practice;
- Devise and undertake a research project relevant to dietetic practice;
- Exemplify academic writing skills for publication; and
- Defend and translate research finding for a variety of audiences.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 0%
Professional Practice Placement assessment of competency in relevant domain elements of the National Competency Standards for Dietetics.
Assessment type: Report | Grade: 10%
Project Plan (500 words)
Assessment type: Report | Grade: 65%
Research project in the form of a journal manuscript (4000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 25%
Individual poster presentation of research project (10mins + 5mins questions)
All assessments must be passed to pass the unit (Hurdle requirements). This unit is a capstone practice unit and students will be expected to pass all assessments to ensure that they are meeting all requirements of dietetic graduates.
Required reading
No required text. Required reading materials from key academic journals and text books will be identified and linked through VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):