Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours)

2023 Deakin University Handbook

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Year

2023 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours)
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Semester 1 2023.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
OnlineNo
Duration1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code065147K Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeH418
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Take the next step in your understanding of the effects of nutrition on our population with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours). You will complete coursework alongside an original research project, and develop a unique perspective of research occurring within Australia’s $20 billion dollar food industry.

Are you ready to uncover research that could change society’s perception of food?

Discover more about your area of interest within nutrition sciences by completing an honours year. You will not only build on your foundation knowledge of nutrition, but also enhance your skills to confidently conduct an original research project.

Contribute to knowledge in your specialised area while gaining practical research experience among an ever-developing field.

Paired with a supervisor who is an expert in their field, you will complete an original piece of research under their guidance. Along the way, you will gain an understanding of research methods and design, as well as experience in project planning and implementation.

Examples of previous research projects include:

  • The political construction of obesity: a framing analysis of Australian parliamentary debates about junk-food advertising to children.
  • The role of visual cues on flavour perception and liking of rice.
  • Factors predictive of postoperative clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal surgical patients: A prospective observational study.
  • Some of the research being conducted within our research centres such as the Food and Mood Centre and Global Obesity Centre includes the impact of food on mental health issues, such as depression, and the cost effectiveness of obesity prevention policies in Australia.

Deakin is home to leading Australian research centres CASS (Centre for Advanced Sensory Science) and IPAN (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition), whose studies are at the forefront of food and nutrition research. You will also have the opportunity to study in our state-of-the-art food and nutrition facilities – including industry-standard food sensory labs – that will provide you with hands-on experience to put your research to the test.

By completing your honours degree with Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, you will graduate with the relevant industry knowledge to pursue a career or complete further research and study. With over 150 partnerships spanning government and organisations within the health field, your learning will be relevant to industry.

Graduate with the knowledge and skills required to confidently provide evidence-based advice regarding food and its impact on our health within community settings.

Indicative student workload

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

Career opportunities

With this qualification you will have the knowledge and advanced research skills to apply to careers in areas such as:

  • education
  • food policy and regulation
  • industry researcher
  • nutrition marketing and research
  • quality assurance
  • research

You will also be well equipped with the skills to progress into higher degrees by research or career pathways with a research focus, including industry research or academia. Your understanding of research will ensure you are regarded highly by employers with advanced skills to critically analyse and problem-solve issues within the food, nutrition and health-related sectors.

Participation requirements

Engagement with online course material and scheduled classes (on campus). Regular meeting with project supervisors. On campus participation in other course events as required.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Pathways

This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Acquire advanced knowledge of the philosophies, ethics, methods and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in food science and nutrition. Apply this knowledge to plan and execute a substantial research project.

Communication

Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience.

Digital literacy

Acquire advanced skills in using digital technologies to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of food science and nutrition. Use appropriate technologies to manage data and apply methodologies applicable for the food and nutrition sciences.

Critical thinking

Employ intellectual independence to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific literature and to apply appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques to answer the research question. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to interpret outcomes and to identify how they contribute to advancing the field of food and nutrition science.

Problem solving

Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner.

Self-management

Take initiative to identify personal learning goals and needs in order to undertake and manage an independent research project including the communication of research outcomes. 

Teamwork

Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research and professional team of specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

Global citizenship

Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of food science and nutrition whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) students must attain 8 credit points, including two coursework units in research methods and research issues and an independent research project. Part-time students are required to complete the coursework components in their first year of study.

Attendance and presentation at the School Honours Conference is a hurdle requirement.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Course structure

Core units

Semester 1

HAI010Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

HBS400Research Methods

HSE401Developing Research Skills

Semester 2

HSN414Honours Research Project


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Orientation for this course is mandatory and it normally takes place the week prior to semester starts; i.e. the first week of February.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Research and research-related study

All 8 credit points of the course are comprised of research-related study (2 x 2 credit point units) or research (1 x 4 credit point unit). 100% of the course’s research and research-related study is specifically assessed.