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Course Outline

NUT410 Nutrition and Dietetics Thesis

Course Coordinator:Fiona Pelly (fpelly@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Nutrition and Dietetics

2026Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

The course is the culmination of the honours research pathway for the Bachelor of Dietetics. You will develop professional competencies relevant to research practice. You will finalise collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data relevant to your research study. You will subsequently produce an honours thesis that includes a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal as the write up of your research outcomes.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – The workshops will run during breaks in the 4th year placement timetable. The first workshop will commence at the end of trimester 1. Additional workshops will be timetabled throughout trimester 2. 3hrs Pre-trimester/session 8 times
Learning materials – Online material and readings will be provided to complete in own time 2hrs Pre-trimester/session 12 times
Independent Study/Research – Regular meetings with the research honours supervisor during allocated research blocks. 1hr Pre-trimester/session 12 times
Independent Study/Research – Work on individual research project and thesis as required 250hrs Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Once Only

Course Topics

  • Project management and completion in collaboration with research supervisor

  • Data collection, analysis and interpretation

  • Writing a thesis

  • Preparing a manuscript for publication 

  • Oral dissemination

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

24 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Dietitians Australia
1 Develop coherent and advanced knowledge in a core area of Nutrition and Dietetics Creative and critical thinker
Empowered 
2.1.3, 2.1.4
2 Apply research methodology, methods, and data analysis in accordance with ethical research principles and procedures Creative and critical thinker
Ethical 
3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3
3 Critique research results and discuss their theoretical and applied implications in the field of research Creative and critical thinker 
3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5
4 Execute clear and coherent communication of research findings and evaluation to a professional audience in oral and written formats Creative and critical thinker
Empowered 
3.1.4, 4.1.2
5 Demonstrate participation in research professional practice with research supervisor and research teams in accordance with the dietetic student placement code of conduct. Engaged
Collaboration 
1.3.4

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Dietitians Australia
1.3.4 Demonstrates leadership: Participates in supervision, teaching and mentoring processes with peers, students and colleagues
2.1.3 Adopts an evidence-based approach to dietetic practice: Systematically searches for, evaluates, interprets and applies findings from food, nutrition, dietetic, social, behavioural and education sciences into dietetic practice
2.1.4 Adopts an evidence-based approach to dietetic practice: Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues
3.1.1 Conducts research, evaluation, and quality management processes: Identifies and selects appropriate research, evaluation and quality-management methods to advance the practice of dietetics
3.1.2 Conducts research, evaluation, and quality management processes: Applies ethical processes to research, evaluation, and quality management
3.1.3 Conducts research, evaluation, and quality management processes: Collects, analyses and interprets qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation, and quality management data
3.1.4 Conducts research, evaluation, and quality management processes: Accurately documents and disseminates research, evaluation, and quality-management findings
3.1.5 Conducts research, evaluation, and quality management processes: Translates the implications of research findings for dietetic practice, advocacy and key stakeholders
4.1.2 Communicates appropriately with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, organisational and professional backgrounds: Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

NUT333 and NUT312 and NUT302 and NUT361 and NUT301 and NUT309, and enrolled in SC302 Honours Pathway or SC406 Research Pathway

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Students are expected to have adequately progressed their research project prior to commencement of this course. This includes completion of a background literature review, research proposal and human research ethics application (if appropriate to the study design) with approval prior to commencing this course. The course coordinator will require a signed progress report from the supervisor of the project prior to enrolment.

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Self-assessment of your progress on your research project and relevant feedback and guidance provided by the course coordinator and supervisors from commencement of the honours research pathway.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 10% 
No more than 5 x A4 pages including supervisor feedback
10 minute presentation with 5 minutes of questions
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class
All 2 Oral Individual 20% 
10 mins oral presentation
10 mins questions
 Refer to Format In Class
All 3 Portfolio Individual 70% 
8000 word thesis consisting of 3000-5000 word manuscript ( depending on journal requirements), 2000-3000 word introduction and background literature and 1000-2000 word general discussion and conclusion.
 Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Research Progress Report
Goal: 
You will submit a research progress report documenting your progress in honours thus far, including your progress in regards to data collection, analysis and interpretation, and writing of your thesis. This will include formative feedback and evaluation of performance against the student code of conduct from your supervisor over the period since you commenced your honours research pathway. You will also provide a timeline towards completion in collaboration with your supervisor. As part of this assessment, you will be required to present a summary of progress to the new and current honours research cohort and supervisors.
Product: Report
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Maximum of 5 A4 pages, that consists of 2-3 page report and 1-2 page Gantt chart ( timeline)
Oral presentation with no more than 5 slides. The written component will be submitted at the end of week 2. The presentation will be scheduled to fit with placement and course schedules.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Self-assessment and reflection on progress of research
 2 4
2 
Provides a viable timeline to completion based on current progress with research project
 2
3 
Executes clear and coherent communication
 3 4
4 
Identifies required research tasks and any further development to complete tasks
 2
5 
Demonstrates collaborative input from research supervisor and adequate performance relevant to the srudent code of conduct.
 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Oral presentation and oral defence
Goal: 
You will undertake a research presentation for your peers, nutrition and dietetic staff and professionals. You will also be required to defend your honours research through a series of questions asked by the audience after you have completed your oral presentation.
Product: Oral
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
The style of presentation will be in the format of a conference presentation. The presentation will be supported using PowerPoint or other visual aids. This will include a 10 minute presentation time and 10 minute allowance for questions from the audience as an oral defence. Time must be strictly adhered to. The presentation will be completed between week 12 and the examination period.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the topic area
 1
2 
Suitable selection, analysis and synthesis of content and research evidence
 2 3
3 
Ability to interpret and respond to questions from the audience regarding the research
 1 3 4
4 
Demonstrates clear and coherent oral presentation skills following standard scientific approach
 4
5 
Appropriate use of visual aids
 2 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Thesis (with manuscript)
Goal: 
In consultation with your supervisor, you shall undertake and submit an honours research thesis.
With advice from your supervisor, you will be responsible for and participate in, all steps of the investigation and reporting. That is, you are responsible for ( where applicable) 
Completion of participant recruitment and data collection; 
Data analysis; 
Interpretation and discussion of findings; and 
Preparation and presentation of a manuscript within the required style and format of your chosen journal.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
The thesis will contain a title page, table of contents, an abstract, an introduction with key background literature, a manuscript prepared for submission to an appropriate journal, and a summary/ conclusion and references. The length of your manuscript will be influenced by the requirements of your chosen journal, as well as the type of research (qualitative research articles will typically be longer). The thesis must be submitted in pdf format. There will be two examiners for the thesis ( internal and external).

NOTE: This assessment task will contribute to the Dietetics Portfolio where you will collate various purposefully selected tasks to provide comprehensive information about your progress in developing and attaining Dietitians Australia (DA) competencies for dietetic practice. You will continue to add to your Portfolio over the final years of the program, providing a basis for collective decision-making on your progress and stimulating your own learning. You will receive feedback on your progression of your competencies. This will contribute to evidence towards your final competency assessment for the Bachelor of Dietetics (Honours).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Accurately documents research methodology and methods relevant to the project
 2
2 
Quality of data analysis and presentation of results
 2 3 4
3 
Critical interpretation of research results in context of current evidence and implications for practice
 1 3
4 
Written presentation in line with journal requirements
 4
5 
Provides background and context based on current evidence relevant to the research
 1
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy

Assessment to competency mapping

Programme Delivery Mode Assessment Type Title Competency Teaching Methods
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021)
All delivery modes Oral Oral presentation and oral defence 3.1.5 Practiced, Assessed
4.1.2 Practiced, Assessed
Portfolio Thesis (with manuscript) 3.1.1 Practiced, Assessed
3.1.2 Practiced, Assessed
3.1.3 Practiced, Assessed
3.1.4 Practiced, Assessed
3.1.5 Practiced, Assessed
Report Research Progress Report 1.1.3 Practiced, Assessed
1.4.1 Practiced, Assessed
3.1.1 Practiced, Assessed

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities 
Weeks 0 to 12
 
Introduction to NUT410 
Research dissemination - thesis and oral presentation
Interpretation and presentation of research
Understanding the peer review publication process and quality of research
This course will include: 
- Presentation of progress to supervisors
- Individual meetings with supervisors
- Regular group meetings with course cohort 
- Group writing sessions with supervisors
 
Week 14
 
Oral presentation assessment

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Please note that course information are available on the course Canvas site. Students will receive research training aids accessible on Canvas. Students are expected to regularly meet with the primary supervisor of their research project.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

This course contributes to the minimum of 100 days of professional placement in total to meet the Dietitians Australia National Competency and Accreditation Standards for Dietetic Education. Your research supervisor and course coordinator will evaluate your performance. This will determined against the student code of conduct. If you fail to meet the Student Code of Conduct, you can be withdrawn from the research activity immediately, as per the UniSC Workplace and Industry Placement - Procedures.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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