SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111428	Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2034-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
72785	Bachelor of Science in Dietetics	Level 7	NQF Level 08	480	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to train and deliver professional Dieticians for practice in the extended health sector of South Africa. In view of health problems associated with a poor lifestyle, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic, as well as under and over-feeding, effective nutritional care for both healthy and sick people is of the utmost importance. The monetary load on health care services is out of control and one of the most basic principles to stabilise the problem is for trained dieticians to provide preventative nutrition education and health care to all levels of the community. Furthermore, completion of this qualification prepares graduates for further study at NQF Level 9.

Rationale:
In developing this professional qualification, requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and national and regional needs were taken into consideration. Consideration was also given to career possibilities and manpower needs of our country. This qualification prepares the learner for further Postgraduate studies in Dietetics/Nutrition. This qualification gives an opportunity for training that is a prerequisite for registration as a Dietician with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning are subscribed to. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification.

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learning setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirements for admission into the Bachelors studies are:

National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption.
Or

National Certificate Vocational, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 576 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 144 Credits:

Academic Literacy (Agla121), 12 Credits.

Academic Literacy (Agle121), 12 Credits.

Introduction to the Professions, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Nutrition, 12 Credits.

Nutrients, 12 Credits.

Food, 12 Credits.

Introductory Organic Chemistry, 12 Credits.

Membrane and Muscle Physiology, 12 Credits.

Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 12 Credits.

Introduction to Physiology, 12 Credits.

Botanical Food Groups and Systems, 12 Credits.

Anatomy, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 144 Credits:

Endocrine System and Digestion, 12 Credits.

Physiological Defence Mechanisms, 8 Credits.

Biochemistry for Health Sciences, 16 Credits.

Metabolism, 8 Credits.

Biochemistry, 16 Credits.

Animal Food Groups and Systems, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Community Nutrition, 8 Credits.

Nutrition through the life cycle, 16 Credits.

Food Service Management Aspects, 12 Credits.

Nutrition Practice II, 12 Credits.

Know and understand the Health World, 12 Credits.

Microbiology for Food and Nutrition, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 160 Credits

Life Style Health Disorders for Dietetics, 24 Credits.

Nutritional Biochemistry, 12 Credits.

Descriptive Statistics, 12 Credits.

Paediatric Therapeutic Nutrition, 8 Credits.

Therapeutic Nutrition, 24 Credits.

Nutrition Research Methodology, 16 Credits.

Nutrition Practice III, 16 Credits.

Excretion, 8 Credits.

Food Service Management: Systems and Large Scale Production, 16 Credits.

Cardiovascular Physiology, 16 Credits.

Community Nutrition, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 136 Credits:

Community Nutrition Practice, 32 Credits.

Applied Therapeutic Nutrition, 40 Credits.

Food Service Management Practice, 32 Credits.

Nutrition Research, 32 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate extensive and systematic knowledge of the health and disease profile of different South African communities with reference to the nutritional framework and status, agents and organisations involved with local, national and international nutrition and related health issues.
2. Undertake literature searches to obtain, analyse, interpret relevant information in order to identify complex, practice-orientated nutritional problems and reach conclusions through practical recommendations.
3. Communicate findings of information searches and analysis in writing by means of appropriate information technology and verbally to laymen and professional audiences.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles and theories in the identification and analysing of health problems in individuals and communities related to nutrition and launch, evaluate and document nutrition intervention programmes from a responsible and ethical framework.
5. Apply techniques and knowledge with regard to business management in own practices, community nutrition units and food service units as part of a health team.
6. Demonstrate independent learning and management of all relevant resources related to dietetics.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Demonstrate critical reflection on, understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.

Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment:
Opportunities for both Continuous Formative and Summative Assessments are imbedded in the learning design of the Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Furthermore, learners are assessed on the application of learned skills in order to assure that theory evolves into effective practice. A number of outcomes of related specialisations across the different year levels are assessed in an integrated manner by means of work-integrated learning from second to fourth year level. In addition, the learner's evidence of the mastering of discipline specific knowledge and skills, writing and communication skills, computer literacy and ability to critically analyse and effectively evaluate a work-place related problem are assessed.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Level 8 compares favourably with other similar qualifications offered in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, qualification design, Degree of difficulty and notional learning time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation:

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma: Community Nutrition, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Dietetics, Level 9.

Master of Science in Nutrition, Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

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NOTES

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LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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