Nutrition & Dietetics

Program Mission Statement

The University of North Florida Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate and graduate programs are committed to transforming students into valued professionals through the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors essential for lifelong learning. (This mission statement has been approved by ACEND, the program accrediting body)

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able:

Knowledge of Literature of Discipline (req)

• (Knowl of Literature) Complete a systematic review of the research literature on a nutrition topic, analyze the status of the science and achieve a minimum 80% satisfactory rating of the literature review based on a predetermined rubric.
• (Content/Discip Knowl) Demonstrate skills needed to assess nutritional status of individual patients/clients with uncomplicated conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, as well as complex medical conditions such as renal disease, multi-system organ failure, and trauma based on the required accreditation competencies and assessment by the professional preceptor. Added: 2015 Demonstrate understanding of metabolism as measured by final exam competence achieved by at least 80% proficiency.
• Apply evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews and scientific literature.

Professional Skills (opt)

• (Professional skills) Demonstrate knowledge about cultural groups and provide appropriate level nutrition care and guidance. Student will write a research paper or do other project that meets the criteria/rubric.
• (Professional Skills) Deliver a professional presentation to a peer professional audience [ includes faculty, preceptors, and other graduate students to demonstrate professional conduct, organization, systematic analysis, synthesis and and critical thinking] that meets the criteria/rubric..

Critical Thinking (opt)

(Critical thinking and analysis) Acquire skills needed to critically analyze the quantitative and qualitative evidence/research literature as demonstrated by a summative exam.

Independent Research

• Incorporate critical-thinking skills in overall practice.

Assessment Approaches

Cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning outcomes are assessed through and from standardized exams, case clinical notes, research projects, oral presentations, self-assessments, written reports, oral feedback, discussions and pass rate on the national registration exam, when applicable.