International Medical University

Overview of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Dietetics with Nutrition in International Medical University Malaysia

ABOUT THE DIETETICS WITH NUTRITION DEGREE

What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist? Nutrition is the science that deals with the study of foods and nutrients, and their effect on an individual. On the other hand, Dietetics is the practical application of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Graduates of IMU’s Dietetics with Nutrition Degree programme will be able to work as dietitians in the government and private sectors, providing healthcare services, food service management, and counselling in disease management and prevention.

This 4-year programme provides an advantage for employment as students are exposed to a variety of work placements such as food service, clinical dietetics and community dietetics.

CAREER PATHWAYS

The BSc(Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition programme in IMU has been awarded the International Accreditation for Education Programs for Dietitian-Nutritionists conferred by the International Confederation of Dietetics Association (ICDA). This ICDA award is a recognition that the IMU Dietetics with nutrition curriculum has met the standards to produce competent dietitians upon graduation. The award will also enhance the international reputation of the programme in member countries of ICDA. We are the first university in the world to receive this inaugural award by ICDA.

WHY STUDY DIETETICS WITH NUTRITION AT IMU

An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 28 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved the SETARA-2017 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Build Your Future Healthcare Professional Network

As IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, our students are fully immersed in a vibrant community of students and practitioners from all healthcare fields. This allows for the development of strong friendships amongst peers that will be the foundation of an extensive healthcare professional network upon graduation.

Well-Known Faculty Members

The lecturers in the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics are recipients of research grants, high impact publications and key opinion leaders in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Training Future Leaders

Our curriculum provides an opportunity to develop leadership and team-working skills due to a strong emphasis on Interprofessional learning and group projects. The courses place great emphasis on building good communication skills through various oral presentation, case study discussions, training with simulated and real-life patients.

Opportunity for Work-Life Experience and Student Mobility

The innovative curriculum offers early exposure to work experience and hands-on opportunity to enhance skills through clinical and community projects. There are also opportunities for student mobility programmes in clinical and community setting which improves work preparedness of the graduates.

Entry Requirement of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Dietetics with Nutrition in International Medical University Malaysia

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE

• Foundation in Science qualifications from other higher education institutions will be considered on a case by case basis for admission into the local IMU programmes.

• Students with IMU Foundation in Science can apply into IMU programmes and programmes with selected credit transfer options, upon meeting the entry requirement eligibility. ** (Please refer to IMU Foundation in Science brochure for more details)

FOR ADMISSIONS INTO THE IMU FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE PROGRAMME, STUDENTS WILL NEED TO HAVE:

• Pass SPM / O-Levels with minimum 5 credits in Mathematics, 2 Science subjects and 2 other subjects.
  Note: Specific SPM / O-Levels requirements may be needed for admissions into IMU programmes.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

* ONLY applicable for those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia.

FAQ of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Dietetics with Nutrition in International Medical University Malaysia

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why choose this particular programme?

• Globally, obesity and diet-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancers are on the rise due to increase affluence and sedentary lifestyles.

• Diet can significantly impact prevention and treatment of such lifestyle related diseases.

• Dietitians are needed to counsel and educate clients on appropriate diets, menu planning and food preparation in addressing illnesses or diseases for optimum health.

What is the structure of the programme?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

What are the key features of the programme?

• First programme in Malaysia offering a degree in the disciplines of nutrition and dietetics.

• Universities globally are beginning to offer a degree to provide graduates the edge to work in both clinical and community settings.

• IMU curriculum is outcome-based whereby graduates will meet market demands for clinical and community dietetics such as food service dietitians, researchers and other job opportunities requiring the expertise in nutrition and dietetics area.

What are the teaching-learning approaches used?

The Dietetics with Nutrition programme utilises a combination of teaching and learning approaches which include lectures, tutorials, practical classes, seminars, problem-based learning, field visits, group/individual assignments, and development of communication skills.

Students are required to conduct a research project in the third year. Topics in nutrition and health related fields will be chosen. Students will be required to prepare a research proposal, to collect and analyse data, and to write a thesis at the end of the exercise.

With this knowledge and skills, the students are able to work in their future work environment as competent and effective professionals working in the clinical community and / or industry settings.

Who are the teaching staff?

The University has well-qualified, experienced teaching staff from the Dietetics with Nutrition programme. Over half have recent practicing experience and are qualified dietitians. The lecturers have postgraduate degrees in the area of nutrition and dietetics. The teaching staff are pioneers in this area of study and have supervised undergraduate and postgraduate student projects and dissertations as well as conducted workshops. They are also actively involved in research and have published extensively in the areas of nutrition and dietetics.

Other qualified senior professional staff of IMU will also provide lectures in the non Dietetics with Nutrition modules in Year 1 of the programme. Dietitians from various specialists hospitals will also be invited to teach in this programme.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through their class tests, practicals, reports, workshops, essays, problem-based learning, projects, presentation, thesis and written examination.

An OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) is also conducted during the Final Year to ensure students are capable of providing competent and safe dietetic practise upon graduation.

Are there any industrial placements?

Industrial placements are professional posting scheduled for the entire 4th year and form the practicum part of the programme. Students shall be rotated through 20 weeks of clinical dietetics practicum in a hospital setting, 10 weeks of community nutrition practicum in a government and private facility/institution, and 10 weeks of foodservice management practicum in a foodservice industry.

What are the semester contents?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure 

What is the medium of instruction?

The medium of instruction is English. Students who come from a system of education in which the medium of instruction is not English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English Language classes before entering the IMU.

Who will award the Dietetics with Nutrition degree?

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition degree is awarded by IMU. The partner university will award the respective degree to students who transfer to the school.

What sort of jobs/careers can be undertaken with this degree?

There are various job opportunities for the graduates of this programme. As qualified dietitians, they can seek employment in the following work places:

Hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities
Hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities dietitians provide nutrition care for patients in hospitals. They assess patients’ nutritional status, develop, implement and monitor medical nutrition therapies appropriate to the patient’s medical history and lifestyle. With sufficient years of experience and further certification, dietitians may specialise in paediatrics, gastroenterology, renal and other specific medical areas. Dietitians work in community-based healthcare settings such as medical clinics, long-term care facilities, and wellness centers to provide dietary consultancy for medical conditions and may perform home visits to assist patients’ compliance to dietary advice and assist in disease prevention programmes.

Foodservice industry
Dietitians supervise meal planning and preparation in hospitals, workplace cafeterias, sports institutions and other facilities requiring large-scale food services such as schools, prisons, and long-term care homes. Dietitians manage the food safety procedures, menu development, budgeting and control.

Medical and healthcare related business/industry
Dietitians may be employed by wellness and food/nutrition-related or pharmaceutical industry to provide food and nutrition information to clients and patients. Dietitians provide advice on nutritional content, and use of therapeutic products.

Sports and fitness industry dietitians may be employed to provide dietary counselling to recreational and competitive athletes to improve performance and health. They serve as a food and nutrition resource for coaches and trainers, and provide sports nutrition education for fitness programmes.

University / Research Institutions
Dietitians may join an academic institution to teach, conduct research and undertake publication, as well as contribute in building capacity in training future dietitians. For those who wish to focus on research, they may explore working in research institutions in the public or private sector (e.g. research and development industry).

Private Consultancy
Dietitians with sufficient experience may venture to set up their own practice or work under contract with healthcare facilities. They perform nutrition assessment and advice on diet-related concerns such as weight loss, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. They may also provide consultancy in nutrition and dietetic matters to corporate, government and professional societies.

When do I apply for a place in IMU?

You can apply using forecast or actual results.