Yearbooks

Programme: BDietetics

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
10139003 Faculty of Health Sciences
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 4 years Total credits: 548 NQF level:  08
Contact:
Prof FAM Wenhold
[email protected]
+27 (0)123543200

Programme information

The programme extends over four academic years during which period a student receives practical training as a student dietician at an institution or institutions approved for this purpose by the University.

After admission to the first year of study, each student in Dietetics must register as a student in Dietetics with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Students are required to complete at least four weeks applicable elective training (Code DTT 380) under the supervision of a dietician at an institution approved for this purpose by the University, after the first semester of the third year of study and prior to the commencement of the fourth year of study.

Note: Students who enrolled for the BDietetics degree programme prior to 2105 will complete the degree under the old curriculum. However, students who will have third-year status in 2020 will be transferred to the new curriculum.

Admission requirements

  • The following persons will be considered for admission: a candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required Grade 12 certificate with university endorsement; a candidate who is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; a candidate who is a graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria; and a candidate who is currently in university.
  • Admission to Health Sciences programmes is subject to a selection process.
  • Grade 11 final examination results, the National Benchmark Test (NBT) results as well as a Value-added Form will be used for the provisional selection of prospective students.
  • For selection purposes the sum of the results in six subjects, including English, Mathematics and Physical Science, is calculated.
  • Life Orientation is excluded in the calculation of the Admission Point Score (APS).
  • Candidates, please note that your conditional admission will be revoked if your APS drops by more than two points in your final school examination results.
  • PLEASE NOTE that compliance with the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to any programme in this Faculty.
  • Selection queries may be directed to [email protected].    

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

Physical Science

APS

NSC/IEB

AS Level

NSC/IEB

AS Level

NSC/IEB

AS Level

4

D

4

D

4

D

25

* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.

Additional requirements

Also consult General Regulations.

Other programme-specific information

Exemption from the examination in (FAR) Pharmacology 381, 382
Exemption from the examination can be granted if a student who obtained a module mark of at least 60%, exercises the option to accept it as the final mark.

Examinations and pass requirements

  1. Each paper (Paper 1 and 2) of the written examination for Medical nutrition therapy 323, 411 and 480 (MNX 323, 411, 480) as well as the practical examination for MNX 411 must be passed individually with a subminimum of 40%.
  2. Each paper written for the second examination opportunity in Medical nutrition therapy 323, 411 and 480 (MNX 323, 411, 480) as well as the practical examination for MNX 411 (second examination opportunity) must be passed individually with a subminimum of 50%.
  • In accordance with the stipulations of the General Regulations, no minimum year or semester mark is needed for admission to the examination, and all registered students are admitted to the examination automatically.
  • The final mark for a specific module in Nursing Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition (at least 50% is required to pass) is calculated from the examination mark as well as the mark compiled from the evaluation of a student during continuous, objective and controlled assessment opportunities during the course of the quarter/semester/year. At least one formal assessment per module is set as the minimum norm, and students will be exposed on a continuous and regular basis to self-directed assignments in order to promote reflective learning.
  • In the case of modules with practical components, students are required to also comply with the applicable attendance requirements with regard to acquiring practical skills before a pass mark can be obtained for the module.
  • There are two main examination opportunities per annum, the first and second examination. In respect of first-semester modules, the first examination opportunity is in May/June and the second examination opportunity in July. In respect of second-semester modules, the first examination opportunity is in October/ November and the second examination opportunity in November/December of the same year. Where students need to work additional clinical hours to be allowed to do a second examination, the relevant head of department will determine the second examination opportunity.
  • Only two examination opportunities per module are allowed. If a student fails a module at the second examination opportunity, the module must be repeated.
  • A second examination opportunity in a module is granted to students in the following cases:

- If a student obtains a final mark of less than 50% in the relevant module at the first examination opportunity and thus fails.

- If a student does not obtain the subminimum in the examination, as required for a specific module.

- If a student does not sit the examination in a module at the first examination opportunity due to illness or extraordinary circumstances.

  • Students intending to sit the second examination due to the reasons mentioned above, must register for the second examination opportunity 24 hours after the results have been made public.
  • If a student fails a module at the first examination opportunity, the examination mark obtained in the relevant module at the second examination opportunity will be calculated as the final mark. The marks obtained with continuous evaluation during the course of the quarter/semester/year will not be taken into calculation. If the student passes the module at the second examination opportunity, a maximum of 50% is awarded as a pass mark to the module in question.
  • If a student could not sit the examination in a module at the first examination opportunity due to illness or extraordinary circumstances, the continuous evaluation mark, together with the examination mark obtained in the module in question at the second examination opportunity, will be calculated as the final mark obtained in the module.
  • The School of Healthcare Sciences applies the General Regulations, according to which a student requiring a limited number of modules to complete his or her degree, may in terms of faculty regulations, be admitted to a special examination in the modules in question.

Promotion to next study year

  • A student must pass in all the prescribed core modules of a specific year of study to be promoted to a subsequent year of study. A student can only be promoted to a subsequent year of study if the student has not failed more than two fundamental modules of seven weeks each per semester or one module of 14 weeks per semester. A non-negotiable prerequisite for admission to the final year of study is pass marks in all the core and fundamental modules of the preceding years of study. Refer to the programmes for fundamental modules in each discipline.
  • A pass mark refers to a final mark of at least 50%.
  • Modules with practical and clinical training credits cannot be passed unless all the prescribed clinical hours and practical activities have been completed to the satisfaction of the relevant head of department.
  • The Chairperson of the examination moderating meeting may, after assessing the student’s total profile, grant special approval to be promoted to the next year of study.
  • The exception is the Department of Human Nutrition, where the regulations as applicable in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences regarding the modules presented by that Faculty, are relevant.
  • Modules can only be taken in advance or repeated if it can be accommodated in the existing examination timetable.
  • A student who must repeat a year of study may, with the approval of the Chairperson of the examination moderating meeting and the relevant head of department, be allowed to take fundamental modules of the subsequent year, if he/she complies with all the prerequisites for the relevant modules. No adjustment to existing timetables will be allowed.

The following fundamental modules are relevant:

  • Department of Nursing Science: SLK 110, 120; FSG 251,252
  • Department of Physiotherapy: SOH 254; FSG 251, 252, 261, 262; SLK 210, ANP 210; GMB 252, 253, 254; FAR 381, 382
  • Department of Occupational Therapy: ZUL 110; SEP 110; SLK 210, 220; FSG 251, 252, 261, 262; ANP 210; RPD 481, GNK 286
  • Department of Human Nutrition: BCM 251, 252, 261, 262; FAR 381, 382, VDS 322; VDB 321
  • Department of Radiography: FSG 251, 252, 262; GNK 286; ANP 210.

Practical/clinical/internship information

Internship training (second semester of the final year of study)
The four compulsory semester modules (CNT 480, DTT 480, MNX 480 and FSS 480) jointly form the internship training and must be taken simultaneously.

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained at least 75% in the following modules: CNT 411, 480 jointly, as well as MNX 411, 480 jointly, and FSS 480.

Minimum credits: 134

Choose between Sepedi SEP 110 and Zulu ZUL 110

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.

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  • Module content:

    Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.

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  • Module content:

    General introduction to inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. Atomic structure and periodicity. Molecular structure and chemical bonding using the VSEOR model. Nomenclature of inorganic ions and compounds. Classification of reactions: precipitation, acid-base, redox reactions and gas-forming reactions. Mole concept and stoichiometric calculations concerning chemical formulas and chemical reactions. Principles of reactivity: energy and chemical reactions. Physical behaviour gases, liquids, solids and solutions and the role of intermolecular forces. Rate of reactions: Introduction to chemical kinetics.

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  • Module content:

    Theory: General physical-analytical chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, buffers, solubility equilibrium, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry. Organic chemistry: Structure (bonding), nomenclature, isomerism, introductory stereochemistry, introduction to chemical reactions and chemical properties of organic compounds and biological compounds, i.e. carbohydrates and aminoacids. Practical: Molecular structure (model building), synthesis and properties of simple organic compounds.

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  • Module content:

    Academic reading as well as academic writing and presentation skills, based on the approach followed in the healthcare sciences. *Presented to students in Health Sciences only.

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  • Module content:

    Study of specific language skills required in the Health Care Sciences, including interviewing and report-writing skills. *Presented to students in Health Sciences only.   (BCur, BDietetics, BOH, BOT, Brad, BPhysT)*

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  • Module content:

     Introduction to the molecular structure and function of the cell. Basic chemistry of the cell. Structure and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Ultrastructure and function of cellular organelles, membranes and the cytoskeleton. General principles of energy, enzymes and cell metabolism. Selected processes, e.g. glycolysis, respiration and/or photosynthesis. Introduction to molecular genetics: DNA structure and replication, transcription, translation. Cell growth and cell division.

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Core modules

Minimum credits: 221

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Structural and ionic properties of amino acids. Peptides, the peptide bond, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins. Interactions that stabilise protein structure, denaturation and renaturation of proteins. Introduction to methods for the purification of proteins, amino acid composition, and sequence determinations. Enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition. Allosteric enzymes, regulation of enzyme activity, active centres and mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Examples of industrial applications of enzymes and in clinical pathology as biomarkers of diseases. Introduction to practical laboratory techniques and Good Laboratory Practice. Techniques for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological molecules, enzyme activity measurements . Processing and presentation of scientific data.

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  • Module content:

    Carbohydrate structure and function. Blood glucose measurement in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Bioenergetics and biochemical reaction types. Glycolysis,  gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, citric acid cycle and electron transport. Total ATP yield from the complete oxidation of glucose. A comparison of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Practical techniques for the study and analysis of metabolic pathways and enzymes. PO ratio of mitochondria, electrophoresis, extraction, solubility and gel permeation techniques. Scientific method and design. 

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  • Module content:

    Biochemistry of lipids, membrane structure, anabolism and catabolism of lipids.  Total ATP yield from the complete catabolism of lipids. Electron transport chain and energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Nitrogen metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and catabolism. Biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, pigments, hormones and nucleotides from amino acids. Catabolism of purines and pyrimidines. Therapeutic agents directed against nucleotide metabolism. Examples of inborn errors of metabolism of nitrogen containing compounds. The urea cycle, nitrogen excretion. Practical training in scientific reading skills: evaluation of a scientific report. Techniques for separation analysis and visualisation of biological molecules. Hypothesis design and testing, method design and scientific controls.

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  • Module content:

    Structure, gas exchange and secretory functions of the lungs; structure, excretory and non-urinary functions of the kidneys, acid-base balance, and skin and body temperature control. Practical work to complement the theory.

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  • Module content:

    Nutrition, digestion and metabolism, hormonal control of body functions, and the reproductive systems. Practical work to complement the theory.

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  • Module content:

    Infection, immunity and basic bacteriology.
    Introduction and basic principles of infection, sterilisation and the immune system. Bacterial cells and the classification of disease-causing bacteria.

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  • Module content:

    Systemic bacteriology.
    Commonly occurring bacterial infections and the bacteria that cause them.

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  • Module content:

    Fungi, parasitology and virology.
    Commonly occurring fungal, viral and parasite infections and infestations, and the organisms that cause them.

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Core modules

Minimum credits: 242

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Introduction, receptors, antagonism, kinetic principles, drugs that impact upon the autonomic and central nervous system, pharmacotherapy of hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and epilepsy. Diuretics, glucocorticosteroids, local anaesthetics, anaesthetic drugs, analgesics, iron and vitamins, oncostatics and immuno suppressants.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    Community nutrition practice within the larger public health realm. Nutrition within primary healthcare. Nutrition and community development as well as project planning and management.

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  • Module content:

    Theory of counselling. Interviewing: Interview; the consultation process; verbal, written and non-verbal communication to clients, patients, employees as individuals or groups in different stages of the life cycle in health and disease in homogenic and trans/multi-cultural situations by means of applicable theoretical frameworks.

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  • Module content:

    Practice training: Management of a dietetics clinic. Practising the consultation process and practice management in a dietetics clinic.

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  • Module content:

    Community needs assessment. Leadership in community development. Planning and implementation of collaborative community-based interventions. Application of principles of monitoring and evaluation. NB: Only for School of Healthcare Sciences and Department of Speech - Language Pathology and Audiology students.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to the origin of diseases as a consequence of programmed changes that occur during impaired intrauterine growth and development. Aetiology and clinical manifestations of under-nutrition/PEM; principles and practices of medical nutrition therapy in under-nutrition/PEM; impact and influence of worm infestation. Congenital heart disease and special problems related to children with congenital heart disease. Relationship between malnutrition and Aids; role of nutrition in immunity within the context of HIV/Aids; clinical signs, symptoms and problems associated with Aids and guidelines for the alleviation of these symptoms; nutritional related problems of medication used by Aids patients. Appropriate practical assignments and case studies.

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  • Module content:

    Relationships between obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and concomitant health risks. Aetiology, pathophysiology and manifestation(s) of type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance; principles and practices of medical nutrition therapy of diabetes mellitus integrated with medical/pharmacological treatment; dietary treatment/prevention of complications; dietary adaptations when exercising and life style/behaviour modification. Aetiology and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular; principles and practices of medical nutrition therapy in CVD. Aetiology and clinical manifestation(s) of renal disease conditions; principles and practices of medical nutrition therapy in renal conditions (nephritic syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, acute and chronic renal failure, nephrolithiasis). Nutrient-drug interactions. Metabolic response to acute and chronic stress. Principles of special nutritional care, special feeding methods and products required for injured/critically ill patients. Appropriate practical assignments and case studies

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  • Module content:

    Evaluation of nutritional status.

    Nutrition care process, overview of evaluation of nutrition status. Scientific principles of evaluation of nutrition status; nutrition screening; clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and dietary evaluation of nutrition status. Practice training: practising of theoretical principles of nutrition status evaluation in hospital/clinic and/or skills laboratory.

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  • Module content:

    Concepts of research; research process; research studies appraisal; planning and developing literature review; developing research idea and research question; research principles in designing research proposal; research proposal writing.

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  • Module content:

    Planning and layout of food service units for different food service systems. Equipment for food services. Factors influencing the choice and purchasing of equipment for different food service units. Hygiene and safety in food services. management in food service systems. Financial management in food services.

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  • Module content:

    Large-scale production.

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Minimum credits: 222

Core modules


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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