The science of health
by PostGraduan
 The rapid changes in economic, demographic, urbanisation, morbidity and mortality trends today have resulted in increasing demand for more professionals trained in the medical and health sciences.
Among these sought-after professionals are those skilled in managing the dietary and health needs of the ill, and who are also capable of conducting research into clinical nutrition.
Masters of Health Sciences (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutrition is an important component of overall patient care. It includes assessment of a patient’s nutritional status, nutritional needs and dietary management. Special attention to these aspects of health can reduce morbidity or mortality risks associated with untreated malnutrition.
Clinical nutrition requires trained professionals if the quality of patient care and health services is to be improved. To meet this growing demand for such experts, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is offering a Masters of Health Sciences (Clinical Nutrition) programme.
The programme is unique as it has a clinical component and opportunities for students to do sub-clinical attachments and research in clinical nutrition. This post-graduate degree improves the career prospects of those interested, or already working, in the field as clinical nutrition is a highly-specialised area due to the increasing prevalence of diet-related diseases – both here and worldwide.
An MSc in Clinical Nutrition is also highly relevant for industries involved in therapeutic and enteral nutrition products, as well as food supplement manufacturers. These industries require a post-graduate qualified in MSc Clinical Nutrition as such a person is capable of planning and executing strategies based on the latest knowledge of clinical nutrition, as well as having the ability to conduct and guide R&D programmes.
This programme is ideal for dieticians, nutritionists and medical officers interested in becoming specialists in government or private hospitals, research institutions and the clinical nutrition products industry. Graduates can also consider careers in academia.
| The course of study The MSc Clinical Nutrition consists of three main components: |
The subjects covered during the three semester period are: |
The course of study This programme contains three main components: |
The programme is conducted in three semesters for a period of 18 months, covering: |
- Integration ofthe principles of macroand micro-nutrient metabolisme, human physiology, nutrient digestion and absorption and their association with diseases and treatment; and the understanding of, and skills in, medical nutrition therapy in patient care.
- Hands-on training in medical nutrition therapy in selected areas, including geriatrics, paediatrics, renal, critically-ill and oncology. Other aspects include critical reviews of these specialised areas.
- Candidates are required to conduct a research project and write a dissertation.During the process of doing research, candidates are exposed to techniques and skills in clinical nutrition-based research.
|
- Contemporary Issues in Nutrition and Health
- Nutritional Requirements and Assessments
- Human Physiology and
- Nutrient Metabolisme in Health and Disease
- Medical Aspects in Nutrition
- Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Applications in Nutritional Supports
- Designs and Statistics in Clinical Research
- Sub-specialisation Clinical Practice.
- Critical Review in Clinical Nutrition
- Research Project in Clinical Nutrition
|
- Assessment of the relationship between food intake and disease.
- Application of knowledge acquired in the prevention of diseases in the population.
- Opportunity to conduct research and write a dissertation related to Community Nutrition.
|
- Contemporary Issues in Nutrition and Health Nutritional Status Assessments and R equirements
- Advanced Nutrition and Food Policy
- Health Promotion and Nutrition
- Principles of Social Research
- Advanced Nutrient Metabolism
- Food Quality Control
- Communication Skills
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Critical Assessments of Dietary and Supplement Practices
- Research Design and Statistics
- Critical Thinking in Health Care
- Health Care System Management
- Organization Behavior and Personnel Management
- Nutrition and Ageing
- Nutrition Research Projects in Community Nutrition
|
| About UKM Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was established on 18 May 1970. The first batch of 192 students registered in three faculties – Science, Arts and Islamic studies. UKM has since expanded to 11 faculties and 11 centres of excellence for research. UKM has three campuses. The main Bangi campus is located 35 km from Kuala Lumpur; the KL campus, where the Medical, Allied Health and Dentistry Faculties, are located; and, the Cheras Campus, which serves as the main campus for the Medical Faculty and where UKM’s training hospital is located. UKM is committed to being a leading university, one that pioneers innovation in the building of knowledge to achieve the aspirations of a society imbued with dynamic, learned and civic leadership. As a national university, UKM is also committed to safeguarding the sovereignty of the Malay language, while globalising knowledge in the context of local culture. |
The methods of teaching encompass lectures, laboratory work, tutorials and field visits. Students will be assessed based on an assigned written work or short essay/report, and a final examination at the end of each semester.
Masters of Health Science (Community Nutrition)
The expansion of human resources in the field of Nutrition necessitates adaptation based on new challenges that emerge such as the impact of globalisation towards economic, sociology and ecological climate, population growth and demographic transition including urbanisation and ageing.
Nutritionists working in the public and private institutions will require additional knowledge, skills and attitude which can be acquired through academic training. Community Nutrition research and practice often focuses on the assessment of dietary parameters where eating habits and nutritional status of a population are crucial determinants of its health status. In order to fulfil this needs, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences offers a Masters programme in Health Sciences (Community Nutrition).
The course offers advanced training in nutrition for health professionals majoring public health nutrition and provides knowledge and skills in basic nutritional sciences, epidemiology, social sciences, physiological needs and health management. It should be a consideration for those keen on pursuing careers in health related institutions, academia, research establishment and food industries which require advanced knowledge in Public Health Nutrition.
The current nutritional research in Malaysia is focused on energy requirements, assessment of nutritional status in various age-groups in health and disease conditions such as CVD, osteoporosis, anaemia and cancer. These types of research are useful as background papers in the development and establishment of food and nutrition policy in Malaysia. The Masters Programme acknowledges the increased needs for skilled professionals in providing services to the community in particular and the nation in general.
The methods of teaching will be lectures, laboratory work, assignments (written and presentation), tutorials, field work visits while the examinations will consist examination on coursework undertaken for each semester and a qualifying examination (if necessary). In addition, candidates will have to submit a thesis, which shall be examined by an External Examiner and Internal Examiner, and undergo an oral examination to defend the thesis before the Oral Examination Committee.
|
