MPhil in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Introduction:

The mission of our program is to develop systematic and structured understanding of scientific knowledge, professional skills, state-of-the-art research, sense of responsibility and ethics in graduates in the field of human nutrition and dietetics, to reduce the triple burden of malnutrition and contribute to improving the global health and economic development through transformative power of food and nutrition.

Program Objectives:

The objectives of this degree program are to:

Develop Advanced Knowledge: Equip students with an in-depth understanding of advanced concepts in nutrition and dietetics, social and health policies, community nutrition assessment, and public health nutrition programs.

Enhance Practical Skills: Cultivate the ability to develop and implement effective intervention strategies to manage dietary and nutritional issues.

Reduce Malnutrition: Contribute to national and international efforts to reduce the triple burden of malnutrition, supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger).

Advance Disease Prevention and Management: Apply advanced nutritional and dietetic knowledge to prevent and manage infectious and chronic diseases, improving public health. (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-beings).

Master Research and Data Analysis: Develop proficiency in preparing, processing, interpreting, and presenting nutritional data using qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Promote Evidence-Based Practice: Foster the ability to practice autonomously, utilizing evidence-based problem-solving skills and reflective practice to address nutritional challenges.

Integrate Multidisciplinary Knowledge: Combine knowledge from various disciplines to advance skills in improving and sustaining nutritional health for disease prevention and treatment.

Innovate in Nutrition and Dietetics: Evaluate and contribute to the development of innovative, evidence-based methodologies and strategies for dietary and nutritional assessment and health enhancement.

Effective Communication and Leadership: Demonstrate effective communication skills, leadership, and ethical practices required for best practices in diet and nutrition, including policy development, implementation, and sustainability.

Collaborate with International Organizations: Prepare students to work with international organizations (e.g., UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, FAO) to achieve health-oriented program objectives.

Career Prospects:

This degree program will enable the students to professionally excel in all domains attached to Nutrition & dietetics to meet today’s market requirements. They will be equipped with a wide range of advanced and diverse skills to demonstrate their expertise in both public and private sectors at national and international level. The graduates will be able to demonstrate their expertise in multiple fields as:

  • Nutrition Educationist: Work in educational institutions, community programs, and public health initiatives to educate the public on nutrition and healthy eating habits.
  • Nutrition Consultant: Provide expert advice to individuals, organizations, and institutions on dietary practices, nutrition plans, and overall health.
  • Public Health Nutritionist: Work in public health departments, government agencies, and NGOs to develop and implement nutrition programs and policies to improve community health.
  • Clinical Dietitian: Provide medical nutrition therapy in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to help manage and prevent diseases.
  • Food Service Administrator: Oversee the management of food service operations in schools, hospitals, and other institutions, ensuring nutritional quality and safety.
  • Nutrition and Health Expert in Armed Forces and Fitness Centers: Design and manage nutrition programs for military personnel and fitness enthusiasts to enhance performance and well-being.
  • Sports Nutritionist: Work with athletes and sports teams at national and international levels to optimize performance through tailored nutrition plans.
  • Project Manager/Consultant in International Organizations: Contribute to health programs for organizations like UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and FAO, focusing on nutrition-related projects and policies.
  • Registered Dietitian in Healthcare Centers: Provide nutrition services in healthcare facilities both nationally and internationally
  • Motivational Speaker: Inspire and educate through speaking engagements in private sectors, multinational companies, and community programs on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
  • Consultant for Food and Hospitality Industries: Advise food industries, pharmaceutical companies, hospitality businesses, airlines, and railways on nutrition standards and practices.
  • Research Scientist: in organizations like NIH and NIFA etc.
  • Nutrition Supervisor: Manage nutrition programs in basic health units across various districts, ensuring the implementation of effective nutrition practices.
  • Nutrition Officer: Work in the nutrition wing of health departments and national health institutes to develop and monitor nutrition policies and programs.
  • Academia: Teach and mentor students in universities and colleges, contributing to the education and development of future nutrition professionals
Admission Criteria/Eligibility:

·   Minimum sixteen years of education in any of the following disciplines/fields or an equivalent degree from the HEC recognized university.

  • Human Nutrition & Dietetics
  • Food Science & Technology / Food Technology
  • Agriculture major Food Science & Technology/Food Technology
  • Home Economics (Major Food and Nutrition)
  • MBBS/BDS / Pharm-D / Nursing / Public Health 

·   NUMS Entry test /HEC GAT- General with a minimum 50% of cumulative score

·   NUMS Interview (Assessment of brief research proposal/purpose of statement will be carried out during interview)

Admission committee will determine deficiency courses where required.

Duration of the Program:

Duration: 2-4 Years (Minimum 4 Semesters)

Semester Duration: 16-18 weeks

Total Credit Hours: 33

Semester Wise Course Breakdown:

Semester-I

Course Code

Course Title

Credit Hrs.

HND-711

Community and Public Health Nutrition (Core)

3

HND-712

Advanced Clinical and Therapeutic Nutrition (Core)

   3

*Elective 1

(To be selected from list of elective courses)

3

TOTAL

 

9

Semester-II

Course Code

Course Title

Credit Hrs.

HND-721

Advanced Dietetics (Core)

3

RMS-724

Research Methodology and Biostatistics (Core)

3

*Elective 2

(To be selected from list of elective courses)

3

TOTAL

 

9

Semester-III

Course Code

Course Title

Credit Hrs.

HND-731

Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (Core)

3

*Elective 3

(To be selected from list of elective courses)

3

*Elective 4

(To be selected from list of elective courses)

3

TOTAL

 

9

Semester-IV

Course Code

Course Title

Credit Hrs.

HND-799

Research & Thesis

6(0+6)

List of Elective Courses:

Course Code

Course Title

Credit Hrs.

HND-701

Pediatric Nutrition

3

HND-702

Food Safety and Security

3

HND-703

Recent Advances in Global Nutrition

3

HND-704

Nutritional Support for critically ill patients

3

HND-705

Geriatric Nutrition

3

HND-706

Sports Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

3

HND-707

Food Product Design and Development

3

BIF-711

Advances in OMICs Studies

3

Commencement of Session:

Session

Tentative Date

Commencement of Classess

September 23,  2024

Institutes Offering this course:
  • NUMS, Rawalpindi