The 25th anniversary of Bond University marked a historic event for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, with the very first cohort of postgraduate nutrition students commencing their studies in nutrition and dietetic practice, and public health nutrition.
Head of Program, Professor Liz Isenring said both master's programs are Australian firsts, with the Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice being Australia’s most comprehensive postgraduate program in nutrition and dietetics (AQF extended level 9).
“We are also proud that our Master of Public Health Nutrition is the first of its kind in Australia that has been specifically designed to prepare graduates who will meet certification requirements of the World Public Health Nutrition Association,” Professor Isenring said.
The curriculum design has been informed by more than a decade of nutrition and dietetic workforce development research by Bond’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Roger Hughes.
“We have established an outstanding academic team led by Professor Liz Isenring, including one of Australia’s most accomplished entrepreneurial dietitians in the form of Assistant Professor Tara Diversi,” Professor Hughes said.
“Both of these new programs are distinguished by a strong research component as well as a compulsory international experience placement where students will develop graduate skills in international nutrition and dietetic practice, including the development of cultural competency.”
Students had an engaging first week at the University, culminating with informal drinks and networking with the visiting committee members for the Industry Advisory Board for Nutrition and Dietetics.
Professor Isenring said Bond’s small class sizes offered big benefits to the new students.
“Due to our small class sizes, our students benefit from exceptional access to specialist consultant practitioners and industry leaders in a range of fields including clinical dietetics, sports nutrition, food industry, private practice and public health nutrition,” she said.
“We will have regular VIP guests in our lectures and workshops, such as an intimate Paddock to Plate class with Maggie Beer later this year.”
The new programs are evidence of the continued growth of the health, medicine, sports and research disciplines led by the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine.
Professor Hughes said the new programs were a sign of greater things to come.
“This successful commencement of our two new master's programs is just the start of the ramping up of Bond University’s development in postgraduate health professional programs,” he said.
“We are excited with the current success, and planning several new programs for 2015.”