Inherent requirements for Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Introduction

Australian Catholic University and the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences strongly supports the right of all people to pursue a Bachelor of Nutrition Science.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit, while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course that must be met by all students.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional practice and other activities to enable students to participate in their course. Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

Students are required to undertake compulsory community engagement activities and optional work placements which reflect the nutrition science context and may include mixed gender, religious and culturally diverse environments. For further information contact your Course Co-ordinator.

The nutrition science degree at ACU meets requirements for graduates to become members of the Nutrition Society of Australia. Competencies in Nutrition Science can be accessed here https://www.nsa.asn.au/public/121/files/REGN_Competencies%20in%20Nutrition%20Science.pdf

To support prospective and current students’ decision making, a series of inherent requirements statements have been developed. These statements specify the essential skills, knowledge and abilities required for the Bachelor of Nutrition Science. Students should use this information to make informed decisions about their chosen course of study. The statements are clustered under 11 domains consisting of ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, legal, communication, cognition, reflective skills, relational skills, sensory ability, strength and mobility, and information and communication, and sustainable performance.

The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide to inform decision making for students and staff.

How to read the inherent requirement statements

If you are intending to enrol in the Bachelor of Nutrition Science course in the School of Bevioural and Health Sciences, you should look at these inherent requirements statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with relevant staff, such as the Course Coordinator or Campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you in meeting the course inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information on the ACU website https://www.acu.edu.au/course/bachelor-of-nutrition-science

The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components:

Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
Level 2 - description of how you demonstrate that you meet the inherent requirement
Level 3 - explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the course
Level 4 - the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the requirement
Level 5 - examples of tasks you must be able to do to show you have met the requirement (in-class and clinical/professional placement). The exemplars provided are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Ethical Behaviour

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Nutrition scientists demonstrate competence across a number of domains including professional conduct. Nutritionist are expected to practice according to standards of ethics, conduct and performance and are both accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts.
2	Student demonstrates: knowledge of and engages in ethical, safe, professional and responsible behaviours in all course-related settings.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Compliance with the standards, guidelines and policies related to practice as a nutrition scientist facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people/products/services they engage with. This ensures the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the individual/community/population is not placed at risk.
4	Adjustments must ensure the standards, codes, guidelines and policies are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Demonstrating appropriate behaviour with confidential information in classroom and community/placement settings. Demonstrating the ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.

Behavioural Stability

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Behavioural, emotional and functional stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in a demanding role.
2	Student demonstrates: consistent and appropriate awareness (and control) of own behaviours and emotions and their potential impact on others; behavioural, emotional and functional stability in diverse, challenging, stressful, unpredictable, changing and potentially traumatic environments.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Behavioural, emotional and functional stability is required to work individually and in teams in challenging, stressful, unpredictable changing and traumatic environments. Students must be able to work constructively in socially and culturally diverse academic and professional environments. These may include tutorials, field and laboratory practical classes, and during practical placements.
4	Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional in all course-related activities. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Respond appropriately and professionally to stressful situations and issues. Work constructively in culturally and socially diverse groups while dealing with challenging practical and theoretical issues.

Legal

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Nutrition scientists are expected to work safely in both academic and professional environments.
2	Student demonstrates: knowledge, understanding and compliance with Australian law related to working safely as a nutrition scientist within the community.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Knowledge, understanding, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements are necessary pre-requisites to community engagement and practice placements to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. Compliance with these laws and regulations ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice.
4	Adjustments must be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Comply with the requirements for student registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia as appropriate. Comply with relevant child protection and safety legislation.

Communication

This course requires effective, verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.

Verbal

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Effective and efficient verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide appropriate and timely advice, instructions and feedback related to the study and practice of nutrition science
2	Student demonstrates: sensitive, respectful and appropriate verbal communication with people from diverse cultures, gender, sexuality, age, ability, socio-economic, religious, educational and individually different backgrounds; ability to comprehend and respond audibly, as appropriate, in an intelligible, appropriate and timely manner; ability to clearly and concisely convey verbal instructions and advice appropriate to context; timely and effective verbal feedback and reporting in all course-related settings.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Communicating with respect and empathy for others develops trusting relationships. Timely, accurate and effective delivery of nutrition information is critical to individual/group and community development of food literacy and healthy eating.
4	Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safe and appropriate provision of work activities related practice as a nutrition scientist. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Actively participating in tutorial and practical discussions. Responding appropriately to requests in the community/placement environment. Establish rapport with individuals/groups in a community/placement environment.

Non-verbal

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Effective non-verbal communication is an essential requirement to provide appropriate and timely advice, instructions and feedback related to the study and practice of nutrition science.
2	Student demonstrates: sensitive, respectful and appropriate non-verbal communication with people from diverse cultures, gender, sexuality, age, ability, socio-economic, religious, educational and individually different backgrounds; the capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues; the ability to maintain constant and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, posture and personal space; consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours, modifying these where the situation requires.
3	Justification of inherent requirement The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships. Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships. Being sensitive to individual differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships. The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for safe and effective interaction with individuals and groups within communities.
4	Adjustments must enable the recognition, initiation and appropriate response for effective communication to ensure safe and appropriate provision of work activities related practice as a nutrition scientist. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Interpreting and responding appropriately to cues in the community/placement environment. Establish rapport with individuals/groups in a community/placement environment.

Written

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Effective and efficient written communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide appropriate and timely advice, instructions and feedback related to the study and practice of nutrition science
2	Student demonstrates: sensitive, respectful and appropriate written communication with people from diverse cultures, gender, sexuality, age, ability, socio-economic, religious, educational and individually different backgrounds; ability to comprehend and respond in a written format, as appropriate, in an intelligible, appropriate and timely manner; ability to understand and clearly and concisely convey written instructions and advice appropriate to context; timely and effective written responses/feedback and reporting in all course-related settings; use of appropriate grammar and vocabulary relevant to task.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Comprehension of a range of information relevant to an academic/professional environment is critical for the study of Nutrition Science. Communicating with respect and empathy for others develops trusting relationships. Timely, accurate and effective delivery of nutrition information is critical to individual/group and community development of food literacy and healthy eating.
4	Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safe and appropriate provision of work activities related practice as a nutrition scientist. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Clear, concise and accurate written reports/assessment tasks. High quality nutrition education resources that meet professional standards.

Cognition

This course requires knowledge and cognitive skills, and literacy and numeracy skills.

Knowledge and cognitive skills

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Consistent and effective knowledge and cognitive skills must be demonstrated to practice safely and competently as a nutrition scientist.
2	Student demonstrates: the capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information; the ability to process information relevant to practice; the ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist is based on comprehensive knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately.
4	Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessments. Appropriately applying nutrition science in a community engagement or placement setting.

Literacy

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective practice as a nutrition scientist.
2	Student demonstrates: the ability to accurately acquire information and convey appropriate, effective messages; the ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information; the capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner; comprehend verbal or written instructions and follow as directed.
3	Justification of inherent requirement The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment and delivery of solution to food and nutrition problems. The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for safe and effective practice as a across the range of domains where a nutrition scientist practices.
4	Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements and not compromise the nutritional wellbeing of individuals, groups or communities. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Actively listen to information in course-related situations e.g., in class, on placement. Convey a spoken message accurately and effectively in course-related situations. Paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions. Produce accurate, concise, clear and appropriate documentation in course-related situations e.g., report on community engagement activity, report for organisation related to placement.

Numeracy

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for safe and effective demonstration of nutrition science skills.
2	Student demonstrates: the ability to accurately undertake arithmetric calculations, interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and numerical criteria.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in nutrition science to facilitate the safe and effective practice as a nutrition scientist.
4	Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to interpret and apply numerical concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Accurately calculate nutrient intake. Accurately determine the nutrient requirements of an individual using predictive equations.

Reflective Skills

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Nutrition scientists need to be aware of their personal experiences and background and be able to consider their actions, values and behaviours in relation to food and nutrition in academic and professional contexts.
2	Student demonstrates: the ability to accurately reflect on their personal experiences and background and how this may impact their development as a nutrition science professional; the ability to accept feedback on the academic and professional experiences and respond constructively.
3	Justification of inherent requirement Nutrition scientists must be aware of their own food and nutrition practices and ensure that these do not influence their approaches in both academic and professional contexts. Reflective practice is considered standard practice in nutrition science where individuals are able to consider their responses to situations and think about how they might respond differently to improve an outcome.
4	Adjustments must demonstrate a level of self-awareness and capacity to effectively reflect and respond appropriately. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Does not allow personal beliefs around food to influence interactions/responses when providing nutrition education for individuals or groups within the community e.g., a student who practices veganism, does not try to persuade a group of mothers attending an education session on introducing complementary foods to their infants, to become vegan. Participates in all food related practicals regardless of personal beliefs around food e.g., student who practices veganism prepares and cooks non-vegan food items.

Relational Skills

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders on a number of levels (individuals, groups, communities, government and non-government agencies etc.) is key to practice as a nutrition scientist.
2	Student demonstrates: the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including academic staff, peers, external individuals and groups related to academic and professional activities.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Highly developed skills in building and maintaining relationships, developing a network, is critical for students to be able to be successful in their nutrition science careers.
4	Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Effectively builds relationships during academic and professional activities.

Sensory ability

This course requires adequate visual, auditory and tactile abilities.

Visual sensory ability

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Adequate visual acuity is required to conduct scientific laboratory experiments, prepare and process foods, interpret food composition and nutrient analysis data, and read and interpret food legislation and regulations, and nutrition standards.
2	Student demonstrates: visual acuity to demonstrate a range of skills.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires adequate visual acuity to complete a range of tasks during practical classes, research, community engagement and work placement.
4	Adjustments must ensure that students can perform the full range of tasks required to complete the degree. Strategies to address vision impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise completion of assessment tasks, community engagement or work placement requirements, or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Detecting changes in colour and doneness of foods when cooking. Read fine print on food labels. Safely using kitchen or practical class equipment.

Auditory sensory ability

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Adequate auditory ability is required to participate in discussions in academic and professional environments
2	Student demonstrates: sufficient aural function to demonstrate a range of skills.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires adequate aural function to engage in a range of tasks during practical classes, research, community engagement and work placement.
4	Adjustments must ensure that students can perform the full range of tasks required to complete the degree. Strategies to address hearing impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise completion of assessment tasks, community engagement or work placement requirements, or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Participate in multisector meetings during community engagement or work placement activities.

Tactile sensory ability

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Adequate tactile ability is required to conduct scientific laboratory experiments and nutrition assessments, and to prepare and process foods.
2	Student demonstrates: • sufficient tactile ability to demonstrate a range of skills.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires adequate tactile ability to engage in a range of tasks during practical classes, research, community engagement and work placement.
4	Adjustments must ensure that students can perform the full range of tasks required to complete the degree. Strategies to address touch impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise completion of assessment tasks, community engagement or work placement requirements, or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Collect accurate anthropometric data. Prepare and cook a range of foods.

Strength and mobility

This course requires adequate gross and fine motor abilities.

Gross motor ability

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Safe gross motor skills must be demonstrated to practice safely and competently as a nutrition scientist.
2	Student demonstrates: the ability to perform gross motor skills to function safely and effectively within the diversity of roles performed by nutrition scientists.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires the ability to physically navigate the academic and professional environment.
4	Adjustments must ensure that safety of self and others is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Ability to mobilse safely in a variety of environments (e.g., laboratory, kitchen, work placement) in a safe manner.

Fine motor ability

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Safe fine motor skills must be demonstrated to practice safely and competently as a nutrition scientist.
2	Student demonstrates: the ability to perform fine motor skills to function safely and effectively within the diversity of roles performed by nutrition scientists.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires the ability to operate the academic and professional environment.
4	Adjustments must ensure that safety of self and others is not compromised or impeded. Reasonable adjustment may include Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Perform a computer-generated nutrient assessment of a diet. Safely operate a range of utensils/equipment in a commercial kitchen e.g., knives, mixers/blenders, stoves, ovens, temperature probes etc.

Information and communication technologies

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Competent information and communication technology skill is essential for practice in nutrition science.
2	Student demonstrates: The ability to engage with academic and professional staff, peers, university systems, learning resources and assessment tools using current digital technology; The ability to use appropriate current technology in completion of activities.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires the ability to effectively use a range of information and communication technologies suitable for academic and professional environments.
4	Adjustments must ensure that safety of self and others is not compromised or impeded. Strategies to address ICT related impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise completion of assessment tasks, community engagement or work placement requirements. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Access library resources to develop skills in podcast development, prepare podcast and submit online in an appropriate format and timely manner.

Sustainable Performance

Level	Inherent requirement statement
1	Study and practice of nutrition science requires both physical and mental performance at consistent and sustained levels.
2	Student demonstrates: consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete requirements of tasks in academic and professional environments; capacity to maintain consistent and quality performance for extended periods.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: Safe, appropriate and effective practice as a nutrition scientist requires sufficient physical and mental endurance to perform multiple tasks within a specified time period.
4	Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a specified time period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: Ability to participate in day-long practical classes in commercial kitchens. Participating in full days of lectures, tutorials and practical classes.