Syllabus

Master of Science in Applied Nutrition

APN 755 – Applied Nutrition Capstone (RD Version) – Fall 2021

Credits - 3

Description

The latest theories, research, policy, and practices relating to a variety of nutrition concepts, controversies and practice will be applied to a relevant area of the students choice and approved by the instructor. This capstone course will culminate in a paper or project such as: a proposal of and explanation for new research, a research investigation of an educational or clinical question or practice, a proposal to modify current policy or practice, or a proposal to research, develop and/or implement new approaches to the management and treatment of a nutrition or wellness concern. This course requires Departmental Permission for Registration. 

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Program Outcomes

1. Develop and utilize nutrition concepts and best-practices for nutrition and health promotion initiatives
2. Apply core research principles to measure the nutrition status and environment of individuals and communities
3. Develop communications and collaboration strategies with representatives from government, non-profit, community, and business entities regarding nutrition initiatives
4. Interpret and modify explanations of complex nutrition concepts for various audiences
5. Research, develop and disseminate evidence-based and theory-driven educational materials and work-products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to nutrition and health promotion.

ACEND Competencies

[will be addressed after APN 775 is developed]

Course Outcomes

• Students will complete a research proposal as approved by the Faculty
• Students will participate in debates on theories, research, policy, and practices relating to a variety of nutrition concepts
• Students will author and present three comprehensive reports and presentations based on SEL experiences
• Students will develop a professional e-portfolio

Course Framing Questions

• How do you foster and engage in professional debate in the field of nutrition?
• What is the most impactful way to present your work in the field of nutrition?
• What professional works best represent your capabilities in your area of focus within the field of nutrition?
• What are the best-practices in creating and maintaining professional networks?

Assignments

Capstone Research Proposal Project

The Capstone Research Proposal is an opportunity for the student to outline his or her concept for the Capstone project, detail a plan of research, and develop shared expectations with the Capstone mentor. The planning and writing stages of the prospectus should begin well in advance of the work undertaken for the Capstone project. Ideally, initial conversations with the faculty mentor will begin at the mid-point of the semester prior to beginning the project.All Research Proposals must include a formal presentation (15-20 mins), submitted to the class for both peer and Faculty review, during the last 2 weeks of the term.

During the first week of the Capstone course, students will submit their approved research topic and prospectus to the Capstone Faculty. Students are responsible for scheduling a call with the Faculty to discuss any needed modifications to their proposal, anticipated deliverables, and a timeline to achieve completion of the Capstone project.

The timeline for deliverables will be:

• Week 1: Finalized Research Prospectus
• Week 2: Initial Faculty call
• Week 2: Research Proposal Timeline Agreement
• Week 3: Research Proposal check-in call with Faculty
• Week 5: Research Proposal: Part 1 (Research Question and hypothesis, Introduction and Background, and References to date)
• Week 6: Project check-in call with Faculty
• Week 8: Research Proposal: Part 2 (typically any edits suggested for Part 1 submission of the following: Cover Letter/Title Page, Abstract, Research Question and hypothesis, Introduction and Background. Methodology first draft and updated references should be submitted as Part 2
• Week 9: Project check-in call with Faculty
• Week 11: Research Proposal: Part 3 (typically any edits suggested for Part 2 submission of methodology. In addition to the submitted edits, the first draft of the significance of the proposed study, dissemination of results, finalized references and appendices should be submitted
• Week 13: Final project check-in call with Faculty
• Week 13: Research Proposal: Part 4 (Final manuscript with edits, including all references, and any supplementary materials
• Week 15: Presentation of Research Proposal Project (15-20 mins)

Discussions and Debates

In this course, the majority of the discussions will be presented as a debate.

In a debate, be sure to use evidence to support your argument, and maintain a professional tone when debating with your colleagues; there are many areas of disputation between Nutrition Practitioners, when defending your views, it is important to maintain a professional tone and manner, and to validate your side of the debate with current research. Each debate will span about 2 weeks, by the end of which you will vote for the ‘side’ which won the debate based on your readings of your peers’ defense of their chosen side.

Besides your initial response, you should follow up with at least two other students. Posts should be thoughtful, contain complimentary as well as constructive criticism, and maintain a professional tone. Be sure to read through responses to both sides of the debate to inform your vote at the end of the week!

SEL Reports and Presentations

In this course, you will be asked to write and present three comprehensive reports based upon each of your SEL experiences: Clinical, Food Service Management, and Community. These should be detailed and academic representations of your work as a dietetics professional and should reflect your best work in each type of practice setting. Because students will be in different experiences at different times, be sure to read all three sets of directions ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with expectations of each report and presentation, as well as the due dates; you can hand in the reports and presentations based on your personal SEL schedule, which means not every student will be reporting and presenting on the same type of SEL at the same time. There will also be a discussion presented as an opportunity to critique presentations and to reflect on these works.

Writing Statement

Graduate students are expected to produce their best quality work, including screening their work prior to submission for clarity, grammatical, spelling, formatting and mechanical issues.
While there is often a portion of each assignment’s rubric dedicated specifically to grammar, spelling, mechanics, and formatting, it is critical to understand that failure to submit work that has been adequately proofed may result in a reduction of points in other areas of the rubric. These may include, but are not limited to metrics rating professionalism or content knowledge and synthesis; work submitted in graduate courses should provide evidence of strategic reading, writing, and academic speaking skills essential for success in the discipline.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown