Program Overview
The MScFN Practicum-based program provides students with a combination of challenging
course work, advanced research opportunities and practical training experiences with
placements across southwestern Ontario and beyond.
Graduates of this program earn a Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition degree and
complete a practicum which is recognized by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP), preparing students to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) which is required to become a Registered Dietitian in Canada.
For more information on becoming a Registered Dietitian in Canada, please visit these
websites: Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice, Dietitians of Canada and College of Dietitians of Ontario.
Below is a snapshot of the MScFN Practicum-based program. Please see specific curricumulum
details and requirements here.
Accredited Practicum
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Students participate in shaping their practicum schedule through regular meetings
with their Dietetic Education Coordinator, who ensures the placement schedule will
meet dietetic competencies (which are required for professional registration). Through
the practical training placements, students will develop competencies in the following
areas:
- Nutrition Care
- Population & Public Health
- Management
- Research
- Professional Practice
- Communication & Collaboration
Students in this program experience rich and dynamic practicum placements in settings
such as community health centres, family health teams, food industry, hospitals, long-term
care homes and public health units. The practicum portion of the program is full-time
and just under one year in length.
Students are required to take two mandatory courses in the first (Fall) term, and
two of four elective courses in the second (Winter) term of the program. It is expected
that on weekdays when classes are not scheduled students will be available for dedicated
research work and practicum preparation.
Fall term:
- FN 9711 Nutrition Research and Epidemiology (Mandatory)
- FN 9888 Seminar in Food and Nutritional Sciences (Mandatory)
Winter term:
- FN 9111 Food and Nutritional Policies and Regulations (Elective)
FN 9211 Leadership and Food Management (Elective)
- FN 9444 Advances in Clinical Nutrition (Elective)
- FN 9666 Community Nutrition and Program Planning (Elective)
Based on areas of interest, students are matched with a Faculty Research Supervisor
who will encourage, guide and supervise the student’s research project over their
time in the program. Students have the opportunity to contribute research findings
to the profession and strengthen their research skills.
