Introduction

MS Community Health and Nutrition is a value-added degree for health professionals, it is a professional course for those who already have sound knowledge of Food and Nutrition and are working as Dieticians/ Nutritionists and Health Professionals in Health Organizations.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the programs are given as under:

  1. To promote the profession of Community Health, Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. To provide opportunities for medical professionals to enrich their education in the field of nutrition and enhance their knowledge in this branch of preventive health.
  3. To provide guidance/educational opportunities to in-service dietitians and other health professionals engaged in planning and serving hospital meals.

SALIENT FEATURES

Development of this program was initially facilitated by Kings College, London, U.K. in terms of the scheme of studies, course contents and write-up of the study material. It is offered as per the HEC criteria, in which teaching is centralized i.e., face-to-face. Qualified tutors in the related disciplines are identified and appointed for providing necessary guidance to the students of MS in Community Health & Nutrition.

Synopsis/Research Work:

The students will be allowed to take a research topic after taking 24 credit hours courses and passing at least 12 credit hours including course on research methods/statistics. However, he/she will be allowed to submit the thesis only after passing all the courses. The department will hold a two-weeks Synopsis Orientation Workshop in which the participation of the students will be mandatory. Research scholars are supposed to develop and present their synopsis before the Research Proposal Committee (RPC). Finally, the recommended topic of synopsis/research by RPC will be forwarded to the competent authority for approval as per MPhil rules and regulations of AIOU, Islamabad.

Assignments

Each course includes two assignments, which are compulsory for successful completion of the whole program. Each assignment is of 100 marks and students obtaining 50 percent marks will be declared pass.

Mid/Final Examination

At the mid of the semester and end of the semester there will be a mid/final examination; all the students will be expected to take this examination in the examination halls at main campus especially established for this purpose.

Eligibility Criteria

Sixteen years of schooling or 4 years of education (130 credit hours) after HSSC/FSc/Grade 12 equivalent with at least second division equivalent CGPA   in the relevant discipline. Admissions will be made according to the criteria laid down by Higher Education Commission (HEC) for MS programs. The following degree holders are eligible for admission to this program:

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
  • BS/ MSc Food & Nutrition (Home Economics)
  • BS/MSc Human Nutrition
  • Bachelor of Dentistry and Surgery (BDS)
  • B/D-Pharmacy
  • BS/BSc (Hons) Food Technology.
  • MSc Public Nutrition

Note: Only the processing fee will be submitted as guided on the website along with admission form. After the last due date Admission forms will be scrutinized for eligibility / merit and only selected students will be informed about submission of fee for the 1st semester.

Selection Process

Merit Based

Duration

Minimum 2 years (04 Semesters)
Maximum 5 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Face to face classes will be arranged. This will cover all the lectures given by the allocated course coordinator /resource person. At least 70% attendance is compulsory for the students.

After the completion of course work, the students will be allowed to undertake research work in the community or in laboratories at AIOU. The minimum duration for submission of a thesis is two Semester (One Year).

 

SYNOPSIS/RESEARCH WORK:

The students will be allowed to take a research topic after taking 24 credit hours courses and passing at least 12 credit hours including course on research methods/statistics. However, he/she will be allowed to submit the thesis only after passing all the courses. The department will hold a two-weeks Synopsis Orientation Workshop in which the participation of the students will be mandatory. Research scholars are supposed to develop and present their synopsis before the Research Proposal Committee (RPC). Finally, the recommended topic of synopsis/research by RPC will be forwarded to the competent authority for approval as per MPhil rules and regulations of AIOU, Islamabad.

ASSIGNMENTS

Each course includes two assignments, which are compulsory for successful completion of the whole program. Each assignment is of 100 marks and students obtaining 50 percent marks will be declared pass.

MID/FINAL EXAMINATION

At the mid of the semester and end of the semester there will be a mid/final examination; all the students will be expected to take this examination in the examination halls at main campus especially established for this purpose.

Sr. #

Course Code

Title of Course

Credit

Hours

1

7581

Hospital Dietetics

3 (2+1)

2

7582

An Introduction to Human Nutrition

3 (2+1)

3

7583

Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

3 (2+1)

4

7584

Biostatistics for Public Health

3 (2+1)

Sr. #

Course Code

Title of Course

Credit

Hours

1

7765

Research Methods

3 (2+1)

2

7585

Applied Human Nutrition

3 (2+1)

3

7586

Food Analysis

3 (2+1)

4

7761

Community Nutrition

3 (2+1)

Sr. #

Course Code

Title of Course

Credit

Hours

 

Thesis-1

8085

6

Sr. #

Course Code

Title of Course

Credit

Hours

 

Thesis-2

8086

 

6

Elective / Major Courses:

The department can replace any of the above courses with the following courses depending upon the facilities and expertise available at the time of admission.

Sr. #

Course Code

Title of Course

Credit

Hours

1.

1776

Dietetic Practice

3 (2+1)

2

1779

Computer Applications in Food and Nutrition

3 (2+1)

3

7587

Nutritional Epidemiology

3 (2+1)

4

7588

Food Safety

3 (2+1)

5

7764

Food Biotechnology

3 (2+1)

2

3

Semesters

Offering Semester: Autumn

Workshop

02 weeks workshop in each semster

Thesis

12 credit hours research work

Viva

Yes- Thesis defense

About

The Allama Iqbal Open University was established in May, 1974, with the main objectives of providing educational opportunities to masses and to those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. During all these past years, the University has more than fulfilled this promise.