HLHS 300V - Professional Development for Dietitians and Nutritionists Course

Course Description

This professional development course is specifically tailored for dieticians and nutritionists seeking to expand their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the ever-evolving field of nutrition and dietetics. Designed to fit into busy schedules, this course provides a comprehensive overview of essential topics to help you stay current and excel in your career.  

The Science Behind Eating: Understanding Dietary Choices and Behavioral Insights

Explore the intersection of Behavioral Economics and nutrition over six weeks (15 hours). This course delves into the science of habits, the intricacies of setting effective dietary goals, and the art of leveraging behavioral nudges. It offers a blend of recorded lectures and live interactive sessions, including case studies, peer-led activities, and hands-on learning opportunities. By understanding the nuances of human behavior, nutritionists and dieticians can drive impactful change in dietary choices. Acquire transformative insights and tools that will reshape your approach to nutrition counseling.

Learner Outcomes

This course is designed for registered dieticians and nutritionists who want to enhance their professional development and keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply foundational concepts of Behavioral Economics within the domains of nutrition and dietetics.
• Decode the science of habit formation and its impact on dietary behaviors.
• Set and evaluate effective, actionable dietary goals.
• Utilize behavioral tools, such as nudges and choice architecture, to guide healthier eating choices.
• Recognize and counteract cognitive biases influencing nutrition decisions.
• Anticipate future trends and challenges in the integration of Behavioral Economics and Nutrition.

Course Outline

The course will be delivered through a flipped-classroom approach with pre-recorded lectures and interactive in-person discussions.

Pre-recorded Lectures

In the asynchronous recorded lectures, provided as video and audio, learners can expect a comprehensive and structured exploration of the week's topic, led by the instructor and available a week ahead of the in-person sessions. Concepts will be presented, including supplementary resources such as articles, videos, and quizzes. By the end of each lecture, students should feel well-prepared to engage in deeper discussions and activities during the live interactive sessions.

Interactive In-person Discussions

The interactive in-person discussion sessions serve as a dynamic platform to bring the course content to life. In these sessions, students will actively engage with the instructor, peers, and the material through discussions, group activities, case studies, and reflection exercises. This is the space where theory meets practice, and students are encouraged to share insights, ask questions, and challenge assumptions. Participation in these live sessions will not only refine students' understanding of the weekly topic but also cultivate critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills, which can then be translated into professional practice.

About the Instructor

Hannah Rose (she/her) is an esteemed health educator with over 14 years of expertise in health promotion, strategic planning, and communications. She holds an MSc in Kinesiology from the University of Victoria and a BA in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University. Hannah has been instrumental in driving wellness initiatives, strategic communications, and innovative web designs at the post-secondary level. She has instructed various courses at Camosun College and UVic, covering a range of health-related topics. Outside academia, she maintains a wellness-centric digital presence, motivating individuals toward sustainable healthy habits. Hannah is known for fostering collaborations and understanding diverse perspectives in her passionate advocacy for holistic wellness.