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M-SC-ALLIED-HEALTH-SCIENCES in Clinical Nutrition at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Clinical Nutrition at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Sc. Clinical Nutrition program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in nutritional assessment, dietetics, and therapeutic meal planning. It addresses the growing demand for qualified nutritionists and dietitians in India''''s expanding healthcare and wellness industry, emphasizing evidence-based practice and patient-centric care to tackle complex health challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.Sc. in Nutrition, Food Science, or related life sciences seeking entry into clinical dietetics or public health. It also suits working professionals, such as nurses or allied health practitioners, looking to upskill or career changers transitioning into the dynamic field of nutrition. Applicants should possess a strong foundational understanding of human biology and a passion for health.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including clinical dietitians in hospitals, nutrition consultants in wellness clinics, public health nutritionists, and food quality specialists. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with national health initiatives, preparing professionals for roles in combating lifestyle diseases and promoting preventive healthcare.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Nutritional Sciences- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to understanding advanced human physiology, nutrition, and biochemistry. Utilize textbooks, reference journals, and online platforms like Khan Academy for supplementary learning. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify concepts with peers, building a robust foundation.
Tools & Resources
Core textbooks, PubMed, Khan Academy, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for accurate clinical assessment and effective diet planning in later stages, directly impacting patient outcomes and professional credibility.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in research methodology and biostatistics courses. Practice statistical software like R or SPSS with provided datasets. Identify a research interest early and consult faculty for potential mini-projects to gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis.
Tools & Resources
R/SPSS software, Research papers, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
These skills are essential for evidence-based practice, critical appraisal of scientific literature, and pursuing advanced research roles or Ph.D. studies in India and globally.
Cultivate Effective Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in communication labs, focusing on nutritional counseling and health education. Practice role-playing scenarios to refine interviewing techniques and empathetic listening. Seek feedback from instructors and peers to improve clarity and impact in delivering nutritional information.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing exercises, Patient education materials, Feedback sessions
Career Connection
Exceptional communication is vital for building rapport with patients, conveying complex dietary advice effectively, and succeeding in public health, clinical, and corporate wellness roles.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Extensive Clinical and Practical Exposure- (Semester 3)
Maximise learning from Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics labs, focusing on real-world case studies and therapeutic diet planning. Actively pursue and excel in the compulsory internship by seeking diverse experiences in hospital dietetics, community nutrition, and food service management settings.
Tools & Resources
Hospital rotations, Dietary assessment tools, Internship reports
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in varied settings builds confidence, enhances problem-solving abilities, and makes graduates highly sought after by healthcare institutions and public health organisations in India.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Topics- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose electives such as Critical Care Nutrition or Geriatric Nutrition based on career interests. Deep-dive into subjects like Sports Nutrition and Nutraceuticals, reading beyond the syllabus to understand current industry trends and applications in the Indian market. Attend workshops on these specialized areas.
Tools & Resources
Elective course materials, Specialized journals, Industry workshops
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge differentiates candidates, opening doors to niche roles in sports academies, corporate wellness, pharmaceutical companies, and advanced clinical practices across India.
Network and Engage Professionally- (Semester 3-4)
Attend nutrition conferences, seminars, and webinars by Indian dietetic associations. Connect with visiting faculty, guest speakers, and alumni on platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in inter-college competitions or nutrition awareness campaigns to build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
IDA (Indian Dietetic Association) events, LinkedIn, College career fairs
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for uncovering hidden job opportunities, mentorship, and staying updated on industry advancements, significantly boosting placement prospects and career growth.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Research Presentation- (Semester 4)
Undertake a rigorous research project/dissertation, focusing on a relevant and impactful area within Clinical Nutrition, preferably with an Indian context. Aim for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or present at national conferences. Develop strong data interpretation and scientific writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Statistical software, Academic journals, Conference presentations
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation enhances academic credibility, demonstrates research aptitude, and is a strong asset for roles in research institutions, academia, or advanced product development.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in SRMIST''''s placement training programs, focusing on mock interviews, group discussions, and resume building tailored for nutrition roles. Prepare a portfolio of clinical case studies, research work, and project reports. Leverage the career services cell for personalized guidance.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell, Mock interview platforms, Professional portfolio
Career Connection
Dedicated preparation directly translates into securing desirable placements in top hospitals, healthcare companies, and food industries, ensuring a smooth transition from academics to the professional world.
Develop Leadership and Mentoring Skills- (Semester 4)
Take initiative in organizing departmental events, workshops, or student body activities. Mentor junior students, sharing knowledge and experiences. These opportunities foster leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills, which are highly valued in any professional setting.
Tools & Resources
Student clubs, Event organization committees, Mentorship programs
Career Connection
Demonstrating leadership and mentoring capabilities can lead to faster career progression into managerial or team lead roles within healthcare or corporate wellness sectors in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. in Nutrition & Dietetics / Food Science & Nutrition / Home Science / Food Service Management & Dietetics / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Clinical Nutrition / Zoology / Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics / Life Sciences / Nursing / Allied Health Sciences Degree from a recognized University with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCN21101 | Advanced Human Physiology | Core | 4 | Cellular Physiology, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Renal and Endocrine System, Gastrointestinal and Nervous System |
| MCN21102 | Advanced Human Nutrition | Core | 4 | Macronutrient Metabolism, Micronutrients and Bioavailability, Energy Balance and Expenditure, Dietary Reference Intakes, Nutrient-Gene Interactions |
| MCN21103 | Nutritional Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Biomolecules and Cellular Structure, Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids, Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism, Enzymes and Co-enzymes, Integration of Metabolic Pathways |
| MCN21104 | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Core | 3 | Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Inference and Hypothesis Testing, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MCN21105 | Advanced Human Physiology Lab | Lab | 2 | Physiological Measurements, Blood Analysis Techniques, Respiratory Function Tests, Urinalysis, Neurological Reflexes |
| MCN21106 | Nutritional Biochemistry Lab | Lab | 2 | Qualitative & Quantitative Tests for Biomolecules, Enzyme Assays, Spectrophotometry Applications, Chromatographic Techniques, Vitamin and Mineral Estimation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCN21201 | Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics - I | Core | 4 | Nutritional Assessment Methods, Diet Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus, Diet in Cardiovascular Diseases, Renal and Liver Disorders, Gastrointestinal Diseases |
| MCN21202 | Food Science & Technology | Core | 4 | Food Composition and Properties, Food Processing Techniques, Food Preservation Methods, Food Additives and Safety, Novel Food Technologies |
| MCN21203 | Public Health Nutrition | Core | 4 | Nutritional Epidemiology, Community Nutrition Programs, Malnutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies, Food Security and Policies, International Nutrition Organizations |
| MCN21204 | Communication for Nutrition Professionals | Core | 3 | Nutritional Counseling Skills, Health Education Strategies, Effective Presentation Techniques, Interviewing and Active Listening, Professional Ethics and Documentation |
| MCN21205 | Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Lab - I | Lab | 2 | Dietary Assessment Practice, Therapeutic Diet Planning, Nutritional Counseling Simulations, Patient Education Material Development, Case Study Analysis |
| MCN21206 | Food Science & Technology Lab | Lab | 2 | Proximate Analysis of Foods, Sensory Evaluation Techniques, Food Product Development, Food Preservation Practices, Quality Control Tests |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCN21301 | Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics - II | Core | 4 | Critical Care Nutrition, Oncology and HIV/AIDS Nutrition, Pediatric and Geriatric Nutrition, Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, Nutrition in Inborn Errors of Metabolism |
| MCN21302 | Sports Nutrition | Core | 4 | Energy Systems in Exercise, Macronutrient Needs for Athletes, Hydration and Electrolyte Balance, Sports Supplements and Ergogenic Aids, Weight Management in Sports |
| MCN21303 | Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods | Core | 4 | Definition and Classification of Nutraceuticals, Bioactive Compounds in Foods, Functional Food Development, Regulatory Aspects of Nutraceuticals, Health Benefits and Applications |
| MCN21304 | Advanced Food Service Management | Core | 3 | Food Service Systems and Operations, Menu Planning and Engineering, Food Cost Control and Budgeting, Hygiene, Sanitation and HACCP, Quality Assurance in Food Service |
| MCN21305 | Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Lab - II | Lab | 2 | Advanced Nutritional Support Planning, Specialized Diet Formulation, Case Studies in Complex Clinical Conditions, Nutritional Risk Screening Tools, Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice |
| MCN21306 | Internship | Practical | 2 | Hospital Dietetics Experience, Community Nutrition Fieldwork, Food Industry Exposure, Clinical Case Management, Professional Skill Application |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCN21401 | Recent Advances in Nutrition | Core | 4 | Nutrigenomics and Metabolomics, Human Microbiome and Health, Precision Nutrition, Sustainable Food Systems, Emerging Nutritional Therapies |
| MCN21E01 | Nutrition in Critical Care | Elective | 3 | Nutritional Support in Trauma and Burns, Metabolic Stress and Sepsis, Nutrition in Organ Failure, Modes of Enteral and Parenteral Feeding, Monitoring and Complications |
| MCN21E02 | Geriatric Nutrition | Elective | 3 | Physiological Changes in Aging, Nutrient Requirements for Elderly, Common Nutritional Problems (Malnutrition, Dehydration), Nutrition in Chronic Diseases of Elderly, Food Service in Geriatric Settings |
| MCN21404 | Research Project / Dissertation | Project | 10 | Literature Review and Problem Identification, Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva Voce Examination |
