first cycle degree (Licenciatura) in Dietetics and Nutrition

1st Cycle of Studies. EQF level 6. ISCED 2011 level 6.

Students may apply to this 1st cycle program, through the general regime, if they obtain a minimum classification of 95 points (on a scale of 0 to 200) in one of the following national entrance examinations: Biology and Geology or Chemistry and Physics and Biology and Geology or Mathematics and Biology and Geology. Application may also be possible, through special regimes, for: . students inside the Portuguese educational system who want to re-enroll, change course of studies, or transfer education institution; . holders of technological specialization course; . olders than 23 who have succeed a special exam of assessment of capabilities to access the Higher Education System; . holders of middle or high level courses; . students coming from foreign higher education systems. The access requirements for the 1st cycle of studies of Higher Education appear in the description of the Portuguese Higher Education System, available at https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/suplemento-ao-diploma and presented in section 8 of the Diploma Supplement. The pre-requisites of group A are compulsory.

Following the implementation of the Bologna Process and the consequent legislation regarding the mobility of students among degrees and higher education institutions, prior learning must be recognized and credited. The prior learning concept comprises all the previous learning/training undertaken in other higher education study cycles in national or international institutions (crediting of certified training), as well as previous professional experience and any post-secondary school training or education. As such, the IPB promotes the crediting of the student’s prior learning when arriving at the institution. Aiming at a quick and full integration of the student in his/her new education programme, the recognition procedures must be submitted when enrolling at the IPB. For further enquiries on crediting and recognizing prior learning and training at the IPB (calendars, procedures and assessment criteria), please go to the Applicant Portal at www.ipb.pt/portaldocandidato.

8 semesters (4 years). 20 weeks of study, per semester, full-time (40 per year). 40 total hours per week. 810 total hours per semester (1620 per year). 240 ECTS credits (30 per semester); 1 credit corresponds to 27 hours. It includes an internship with 60 credits.

The profile of the programme comprises the development of the technical-scientific knowledge and professional skills in the study areas of Therapeutical Techniques; Biology and Biochemistry; Health; Food Industry.

The degree in Dietetics is awarded to students who demonstrate that they have in this area, the ability to: a) Have adequate knowledge to the modification / manipulation of dietary and nutritional intake and how these can be applied in the prevention or treatment of disease and health promotion; b) Be aware of products / nutritional supplements (oral, enteral and parenteral), its nutritional constitution of how and when to use them; c) Plan dietetic care and their implementation in order to achieve an optimal nutritional status in all physiological and / or pathological states; d) Evaluate and interpret clinical and analytical information; e) Prepare standard and modified diets with specific products for therapeutical diets; f) Have knowledges on the type of food that a user must use in order to make a proper and healthy diet, taking into account several aspects, including financial ones; g) Choose the most appropriate strategies to promote healthy lifestyle changes, such as behavior and food choice and awareness of the importance of sport; h) Adapt dietary practice in the face of unexpected results or new information arising during the dietary intervention; i) Develop protocols to evaluate nutritional and dietary intervention; j) Assess food intake / nutrition of users / groups; k) Learn about the changes and current dietary patterns of different sectors in Portuguese population; l) Implement dietetic care to individuals of different cultures and religions throughout the life cycle; m) Develop a nutritional assessment of a population or community; n) Participate in the development of new products, acting as an interface between scientific research, business objectives, legislation and the expectations and needs of consumers; o) Understand the principles of a research project on dietary and experimental design, and be able to critically evaluate research articles; p) Organize, implement and supervise a catering service, both in the planning of menus and at the implementation of safe practices in accordance with the legislation. To complete the qualification, the student is required to pass all compulsory course units of the study plan.

The degree of "licenciado" (bachelor) in in Dietetics and Nutrition belongs to the education and training area of Health Sciences and Social Protection. Graduates are qualified to develop a professional activity within the profile of the programme.

The bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition allows to proceed to post-graduate studies, according to the diagram of the Portuguese Higher Education System, available at https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/suplemento-ao-diploma and presented in section 8 of the Diploma Supplement.

Examination and assessment are regulated by the IPB general regulation, available in www.ipb.pt/sa, and by the School pedagogical regulation, available in www.essa.ipb.pt. Consult this Guide under the option “The ECTS at the IPB” for information on the grading and qualification system.

Full-time.