Module Details

Module Code: COMM N8011
Full Title: Communication & Professional Skills
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner::
  • Rowan Kearns
  • Amanda Kearns
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This module will explore effective self-management and communication practices. It will apply scientific knowledge obtained from related biosciences to different communication mediums and audiences. Students develop themselves professionally in their role as a Nutritionist in relation to project management and communication skills with shared values.

Group project will involve the design and evaluation of a social marketing project. Students will design a brand identity, promotional ad campaign and press release relating to an existing social enterprise or health topic of choice that students feel has a societal impact.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Identify and demonstrate professional skills and behaviour, including communication, teamwork and personal effectiveness.
MLO2 Describe skills and approaches to effective interaction for practice, including interpersonal and intrapersonal communication, and reflective practice.
MLO3 Outline the principles of project management and demonstrate their application in managing performance and priorities within a health-related project.
MLO4 Effectively apply Information Technology skills in order to carry out research to solve health-related problems.
MLO5 Apply suitable resources and tools to facilitate effective and ethical health communication with different audiences.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction to Effective Communication in Nutrition Practice
Orientation to include entrepreneurial instincts, motivations, and personalities, using a psychometric test such as Myers Briggs self-assessment tool. Overview of the module group project. Brainstorming of societal issues.
Understanding Human Behaviour
Exploration of various models of communication. Exploration of team roles and communication dynamics. Introduction to Social Marketing for Societal Change. Reflective Practice.
Nature of Relationships
Heron’s Six Categories of intervention (1975): Prescriptive, informative, confronting, cathartic, catalytic and supportive. Values systems. Group project: Forming effective teams; Project management.
Communication Styles
Exploring a variety of communication assessment tools such as Bourne (1995), Mind Tools Communication Quiz and recent AI developments. Conducting effective Team Meetings.
Communication Channels
Explore a variety of systems, methods and tools people use to communicate with others, from traditional to modern technology. Discuss uses, benefits and limitations. Tutorial: Tutorial: Planning and delivering effective presentations on nutrition topics. Engaging diverse audiences through clear and impactful communication. Utilising visual aids and technology to enhance presentations.
Types of Communication
Verbal, non-verbal, written, visual, and two-way active listening. Discuss barriers to effective communication. Practical: Actively listen to clients' concerns, needs, and goals. Demonstrate empathy and understanding during client interactions. Ask relevant and probing questions to gather comprehensive information.
Intercultural Communication
Recognise and respect cultural differences in communication Adapt communication strategies to meet the cultural needs and preferences of diverse individuals and communities. Address language barriers and promoting cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in nutrition counselling and education.
Communication Practices at Work
Monitoring Progress and Feedback. Tools for data collection and outcome evaluation. Case studies to include a nutrition practice, a multi-disciplinary hospital or community-based healthcare setting and an industry example.
Ethical & Professional Practice
Case study identifying how communications are tailored according to recipient in a specific work-based situation in their role as a Nutritionist. An example could include relational factors, roles, and formality, for example, when communicating with a medical doctor, liaising with a newly diagnosed child, or delivering a community workshop.
Marketing Communication
Tailoring marketing content to specific audience needs, for example, choosing appropriate channels or and communication style, for example educational, engaging or sales orientated.
Group Dynamics
Review of Group Project activities. Maintaining effective communications and team ethos. Evidencing Team Meetings and Project Evaluation.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 3 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Reflective account of own learning style, personality traits, and communication skills. (20%)
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 9 Learning Outcome 1,2,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Present scientific terminology in a storytelling approach to a layperson, for example, the journey of food through the digestive tract.
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Completion of Personal Development Portfolio displaying role in the design and evaluation of social marketing project.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Reattendance
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. Therefore reassessment on this module will require the student to reattend (i.e. retake) the module in its entirety.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lee, N.R.. (2019), Social Marketing - International Student Edition: Behavior Change for Social Good, 6th. SAGE Publications.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources